What tea from what. Tea useful properties and contraindications

21.05.2020

We have been accustomed to this drink since childhood. Not a single day can do without it for the majority, it is consumed in the morning, afternoon, evening. And what is nice - the amount can not be limited to a couple of cups. You can drink 5-6 servings of this invigorating drink. Probably everyone understood that we are talking about tea - banal green and black. Let's study in detail - what are the benefits and harms of tea, can it be drunk by pregnant women, children. How useful is green tonic and black invigorating tea for men?

Legends about the drink

According to the oldest Japanese legend, tea bushes grew from the eyelashes of the mythological prince of the Daruma dynasty, who cut them off and poured them onto the ground. He did this during long periods, and the hairs became the key to the growth of bushes, giving a tonic and invigorating drink that helps fight fatigue. The prince's disciples were the first to try the drug.

Chinese legend says that the bush was created at the time of the creation of the Earth and Heaven by the Ruler of the Sun Yan-di. It is also believed that tea petals fell into a cup of boiling water during a walk by Emperor Chen Nung e, who ruled in the third millennium. The nobleman liked the drink so much that it was decided to cultivate the culture nationwide.

Our favorite infusion, which can be drunk both cold and hot, has a lot of advantages. At what time was it included in our diet, when our ancestors first tried a fragrant and tonic drink? As it turned out, tea has a rich and rich history.

Ranked second after ordinary clean water, is familiar in every corner of the planet, it is brewed in different ways, but appreciated for the same beneficial features.

Real story

It is not known whether the above retelling legends really took place, but history interprets everything a little differently. Researchers know for sure that the drink was mentioned already in the 200s BC, that is, during the period of the Three Kingdoms. The plant began to be cultivated in 350 BC. From this it follows that the drink has been present in people's lives for many thousands of years. But we must pay tribute to history - tea was really originally used only by the inhabitants of the East of the planet.

At first, the drug was available to the wealthy class, it was consumed to treat hearing, vision, joint diseases, to strengthen the body's strength, vigor and mood. Externally, tea was applied to sore spots, included in solutions and ointments from other medicinal plants for the treatment of wounds, burns. The drink was brought up for colds, infectious diseases, and the nobles gave it to those who were served as an incentive gift for high merits. It was not until the 10th century AD that tea became available to the poorer classes and began to gain popularity in other countries through trade.

Dry leaves of the drink began to arrive in Europe through trade routes in about the 16-18 centuries thanks to the Dutch and Portuguese merchants. The inhabitants of the Netherlands began to include the drink in their lunch meal. The British began to be content with tonic infusions in the 17th century, in its second half, after a packet of tea was presented to their king.

Many are sure that the drink we are describing is originally Russian. Unfortunately, this is not true. Tonic leaves for infusion were brought to the territory of Russia in the sixteenth century, and until then our ancestors drank honey, herbal and berry decoctions, sbiten. For the first time in our country, the inhabitants of Siberia tried tea, and even earlier than the inhabitants of Europe, since they were neighbors with Mongolia, where the drink has been used for thousands of years. After a while, the package with tea was donated to the royal chambers by the merchant Perfiliev, who worked as an ambassador to the Celestial Empire. So the drink began to spread throughout our country and finally became the main drink in every family.

The beneficial composition of an invigorating drink

Experts say that tea consists of more than three hundred elements useful for the body. But this volume directly depends on the conditions for the growth of tea shoots, the place of their cultivation, production conditions and methods of preparation. For example, if the leaves are plucked from tea tree, then they contain at least 80% of water, if they are dried, then only 5% remains.

The chemical composition can be divided into two subgroups - a number of insoluble (carbohydrates, enzyme and pectin components), soluble (alkaloids, a number of vitamins, tannins, essential oils, pigment elements, proteins and amino acids).
Enzymes. There are more than 10 types of these particles in the drink and they are an effective catalyst for metabolic processes.
Carbohydrates. This substance is represented by insoluble starch and cellulose, as well as soluble maltose, glucose, which is valuable for the body. The list also includes fructose and sucrose.
Pectins. The substances preserve the valuable qualities of the drink and do not allow it to deteriorate for a long time.

List of soluble tea ingredients

Essential oils. There is not much of this component in the drink, only 0.0006%, but they can be immediately felt during the first takeoffs of steamy clouds. This scent is unique, fresh and inviting. Their presence in the drink allows you to effectively fight infectious diseases, colds, the development of oncological pathologies, ailments of the cardiovascular system, etc.

Pigments. They are reflected in the drink as a coloring material and are presented in the form of thearubigens, theaflavins, xanthophyll, red carotene and chlorophyll.
Important: the largest amount of pigment substances is contained in the red tea - oolong tea.
Alkaloids are components that stimulate the human nervous system. These include diuretine, adenine, caffeine, theobromine, and lecithin.
An interesting fact: there is much more caffeine in tea than in the usual coffee and cocoa, but it has a milder effect on the body, including blood vessels, heart function. The reason for this is the formation of theine, a substance that stimulates the brain, increases work capacity, activates the genitourinary system and the gastrointestinal tract.
Amino acids make up 2% of the total number of nutrients. Thanks to them, the body is recovering after heavy physical and mental stress, stress and depression.
Proteins combined with amino acids make up a quarter of the total composition.
Tanning particles. Tea contains about 30% of this component, formed by combining polyphenols and their derivatives.

Substances have unique properties:

destroy free radicals and prevent cancer from developing;
regulate blood pressure - low - increase, high - decrease;
have a detrimental effect on putrefactive microflora, destroy fungi;
cleanse the intestines from pathogenic microorganisms, disinfect the oral cavity;
prevent cell aging, stimulate their renewal.

Important: the largest amount of tannin components in green and white tea.

Vitamin component of the drink

Tea contains almost the entire group B, the properties of which include:

normalization of hormonal levels;
improving the condition of the skin, nails, hair;
calming the nerves, eliminating an attack of aggression, anger and depression.

