Tea Makes Life Not So Complex by Catherine Saxelby
Research into tea and its health properties has been growing
each year. We've been hearing about tea's powerful antioxidants
(known collectively as flavonoids) that can help keep the heart
healthy. Scientists think that the tea flavonoids work by relaxing
blood vessels allowing blood to flow more evenly, or by keeping the
arteries "flexible" and elastic.
The amount and type of flavonoids in tea depends on the variety,
the amount of tea used in the pot or cup, and how long you brew it
for. They are present in similar amounts in black (regular) and
green teas but not in herbal infusions which are not made from the
camellia sinensis tea plant.
Tea has long been valued for its ability to both relax and
refresh. Now scientists have discovered that a unique natural
compound known as theanine seems responsible.
A newly-published review from the University of South Australia
into the psychological effects of tea reveals that theanine may
curb the over-stimulating effects of caffeine to enhance speed and
accuracy and diminish mental fatigue.
The review reveals that tea, consumed regularly throughout the
day, can help you through complex tasks such as switching attention
and being able to ignore distraction tasks that may be hindered by
overstimulation and which are important for today's hectic
lifestyle. So a cup of tea really is a great way to start and get
through the day.
Back to Health