Tea is the only substance found in nature which acts both to calm and to stimulate the human system simultaneously. Folk medicine has long valued green and black tea as remedies for a variety of ailments. Currently researchers are studying the possibility that tea, when consumed as part of a healthful eating plan, reduces the risk of certain types of cancer and heart disease. Tea contains potent anti-oxidants which help fight disease by protecting the body's cells. All tea is made from a freshly sprouted leaf which is plucked by hand. It is spread out at the factory and allowed time for some of its moisture content to evaporate. When this "withered" leaf is subjected to heat - usually in something like a hot wok- any further chemical change is arrested and the result is green tea. This same leaf may be made in black, oolong, or other types of tea by other methods, but only the procedure for making green tea insures that the nectar of the leaf is preserved in its natural state. The content of the fresh leaf retains its maximum potency as an anti-oxidant proven to fight everything from cancer to tooth decay.

Tea Tidbits

On average, a 5-ounce cup of tea contains 40 milligrams of caffeine, about half the amount in coffee. The longer the brewing time, the more caffeine in the tea. Over 2 billion gallons fo hot, iced, spiced, and flavored tea are consumed by Americans every year. Tea is usually served hot, except in the U.S., where Americans drink 80% of their tea over ice.

Tea and Cancer

Results of several studies suggest that tea has potential protective effects against certain types of cancer. Two separate studies have linked tea consumption to decreased risk of digestive tract cancers and activity against the progression of pre-cancerous lesions into oral cancer.

Tea and Heart Disease

Several epidemiologic studies have suggested that tea drinking may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Tea as Part of a Healthy Diet

The potential health benefits being discovered suggest that tea is a nutritionally smart beverage choice. Those who are trying to live healthier should exercise and eat healthy foods, but should also be drinking healthy beverages like tea. Whether hot or iced, it can be an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

Cooking with Tea

Cooking with tea has leapt out of the pot and into muffins, cookies and ice cream. We've also seen or tasted green tea soba noodles, sweet tea-infused chestnuts, and tea leaf salad. Crushed tea leaves can easily be added to cooked rice or used to coat tofu before sauteeing. Brewing tea can be used to stew fruits or added to a quick bread recipe.

Look in your café for a variety of different hot and cold teas.
Veggie Life, American Dietetic Association