Ascorbic acid - has antimicrobial, anti-infectious and anti-inflammatory properties.
Important: Vitamin C in hot tea is not destroyed, as it is associated with tannin.
Rutin (vitamin P) strengthens the walls of blood vessels and the smallest capillaries. For this reason, it is necessary for people with atherosclerosis, diseases of the cardiovascular system, respiratory tract. Also, tea belongs to the preventive types of food for these ailments.
Nicotinic acid - vitamin PP has a powerful anti-allergic property, has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, hair growth, nails, and improving the quality of the skin.
Retinol - vitamin A - a component without which the normal development of the human body is impossible. The substance is responsible for cell regeneration, oxygenates the smallest vessels, stimulates the growth of new cells.
Vitamin D is the vitamin of the Sun. Takes an active part in all processes, including helping to absorb calcium and other elements.
Vitamin E - tocopherol is a barrier to the multiplication of free radicals, prevents premature aging of the body, stimulates the cardiovascular system, and activates the genitourinary organs.
Vitamin K is an important component involved in normal blood clotting in humans.
The drink also contains a number of trace elements - potassium, copper, sulfur, iron, zinc, iodine, fluorine and others.

Useful properties of the drink

Each component of tea is a terrific remedy for various conditions.

Gastrointestinal tract. Both black and green teas have a beneficial effect on the digestive process.
Purification. The components, like a soft brush, cleanse the body, remove toxins and heavy metals. Doctors strongly recommend that the drink be included in the diet with a strict diet.
With radiation. A green drink is one of the key ingredients for patients with radiation sickness. The substances neutralize the harmful effects of household appliances, including monitors and television screens.
Cancer prevention. The action is associated with the powerful property of cleansing the composition of the blood.
With diabetes mellitus. The components of the drink control the level of sugar in a person's blood in this disease. The reason for this is the presence of saccharides that inhibit the absorption of glucose by the body.

Important: saccharides are found only in black teas, in green teas there are much less of them.

Medicinal properties for blood vessels. Theophylline is an important element that lowers the level of bad cholesterol and dilates small vessels, which helps to improve blood flow. Antioxidants cleanse the walls of blood vessels and get rid of accumulated plaques, which is an excellent prevention and treatment of heart diseases, strokes, heart attacks. The tannins have a strengthening property.
Teeth. Each type - black, green or red tea contains fluoride, which strengthens the tooth enamel and prevents the development of caries, inflammatory and infectious processes in the cavity - stomatitis, periodontitis, etc.
Conjunctivitis. With this disease, you need to regularly rinse your eyes with fresh and strong tea - green or black.

Important: each eye must be wiped with different cotton pads, and each of them should be carried out only once.

Can pregnant women drink tea

During the period of bearing a child, a woman is like a crystal vessel - she needs special attention, care and respect. Any food and drink should be treated with extreme caution. As far as drinks are concerned, they are no exception. Let's talk about the benefits and dangers of tea in an interesting "situation".

First of all, we note that drinking green or black tea during pregnancy is not just possible, but necessary. Given the antioxidant, cleansing and strengthening properties of the drink, it is beneficial both hot and cold. Doctors recommend giving preference to the green drink, the richest in vitamins, trace elements, enzymes, pigments, etc.

The drink improves the permeability of the walls of blood vessels, makes them elastic, which helps to cope with attacks of high blood pressure.
Due to the property to strengthen the enamel, tea should be consumed every day, since pregnant women, first of all, have problems with dental ailments. In this case, you should not get carried away with a strongly brewed product, it is better to be weak and mixed with milk.
In order not to overdo it with caffeine, you can consume a very healthy white drink. This tea will strengthen the immune system, prevent the formation and growth of oncological neoplasms.
It is no secret that most pregnant women suffer from toxicosis. It turns out that if you chew a few green tea leaves, you can get rid of the discomfort.
The diuretic effect of the drink will allow you to get rid of edema, regulate kidney function and get rid of nephritis, pyelonephritis, cystitis, etc.

Despite the above benefits, green tea can also be a culprit in pregnant women. For example, excessive consumption prevents the absorption of folic acid, an important element in the formation of the infant's nervous system.

Important: you need to consult a gynecologist about the portions and strength of the drink consumed by a pregnant woman.

Is it possible to give tea to children

It is impossible to give a baby to drink only with milk and water. Caring mothers strive to include compotes and jelly in the diet of their beloved children. And what about the tea, is it possible to give this drink to the baby?

According to the recommendations of doctors, the drink described by us can be given to children, but only at the age of six months. Until this age, only breast milk, in extreme cases, of high quality baby food as a substitute. Then, start with special varieties of baby tea, which manufacturers have prudently eliminated from tannins and caffeine. These varieties help the small body to calm down, normalize digestion, and stimulate appetite.

You can also introduce a little herbal drinks, but before that you need to consult your pediatrician. Some of the most useful are:

Mint and lemon balm - soothe the nervous system, improve sleep, eliminate anxiety and anxiety in the baby. Drink a small amount 1-2 hours before bedtime.

Fennel - with antispasmodic and antiseptic properties, the components of the drink enhance the work of the glands in digestion, stimulate peristalsis.

With the onset of one year of age, you can enter berry and fruit teas. They improve the child's appetite, strengthen the immune system, improve the condition of the skin, hair, nails, improve memory, vision and hearing.

Doctors advise giving black or white tea in small portions from the age of 5. Exclude green from 11-12 years of age.

The benefits of tea for men

Here you need to remember the beneficial properties of the product. Antioxidants, pigments, tannins and vitamins allow male body strengthen, cleanse of toxins, plaques and toxins. Tea lowers the level of bad cholesterol, which prevents the development of atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease in men.

