Tea & Health
Tea has been recognised from its inception for its medicinal properties.
Several studies have been undertaken to research the health benefits of black tea consumption.
The polyphenols present in tea are active oxidants, which are thought to act protectively against cardiovascular disease risk and carcinogenesis.

The free radicals found within us, are oxidants, which are very active,combining with a variety of other chemicals to cause undesirable effects.

Polyphenols and other compounds in tea neutralise the free radical oxidants by reacting with them, in effect acting as free radical scavengers.

In green tea, which has not gone through an oxidative fermentation process, natural constituents know as ‚Catechins‚ have similar antioxidant properties to the vitamins A, C & E.
General results so far obtained by in-vito experiments, animal experiments or human interventional studies
have suggested that tea ‚Catechins‚ may contribute towards the prevention of cardiovascular related diseases.

These benefits of tea‚Catechins‚ derive from their potent anti-oxidative and free radical
scavenging capacity.
With improvement of techniques for identification,
black tea Polyphenols may also be found to be linked to the beneficial effects of tea.
Theaflavins‚ which give the colour to black tea, are also
powerful anti-oxidants and have a substantial contribution to the NO scavenging of black tea.

The Inter-Governmental group on Tea in 1992 proposed that the Common Fund for Commodities undertake research on the health benefits to humans on the consumption of black tea.
The studies have produced positive results in the contribution to preventative effects of some biomarkers of carcinogenesis, and suggested a possible mechanism of
association with a reduction in cardiovascular risk.
Studies are also being done on the beneficial effects of tea on dental enamel, caries and oral bacteria.
Apart from these effects, tea also plays a part in human nutrition and is widely accepted as a healthy low caloric drink.
Mackwoods Tea ©

Tea is the beverage of ceremonious people, and like the dense monsoon rains, it is calming and stimulating, encouraging conversation and relaxation‚ideas and traditions seep slowly in its steamy transparence.
Paskel Brucker