Health Benefits

There are many health benefits connected with the regular consumption of tea. Links have been made with the reduction of incidences of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and tooth decay.

Results of recent studies show that tea may protect against the development of pancreatic and prostate cancer. It is thought that the theaflavins and polyphenols present in tea are compounds that inhibit the growth of tumour cells. Tea is also thought to have a role in changing the genes involved in the processes of causing cancer. Studies have shown that men who drink between 2 and 3 cups of tea a day may reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer by up to 30% compared to non tea drinkers.

Recent studies have also shown that tea greatly increases antioxidant activity. These natural antioxidants may help to reduce the risk of developing heart disease because antioxidants help to repair the cells that are damaged by free radicals.. Polyphenols and flavenoids are the active compounds and they help to reduce blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and blood clotting. Cholesterol levels have been shown to go down with an increase in tea consumption. The risk of heart attacks in people who drank one or more cups of tea a day was half that of those who drank no tea.

Tea is one of the few natural sources of fluoride, which is one of the most successful agents against tooth decay and gum disease ever discovered. Scientists believe that drinking tea helps to prevent dental caries and heavy tea drinking could provide enough fluoride to prevent tooth decay. It is also suggested that plaque is decreased by drinking tea. These effects could be due to the antioxidants and the fluoride in tea working together.