Increasingly, the male half of humanity suffers from vascular diseases. Death from heart attacks, strokes and thrombosis overtakes not only the elderly, but also very young people. Regular consumption of tea will cleanse the blood vessels and lose those extra pounds.

Important: you must drink tea without sugar and sweet pastries... And more useful green variety drink.

Harmful properties of tea

Like any other food product, tea also has negative properties.

With an exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases - gastritis, ulcers, green tea should not be consumed, as there is additional irritation of the mucous membrane.
Strong tea is not recommended for high blood pressure.
The content of theobromine, caffeine and theophylline can negatively affect the state of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Theophylline can also cause disturbances in thermoregulation and a rise in body temperature. This fact is negative in case of fever in a cold or infected person.
Tea can constrict blood vessels, which can cause blood clots.
The polyphenols in black tea are loaded and problematic. It is important not to overdo it with its consumption.
Excessive consumption of a cold drink of green and even black varieties contributes to the formation of sand and stones in the kidneys and urinary tract.
Caffeine, one of the main components of tea, removes substances from us - potassium, magnesium, and valuable calcium.
A lot of tea has a negative effect on bones and joints. Calcium is washed out and hollow fragments are formed, which is a symptom of osteochondrosis.
The drink contains purines, the breakdown of which forms uric acid, the increased level of which leads to gout and the formation of conglomerates (stones).
Frequent consumption of green tea worsens the course of ailments such as arthritis and arthrosis.

Weight loss on tea - tea diet

In this case, the green tea variety will bring invaluable benefits. The substances in the product act as a regulator of the level of norepinephrine, which is involved in the formation of the fat layer. To get rid of extra and unpleasant kilograms for a long time, you need to drink tea several times a day without sugar.

Important: when dieting, you must give up fatty, smoked, sweet foods, baked goods and canned foods.

How to choose and prepare tea

Before starting the recipe correct preparation selection criteria must be taken into account.

A quality tea is a loose leaf tea made up of large leaves. They should be soft, smooth and green in color.
Important: old tea is a tough and dull mass.
The shelf life of the product should not exceed 2 years.
Good tea should be grown in the Celestial Empire, the Land of the Rising Sun, Indian and Chinese supplies are of lower quality and healthier.
A good product should be presented on sale in foil, parchment paper. Tea in a plastic bag belongs to low grades.
Packaging type - the product cannot be stored in cellophane bags.

Learning to brew tea correctly

To enjoy a truly delicious drink, you need to pour half a teaspoon of the leaves with a glass of water. Put on fire and heat until the boiling process begins and immediately remove from the stove. Pour the drink into a teapot, cool a little, then:

pour into it a third of the volume of the water container;
after a couple of minutes, add water to half the volume of the container;
wait a couple of minutes and add water again so that it takes 2/3 and continue to insist for 8-10 minutes. Now you can pour into cups and have fun. Sugar is not recommended, honey is better.

We gave several recommendations and pointed out the beneficial properties of tea, as well as pointed out the negative points. Fortunately, the latter are very few. For this reason, tea is considered the best drink and takes a worthy second place after water. Prepare a drink, enjoy its taste and aroma, nourish the body with healing substances. Do not forget that tea drinking is useful not only physically, but also morally. How pleasant it is to gather around a large teapot with quality tea, discuss business, laugh at jokes and spend time in a pleasant and warm company.

Such a convenient invention of mankind as tea bags is widespread throughout the world. There is nothing surprising in this, because a tea bag is very easy to brew in almost any conditions - at the workplace, on the road, in nature. However, those who prefer such convenience should think about how the consumption of such tea affects health, and what exactly is in the bags that we are used to brewing. This will be discussed in the article below.

What do tea bags actually contain?

The purchased product does not always contain exactly what appears on the package. This statement applies directly to packaged tea. It is generally accepted that small particles of tea leaves give a stronger brew than large ones. However, very often dishonest manufacturers can add a variety of components to the package contents that have nothing to do with tea. It can be dried leaves of different plants or trees, as well as tea, the expiration date of which has long expired. If flavors were added to this mixture, then with a high probability it can be stated that in this way the manufacturer is trying to hide the main product unsuitable for consumption. In fact, unnatural flavors are much cheaper than natural ones. And if there are pieces of fruit in such tea, then this is most likely only a way to demonstrate to the buyer the “naturalness” of the product as a whole. Often this product contains dyes, preservatives, as well as a large amount fluorine , which negatively affects the condition of teeth and bones.

As for whether it is possible to drink stitched tea, the answer to this question is, of course, negative. Any dried plant has a shelf life of 2-3 years. But this should not be judged by the date on the package. After all, the date of packing in a bag is indicated there, and not the time when the crop was harvested. Often, such tea has been stored in warehouses for years and reaches the consumer already completely unusable, but with the help of various tricks disguised as a good product.

Why is tea useful?

Benefit and harm green tea described in many popular and scientific journals. In fact, this drink is really very healthy. It contains a lot of macro- and microelements, ... Especially valuable for the body are powerful and catechin ... This drink strengthens, prevents negative processes leading to the development of tumors, improves the state of the nervous system. A high-quality and properly brewed tea leaf is useful for many diseases and conditions. When describing the action that green tea produces, the benefits and harm to the liver are also taken into account. A positive effect on the liver is noted due to the content of a large amount vitamin P and other components. This drink stimulates production, helps to cleanse the body from, regulates lipid metabolism and others. But if you buy green tea in bags, then there is simply no point in talking about its beneficial properties - most likely, this is a low-quality and useless product.

Therefore, the answer to the question of whether it is possible to constantly drink green tea is rather positive, provided that the person does not suffer hypotension ... However, it should not be abused either, since the accumulation polyphenols can lead to poisoning.

