| The history of tea goes back to almost the | | | | benefits? It is true that both black and green |
| beginning of time. Ancient civilizations enjoyed the | | | | varieties contain effective substances to promote |
| fragrant leaves as a beverage for relaxation as | | | | health. While green tea may contain more |
| well as a healing tonic. Over time, more and more | | | | catechins per cup than black tea, black tea also |
| research has been done on the healing properties | | | | contains more caffeine, which has its own list of |
| of tea, and the results are astounding. Tea, quite | | | | healing properties. Even though black tea may |
| possibly, is healing in a cup. | | | | have more caffeine, it is not nearly as much as a |
| Tea has been proven to yield a wide variety of | | | | cup of coffee or a soda. Still, if you have an |
| health benefits. These benefits include lowering | | | | ailment where caffeine is contra-indicated, a cup |
| blood pressure, lowering risk for stroke, cancer | | | | of green tea first thing in the morning may be |
| prevention, and preventing cardiovascular disease. | | | | your better choice. It is always best to consult |
| In addition, tea also contains substances that may | | | | your physician should you have any concerns. |
| help prevent skin damage from ultraviolet rays, | | | | Instead of reaching for a sugary energy drink |
| including wrinkles and melanoma. | | | | before a workout, try a cup of tea about a half |
| Since tea is also antiviral and anti-inflammatory, | | | | hour before you exercise. Not only does the |
| sipping a cup when you have a cold or the flu can | | | | caffeine stimulate your nervous system, giving |
| also help speed recovery. Because of this, tea is | | | | you a little boost (but without the crash of sugar) |
| also a good choice for people with ailments such | | | | but the flavonoids present can help your body |
| as arthritis and other inflammatory-related | | | | eliminate free radicals that are produced by |
| illnesses. | | | | exercise. |
| The star substance in tea is a type of flavonoid | | | | Whether you prefer the rich, heady taste of |
| called a catechin. Catechins have proven to be | | | | Bergamot or the crisp, clean taste of Sencha, you |
| more potent antioxidants than even Vitamin C. | | | | can be sure your body is reaping huge health |
| Reports have shown that the catechins in green | | | | benefits that only tea can provide. By enjoying a |
| tea have almost twenty times the antioxidant | | | | cup a day, you are keeping your heart and |
| power as Vitamin C. Black teas also contain | | | | cholesterol levels happy. Since the consumption of |
| catechins, but green tea contains the most per | | | | tea is factored into your daily water intake, you |
| cup. | | | | can sip guilt-free on this healing tonic all day long. |
| How do you know which tea has the most health | | | | Go ahead, brew a fresh pot, sit back and enjoy! |