Do not brew too strong tea all the time. Its benefit or harm is due to the fact that a very strong, concentrated drink more actively affects the body. It strongly tones, so it is not recommended to drink it before going to bed. You should not consume it for those who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract and heart. Also, a drink that is too saturated can provoke an increase in

There are many other types of tea. For example, the so-called Kalmyk tea , the benefits and harms of which are often discussed on the net. This drink includes non-fermented tea leaves, steppe herbs, milk, fat, spices, salt. Kalmyk tea is very popular nowadays, its positive properties for the body are recognized. It is useful for the immune system, helps to overcome colds, has a positive effect on the digestion process, the state of the gallbladder, and also tones the body. It is recommended to drink and nursing mothers.

But information about all the beneficial properties is valid only for high-quality leaf tea and drinks based on it.

Tea bags: benefits and harms

Since people often ask questions about whether green tea bags are healthy and which tea bags are the best, you need to clearly understand the following: regular consumption of such a product is unhealthy.

Fluorine compounds

Research confirms that tea bags, especially the cheap ones, can increase the content of fluoride compounds in the body to dangerous concentrations. And this, in turn, leads to joint pain, muscle weakness, splicing of the vertebrae. In addition, with an increased content of fluoride, the kidneys suffer, the strength of the teeth decreases, and oncological processes .

The harm of tea bags on the human body is also expressed in the fact that, due to fluoride poisoning, dark spots appear on the teeth. After all, the fluoride rate for a person per day should not be more than 3-4 mg. However, research confirms that sachets are very high in fluoride - on average, a liter of such a drink contains about 6 mg of this element. Most of the fluoride accumulates in old tea leaves, which are often used when making tea bags.

However, speaking about whether tea bags are harmful or not, it should be noted that serious illnesses due to excessive consumption of fluoride develop over a long time. That is, it directly threatens those who have been consuming such tea in large quantities for decades every day - about a liter per day. Therefore, lovers of such a drink should not drink more than five cups of it a day. And expectant mothers and the elderly should limit their consumption to 3 cups or choose a healthier drink.

Those who are interested in why such a drink is harmful, you need to take into account one more of its features: the harmful effect on the body is intensified if you brew bags in a plastic cup or consume tea that has been brewed for several hours.

The tea bag is usually made from filter paper. Much less often, nylon is used for this purpose. For such a purpose, the material from which paper napkins are made is not suitable, since such paper will immediately tear in water. Therefore, the bags are made from a special material containing:

abacus fibers - 10%;
wood fibrous substances - 65-75%;
thermoplastic fiber - 23%.

Such material is very resistant to moisture, thermal and mechanical stress. Since the paper fibers are very tightly bound together, they are not afraid of aggressive influences. Therefore, the sachets are not affected lemon juice, it is almost impossible to damage them with a spoon, and to break them, you need to make an effort.

Different manufacturers use different methods to seal the bag together. It can be paper clips, glue, thread, heat treatment.

The most unfavorable in this case is glue, which "supplies" the drink not only with an unpleasant odor, but also with harmful substances. To remove the unpleasant odor, manufacturers over-flavor the tea.

Raw materials for packaged drink

Thus, the benefits and harms of tea directly depend on its quality. As for the raw materials for the bags, the inside is mainly tea chips, often stitched, remaining after the production of loose tea. However, many manufacturers generally pack tea dust inside. Therefore, the benefits of tea in this case are not discussed at all. Such residues after production in China are considered tea waste. As a rule, they are simply dumped into large heaps as garbage. Such dust is stored in the open air.

Of course, tea waste is very cheap - they buy it for about $ 10 per 10 kg. Nevertheless, European manufacturers buy up such waste and produce tea bags. Naturally, the finished product is positioned as high quality, its benefits and unique taste are detailed on the packaging. The cost of such a product is quite high, which brings huge profits to manufacturers. But the harm of tea in this case is that consumers receive a low-quality product.

Even now, many people simply do not understand the difference between real tea and surrogate tea bags, because they have not tried real quality leaf tea. Therefore, tea bag manufacturers will never tell you about the harmful effects of the tea they offer. On the contrary, it is always called very high quality and useful.

Based on realities, it is the consumer who should think about what product he buys, whether tea bags are harmful, and whether it is worth introducing it into the daily diet.

Shelf life of tea

Not only packaged, but also leaf tea, provided that its storage period has already expired. Again, the information on the packaging is not decisive in this case. Therefore, those who seek to provide themselves and their loved ones with a quality product should prefer products from established manufacturers with a good reputation.

On average, the shelf life of black tea is up to 3 years, the same is the shelf life of green tea. After this period, tea, of course, will not become a categorically spoiled product. But nevertheless, during this time, it almost completely loses its useful properties. In addition, in the stitched leaves, dangerous for the body can accumulate aflatoxins ... After opening the package, it cannot be stored for more than a month.

How is freshness determined?

To determine whether purchased tea leaves are fresh, you need to pay attention to the appearance of the freshly brewed drink. If white foam appears on the sides at the top, this means that the leaves are fresh. If there is no foam, and a sediment appears on the bottom of the teapot in the form of brown stains, and at the same time a rancid taste and aroma are felt, then the product is stale.

What is tea trash?

Fresh - these are the remains that are raked up on the plantation after sorting tea. It has very few useful properties, however, it is subsequently processed less, therefore, a little tea taste and smell are retained. Such raw materials are the best of tea waste... And many manufacturers are positioning a drink made from it as "premium".
Average - it remains after the conveyor packing, transportation or packaging of high-quality tea leaves at enterprises has been carried out. This drink has almost no characteristic aroma, color and taste. To disguise this, various flavors, dyes, flower petals, etc. are added to such garbage. At the same time, such a product is often labeled as "the highest category".
Lower category - this is no longer just garbage, but harmful raw materials containing fungi dangerous to health, a large amount of chemical additives. Since the product is stitched, it has neither taste nor aroma. Its smell resembles hay, and most often it contains aflatoxin ... It is a waste product of fungi that affects the liver, which is dangerous for the body. Manufacturers necessarily add a dye to such raw materials to make them look like green or black tea. Of course, there are also aggressive flavors in it. When aromatization is performed, antioxidant residues are destroyed, useful amino acid L-theanine ... That is, as a result, tea becomes completely useless and at the same time hazardous to health. In addition, flavors can provoke an attack, they are especially dangerous for children, the elderly, those who are prone to allergies.

What are aflatoxins

It is very dangerous to humans. mycotoxins that are produced by fungi. Such substances are often found in foods stored in high humidity and extreme heat conditions. Often, these substances are formed during prolonged or improper storage of herbal preparations and various teas, as well as pumpkin seeds, peanuts, and corn.

They are resistant to heat treatment. And if a very large dose of such poisons enters the body, a person dies as a result of liver damage. But even small doses of aflatoxins have a detrimental effect on the body, since their accumulation increases the likelihood liver cancer ... In countries where there is no control of products for the content of molds, mortality due to oncology is dozens of times higher than in countries with strict control of products.

conclusions

Choosing quality tea for the whole family is a responsible business and requires the right approach. You need to know when choosing green or black tea: the health benefits and harms of this drink directly depend on its quality. Both green and black tea bags from any manufacturer are drinks that should not be consumed regularly. At the same time, a high-quality and fresh tea leaf not only helps to improve well-being and gives vigor, but also has an excellent taste and aroma.

It's safe to say that tea is the most popular drink on our planet. For several centuries, people of different nationalities, professions, and ages have been drinking it with pleasure. Many of them do not know anything about the history of this drink, but this does not prevent them from enjoying the wonderful taste and aroma of this wonderful drink. This love for tea is also explained by the fact that tea has beneficial properties and has a beneficial effect on the body.

Tea leaves are rich in nutrients. They contain vitamins PP, K, B, P, C, essential oils, trace elements (fluorine, iodine, manganese, zinc), theobromine. There are flavonoids and antioxidants in tea. Experts talk about numerous healing properties tea, highlighting the main points:

stimulation of the nervous system;
normalization of blood circulation, metabolism, heart function;
slowing down the processes of fat formation in blood vessels, this reduces the occurrence of blood clots;
suppression of tumors in the body;
slowing down the aging process of cells;
antibacterial effect on microbes;
preventing the development of caries.

Which tea is healthier for the body

It is difficult to say which tea is healthier. Each variety has its own unique properties. Green tea better stimulates the brain, black is indispensable for infectious diseases. Pu-erh helps to lose weight, red - removes cholesterol, white contains many useful vitamins... Let's try to figure out what kind of tea is useful.

The benefits of black tea for the body

Regular consumption of black tea helps to improve bowel function, rid the digestive tract of microbes and harmful substances. It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the brain. If you have to remember a lot of information, it is worth having a cup of black tea.

The drink neutralizes damaged cells, protecting against the development of cancerous tumors. The condition is that you need to drink five cups of tea for this. Black tea is effective for intoxication of the body, poisoning, including alcoholic ones. It is necessary to drink tea during the day in small sips.

The benefits of green tea for the body

Green tea removes toxins, toxins and carcinogens from the body. With regular consumption of tea, you can increase the tone of the body, speed up the metabolism. Green tea is often included in weight loss programs. By normalizing metabolism, you can effectively bring the weight back to normal.

This fragrant and delicious drink enhances the functions of the immune system. You can avoid colds because green tea has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects. It strengthens the walls of blood vessels. Experts recommend using tea for those who are at risk of blood clots.

The benefits of hibiscus for the body

Hibiscus tea, which is made from hibiscus leaves, has become more popular in recent years. It has a special aroma and taste, contains a large amount of fruit acids, amino acids, vitamins, microelements. Hibiscus strengthens the immune system, the body becomes resistant to viral and infectious diseases.

Tea regulates the menstrual cycle and is recommended for women if they have problems. The antispasmodic effect of hibiscus allows you to take it during severe pain. action that promotes weight loss. It helps with diseases of the kidneys and liver, also affects the work of the heart, blood vessels, thinning the blood.

The benefits of white tea for the body

White tea belongs to the category of elite teas. It heals the body, rejuvenates, helps to strengthen the immune system. The drink practically does not contain caffeine, therefore it is allowed to drink to pregnant women, hypertensive patients. White tea prevents tooth decay. The large amount of antioxidants contained in this type of tea helps the body fight the formation of cancer cells. It well cleanses the body of harmful substances, removes excess cholesterol.

The benefits of yellow tea for the body

Yellow tea increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood, has a positive effect on the functioning of the spleen, liver, and normalizes the endocrine system. This drink is an excellent antidepressant. It improves immunity, helps to get rid of headaches. Compresses with tea help with burns.

Benefits of mate tea

Mate tea is included in the list of the most healthy drinks... It helps to improve concentration and has tonic properties. Regular consumption of mate helps to strengthen the immune system and normalize blood pressure.

Talking about teas different types and varieties, one cannot fail to note the beneficial properties of herbal teas. What is tea useful with? Very useful, St. John's wort, mint, ginger, lemon.

"Tea can be drunk both in summer and winter, maintaining excellent health until old age."

"He makes the body active and strong."

"Tea relieves headaches, dizziness, and heaviness in the head."

"He gets rid of the blues problems."

"Tea makes breathing easier, cures suffocation."

"It fixes vision problems."

"Tea relieves fatigue, improves mood, and relieves pain in the liver."

"It works well against roughness, strengthens the stomach, improves appetite and digestion, especially in obese people and gluttons."

"Tea relieves nightmares, removes salts from bones, strengthens memory."

"It prevents and treats malaria, overeating, and relieves fever."

"Tea strengthens the internal organs and prevents consumption."

"It helps with colds, dropsy, scurvy; by cleansing the body through sweating, it drives out infection."

"The virtues of tea" - England 1660

Strengthening the body

To all its advantages, tea also has a bactericidal effect. It heals wounds, relieves inflammation, helps with burns.

In case of a cold, do not forget about tea: it will warm the nasopharynx and fight against germs.

If you have diarrhea (simple, sorry, diarrhea), dipresia, tea will demonstrate its tanning and antiseptic properties.

Antioxidants in tea

Although tea contains almost no calories, it contains vitamins A, C and E, as well as very healthy substances called flavonoids, or polyphenols.
Flavonoids act as antioxidants, reducing the effects of reactive oxygen molecules, which are formed during metabolism and contribute to aging and the emergence of chronic diseases.

Anti-cancer effect of tea

Can tea prevent cancer?
Hundreds of scientists around the world have been working on this issue since the 1980s. As you know, the catechins contained in tea are antioxidants and, therefore, prevent the growth of tumors (at least in laboratory conditions). A number of promising facts have been obtained that speak in favor of the fact that tea (especially green tea) may protect against certain types of cancer.

A Japanese study published in 1980 found that people drinking 10 or more cups of green tea a day had a lower risk of stomach cancer.
At least two studies published in the 1990s have clearly shown the relationship between an increase in green tea consumption and a decrease in the incidence of pancreatic cancer.
A study published in Notes on Cancer in 1998 showed that ECGg, a catechin found in green tea, is an active ingredient in inhibiting the growth of prostate cancer cells in the laboratory.
A series of Japanese studies, the results of which were published in 1997-99, showed that ECGg and other polyphenols inhibit the growth of various types of cancer cells, including proctological adenocarcinoma, ductal breast cancer, skin cancer, and lung cancer.
A study of 35,000 postmenopausal women found that drinking at least 2 cups of green tea a day reduced the risk of cancer of the esophagus and genitourinary system.
A 1997 article titled Why Drinking Tea May Prevent Cancer, published in Nature, showed that green tea's cancer-fighting properties were attributed to its ability to suppress urokinase (uPA), an enzyme that accompanies the formation of metostasis in humans. ... The authors of the article investigated 190'000 substances that suppress uPA, including ECGg.
Their conclusion was that one cup of green tea contains seven times more ECGg than the maximum possible dose of the most famous urokinase inhibitor amiloride.

This promising study showed that tea not only can prevent cancer, but also inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. For example, a study published in the 1999 issue of the journal Nature showed that during in vitro experiments, ECGg interfered with blood flow to tumors, thereby slowing their growth. Other studies in the late 1990s showed that green tea polyphenols were protective against the incidence of prostate cancer and liver cancer.

A comparison was made of the strength of the effect of a decoction of black and green tea on the activity of cancer cells. The results, published in the 1998 brochure Molecular Biology of the Cell, showed that while a black tea solution was effective at 10%, a green tea solution was effective at 1%.

Alcoholism

Turns out green tea kills alcohol cravings. This is why China and Japan - countries with a particular preference for green tea - are much less exorbitant. drinking people than in Western countries. To prepare an anti-alcoholic drink, use the following recipe: 1 tsp. green tea for 1 cup of water. Drink without sugar. The remaining leaves are not thrown away - they are eaten. The effect is not immediate. Months will pass and the effect will come.

Antibacterial properties

Tea (especially green tea, but also black tea, oolong tea and pu-erh tea) has been shown to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutants, a bacteria that breaks down sugar in the mouth, causing tooth decay.

Antivirus protection

In laboratory conditions, it was found that catechin from tea leaves suppresses viral infections such as influenza, herpes, polio.

Pregnancy

Weak green tea (no more than 2 cups a day) is useful for pregnant women.
The drink contains many useful vitamins and minerals.
Japanese scientists have found that women who regularly drank green tea before pregnancy give birth to stronger children.

Hair

Adding tea to rinse water after shampooing can soften hair and increase shine.

Eyes

When applied to closed eyes, cold wet tea bags can help reduce puffiness.

Teeth

It should be noted that a cup of green tea after dinner not only delights the mind and stomach, it also fights tooth decay.

Tea is saturated with fluorine compounds; as you know, fluorine is the only mineral element found in large quantities in tea. It prevents dental diseases, which is why fluoride is added to city water, toothpaste and mouth rinses. Fluorine water typically contains 0.00007 to 0.00012%, while green tea contains 0.000132 to 0.000418%. And there is no danger of fluoride poisoning when you drink tea.
(But please don't add sugar to it, this will destroy all the benefits.)

The effect of tea on dental health was clearly demonstrated in a Japanese study published in a Dental Journal in 1994. Scientists asked 35 volunteers, ages 18 to 29, not to brush their teeth or rinse their mouths for four days. Instead, they rinsed their mouths with a tea polyphenol solution after meals and before bed. In 34 subjects, the content of pathogenic bacteria decreased significantly.

Tea also has other effects on oral health. In laboratory conditions, catechins of all types of tea (black, green, oolong and Puerh) have been shown to suppress and even destroy bacteria that cause dental disease.
Even one single cup of tea can have a protective effect.

Immunity

At least two studies from the 1990s showed that ECGg, a catechin found only in tea leaves, strengthens the immune system by promoting the regeneration of infection-fighting T and B lymphocytes.

Leather

Black tea has a tightening effect and disinfects the skin, thus being an ideal topical remedy for inflammation.

With a vascular mesh on the face, a mask is made from chilled tea leaves (tea grounds are applied to a cleansed face for 15-20 minutes).
The same mask is useful for aging dry skin. Only after removing the tea leaves you need to lubricate the skin with a fat cream.

It is useful to wipe oily, aging skin with ice cubes made from green tea. To enhance the effect, you can add to the tea infusion Apple vinegar or lemon juice (one tablespoon for one glass of tea)

Bones

Osteoporosis, or fragility of bones, is a common condition in older people, especially women. Some studies have linked caffeine intake to osteoporosis, which has been true for tea drinkers as well.

But a 2000 study of more than 1,200 English women published in the American Journal of Nutritional Medicine found that drinking tea, on the other hand, strengthened the thigh bones, which are the most dangerous for fractures. The women who took part in the study were between 65 and 76 years old, and 1,100 of them drank tea regularly. Those who added milk to tea were most protected due to the action of calcium in the milk.

It is not entirely clear how tea helps to strengthen bones. Fluoride in tea may play a role; in addition, the author of the study suggests that tea may contain substances whose effect is similar to that of the female hormone estrogen. Estrogen, on the other hand, helps to strengthen bone tissue.

Nervous system

Tea acts as a mild antidepressant, raising the overall mood: it is microdoses of caffeine that work with some of the tea vitamins.
Increases endurance to stress, and if stress is still too strong, it helps to recuperate.

Legs

For an injury or foot pain, add used teabags to a warm foot bath.

Nose

For rhinitis, rinse your nose with green tea infusion. To do this, pour one teaspoon of crushed green tea with a glass of boiling water, leave for 15-20 minutes, strain. Use a disposable syringe without a needle for flushing. Repeat this procedure 6-8 times a day.

Burns and rashes

By adding a quart (¼ liter) of strong black tea to a warm bath, you can relieve itching from sunburn.
Also, chilled wet tea bags have a soothing effect on burns and rashes.

Digestion

Mothers have long known that a diet of bananas, rice, applesauce and tea is an effective home remedy for diarrhea. Both black and green tea have this effect mainly due to the flavonoids they contain.

Pu-er

Kidneys and bladder

Due to its diuretic effect, tea helps against swelling and formation of kidney and bladder stones.
Five cups of green tea daily reduces the risk of stones by 60 percent.

Heart and blood vessels

Cardiovascular disease is rapidly outstripping cancer in prevalence.
Tea is an excellent means of preventing them.

First, it lowers cholesterol levels.
Secondly, it promotes the permeability of blood vessels, as it destroys fatty deposits on their walls and prevents the formation of new ones.
Third, it strengthens these walls.
Fourthly, it somewhat accelerates blood circulation, dilating the vessels of the brain and heart.

If you have arterial hypotension (hypotension) - drink black tea, and stronger.
And if hypertension is not in the most severe form and there are no contraindications, then weak green tea along with foods that contain a lot of vitamin C (lemon, rose hips, currants).

There is some evidence that tea protects against heart disease, but it is not as clear as in the case of cancer. A number of laboratory experiments have shown that polyphenols help lower cholesterol levels and prevent blood coagulation by blocking these two factors in the occurrence of heart disease.

Also, several studies involving humans have yielded encouraging results.
For example, a study by Israeli scientists found that people in the black tea group had lower cholesterol levels than coffee drinkers.

A 1992 study of 20,000 Norwegian men and women, published in 1992, found that those people who drank five or more cups of black tea a day had lower cholesterol levels than those who did not drink tea at all.

One of the largest studies involved 12,763 adults from seven countries.
Published in 1995 in the Archives of Internal Medicine, The Seven Countries Study found a strong association between the presence of flavonoids in nutritious diet and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Flavonoids are known to be abundant in tea.

Tea can affect heart health by maintaining a normal body weight. A study by Chinese scientists published in 1998 found significant weight loss in experimental rats after 63 weeks of consuming a mixture of their usual food with crushed green tea leaves; at week 15, rats fed green tea, weighed in general 12% less than the representatives of the control group.

Also in the framework of a Dutch study published in 1999, 3454 people were observed who drank an average of one to two cups of tea daily. It turned out that their risk of developing severe aortic atherosclerosis was 46% less. Atherosclerosis, in turn, is the cause of cardiovascular disease.
People who drank more than 4 cups of tea a day had a 69% reduction in risk.

The main fact that the scientists identified was that tea drinkers generally lead healthier lives than other people. Indeed, life on the principle of "sip by sip" is calm, measured, concentrated; gives less stress than living bread by bread.
Accordingly, a quiet life is more beneficial to your heart.

Weight loss

Green tea polyphenols have been shown to block the activity of amylase, an enzyme in saliva that breaks down carbohydrates. Based on this, it was concluded that green tea is more conducive to fat burning than fat storage.

A small study of overweight middle-aged women published in 1985 analyzed the dietary effects of green tea capsules. After two weeks of drinking, the green tea group lost twice the weight of the medication group; after four weeks, the green tea group had lost three times the weight of the control group.

Vitamins in tea

Tea contains provitamin A - carotene, which ensures the normal condition of the mucous membranes of the nose, pharynx, larynx, lungs, bronchi, urogenital organs and is especially important for maintaining good vision.

Green tea is rich in vitamins K, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B9 (folic acid), B12, PP (niacin).

Tea also contains vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
Green and yellow teas contain 10 times more vitamin C than black teas. Vitamin P in green tea is 4 times more than in oranges or lemons. In combination with vitamin C, it significantly enhances the effectiveness of ascorbic acid, contributes to its accumulation and retention in the body.

Minerals in tea

Mineral and other inorganic substances in tea contain from 4 to 7%.
Tea contains magnesium, manganese, sodium, potassium, calcium, fluorine, iodine, copper, gold.

Caffeine in tea and drinks

Caffeine is a natural component of tea leaves, although its share in tea is much lower than in coffee, chocolate or Coca-Cola.
Due to caffeine, tea has earned a reputation as a drink that relieves fatigue and improves mood. It acts as a stimulant for the central nervous system and heart, can also stimulate gastric secretion and increase urinary frequency.

The more oxidized (or "fermented") tea is, the more caffeine it contains: black tea has the most caffeine, green tea has the least.
On average, a 170-gram cup of tea contains about 40 milligrams of caffeine - less than half the amount found in a similar cup of coffee.

The highest caffeine content, as in the case of catechins, is found in tea made from a bud and two top leaves of a tea bush.
Many factors affect the caffeine content of tea: the altitude at which it grows (the higher the tea grows above sea level, the more caffeine it contains), the presence of fertilizers and zinc in the soil. While scientific research on the effects of caffeine on the body is controversial, there is no reliable evidence that caffeine causes any disease or exacerbates chronic malaise.

	Caffeine (mg.)
Coffee(140 gr.).
From the thick	115
Strained	80
Soluble	65
Cafein free	0
Espresso (55 gr.)	60-90
Green tea(140 gr.), Brewed for 3 minutes.	15
Black tea(140 gr.)
Brewed 3 minutes	40
Cafein free	5
Chilled tea (340 gr.)	70
Cocoa(140 gr.)	4
Milk chocolate	5
Soft drinks (340 gr.)
Coca Cola	46
Diet cola	46
Pepsi cola	38
Diet Pepsi	40
RS Cola	36
Mountain Dew	54

The debate about whether tea is useful or harmful has not stopped for many decades in a row. Some say that tea is a real find, it contains a bunch of vitamins. Others argue that tea can be harmful to the body. Whom to believe? Moreover, there is now a large selection of all kinds of tea on the counters of modern stores, and it is very easy to get confused which one is more useful or harmful.

In our country, they have always drank black tea, the most popular of all was Indian. More recently, Chinese varieties of tea, pu-erh, oolong, have appeared, you can even buy hibiscus, rooibos or. But black tea still occupies a leading position in popularity among Russians. In what cases does tea harm outweigh its benefits?

Hypersensitivity to caffeine. The effect of caffeine in tea in coffee. But some people may experience headaches and heart palpitations after a couple of cups of black tea. In this case, tea should be drunk in minimal doses, brewed weakly, or black tea should be abandoned altogether.
Large consumption of tea. If you consume more than 5 cups a day, you may experience poor sleep, muscle tension, cramps, increased agitation. This is due to the fact that a large amount of black tea will flush out magnesium from the body, which is necessary for the nervous system. The following foods will help to replenish magnesium: fish, grains, nuts, vegetables.
Increases intraocular pressure. People with eye conditions need to be careful not to consume.
For those who suffer from tachycardia, it is better to stop taking black tea.
It is not recommended to drink strong black tea on an empty stomach, it threatens with stomach cramps.
Pregnant women should not drink strong tea. This also applies to children.
It is not recommended to drink medications with tea, to take medications that contain caffeine at the same time as tea.
Scientists have confirmed that yesterday's brew can be harmful, because it is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

The harm of green tea

Green tea is considered to be much healthier than black tea. Only the lazy does not speak about its benefits. They drink it to treat diseases, prevent various ailments. Green tea contains many useful substances: minerals, antioxidants, vitamins. It promotes weight loss. But does it only have a beneficial effect on the human body, or is tea contraindicated in some cases?

Excessive consumption of green tea can be harmful. The caffeine in the composition excites the nervous system and causes headaches. You can drink no more than 3-4 cups of tea a day, provided that the tea is of good quality.
Strong should be used with caution if there are chronic diseases. It is better to avoid this tea for pregnant women and people with nervous disorders.
In order not to develop an ulcer, you should not consume green tea on an empty stomach, otherwise there will be irritation of the gastric mucosa.
The toxins generated by the simultaneous intake of alcohol and green tea negatively affect the kidneys.

How to choose quality tea

For tea to bring more benefits, it is necessary to choose and prepare tea correctly. Packaged tea should be discarded. Studies carried out by American scientists have shown that regular consumption of tea bags for several years negatively affects the condition of the teeth due to the high content of fluoride. In the production of tea bags, not only low-grade raw materials are used, but also tea dust, production residues. Such tea will obviously not add health to health.

It is best to opt for large leaf green tea. When choosing, you should pay attention to. Green tea is stored for no more than two years. You can tell by its appearance whether the tea is old or not. Fresh tea raw materials have natural green leaves, soft. Old tea is hard and dull. It is necessary to pay attention to the country of origin of the tea. The best tea is grown and produced in China, Ceylon, Japan and India. Cellophane packaging is not suitable for storing tea. You need to choose a package made of parchment or foil.

Choosing black tea, you should also give preference to large-leaf varieties. Evenly twisted tea leaves speak of high-quality processing. V good tea there should be no crumbs, cuttings. Premium black tea has a bright, but not harsh aroma. The best tea grows high in the mountains of India, China, Japan, Sri Lanka.

How to brew tea

To preserve the maximum amount of vitamins in tea, you need to take 0.5 teaspoon of leaves per cup of water. To brew green tea, you must take water with a temperature not higher than 85 ° C. You can use the three-stage fill method. Water is first poured into a third of the volume, after three minutes add water to half the volume, after three minutes add another third. There are other ways to make green tea, but the water temperature must be observed. Tea is not diluted with water. Quality tea can be brewed up to four times. Some varieties can withstand up to eight brews.

The brewing process for black tea is slightly different. The water must be at least 95 ° C. The amount of dry brew can be any, depending on what consistency you want to get the drink. In England, it is recommended to take 1 tsp. in a glass of water. You need to infuse tea for at least four minutes. Re-brewing black tea is not recommended.

Improper use of tea: possible harm

Brewed tea, left for a long time, accumulates harmful substances that are dangerous in cardiovascular diseases. It is not recommended to drink tea that has stood for more than an hour. A large amount of tea with a strong consistency can cause nausea, headache, tea intoxication, and dizziness.

Experts do not recommend drinking very hot tea, it can burn the internal organs. With the constant use of such tea, the organs are deformed, cracks form on them. You should not brew tea with boiling water, there will be no benefit in it, and more purine compounds are formed in it.