What are the Essentials of High Quality Loose Leaf Tea?

What are the Essentials of High Quality Loose Leaf Tea?,Tips to Guarantee a Quality Loose Tea Experience,High quality loose leaf teas,Tea, like wine, is harvested and processed into the final product

What are the Essentials of
High Quality Loose Leaf Tea?
Tips to Guarantee a Quality Loose Tea Experience
Demand for high quality loose leaf tea is experiencing strong growth and for those interested in high quality loose tea, more information will aid in decision making. Critical elements in the process include:
Source of the Tea
Manufacturing Processes Purchasing, Quality Control and Customer Service Source of the Tea
All tea comes from the plant Camellia sinensis but there is where the similarity between high quality loose leaf tea and other, lesser quality ends. From the time the tea leaves are plucked until the time the consumer tastes the brew, a number of critical events affect the tea experience.

High quality loose leaf teas are carefully selected as only the finest of these rare orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and hand-crafted with extreme care.

Tea, like wine, is harvested and processed into the final product on the grounds of the garden or estate. The taste and quality of any tea varietal depends upon the specific growing conditions. Factors such as altitude, climate, soil, weather, and plucking season all affect the final product.

To produce just one pound of quality loose leaf tea, it takes approximately 3,000 hand plucked leaves. Only the most tender leaves and young buds are selected. After the leaves are picked, the precise art of tea making begins.

Manufacturing Processes Tea is manufactured by two different processes.
Most ordinary tea is machine processed by the C.T.C. method (crush, tear, curl). The resulting small, broken pieces are used in tea bags or iced tea concentrates. Less than 2% of the world's tea is of superior quality, hand-processed in the classic, time-honored method known as orthodox manufacture.

High quality suppliers are dedicated to offering outstanding, whole-leaf teas of the greatest quality and finesse. Whole-leaf varietals retain the subtle nuances of flavor so prized by discriminating palates throughout the centuries. The highest quality loose teas are hand-plucked and meticulously crafted to enhance leaf character, aroma, color, clarity, body, complexity, and above all, flavor. Connoisseurs will find no soggy paper tea bags and no trendy herbals from high quality loose tea suppliers; only real tea from the Camellia Sinensis bush. And, of course, only the finest.
Purchasing, Quality Control and Customer Service
Access to high quality loose leaf tea is the final element. Most loose leaf teas are not available in retail outlets. Nevertheless, quality tea is easily available through e-commerce outlets on the internet.

Increasingly e-commerce over the internet has proven to be an efficient and easy way to purchase quality products and those e-commerce sites that are customer friendly also offer convenient and low cost home delivery. Loose leaf tea is ideally suited to e-commerce because it is light and easy to transport.

When evaluating e-commerce sites, the consumer should consider those sites that are interactive, easy to use and offer rich features such as auto shipping, multiple destination shipments, gift shipments and delivery flexibility.

The loose leaf tea experience is all about quality and quality does not end with manufacturing. Those suppliers that are truly dedicated to quality will maintain quality control over each shipment received from the producing tea garden.

Since almost all quality loose leaf tea comes from other countries such as China, India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and others, choose a supplier who cups or tastes each shipment before acceptance. This measure of quality control will guarantee consistent quality but most loose leaf tea suppliers skip this important step. Check with a potential supplier to determine their cupping commitment.

In addition to quality control, customer service is a critical element in the loose tea relationship. Since the purchase of high quality loose tea tends to be a long term relationship, consideration of the needs of the customer and customer satisfaction is paramount.

The best suppliers have a culture of customer service, open lines of communication to customer service personnel and solicit feedback from customers as a way to maintain consistent quality.
About the Author/Author Bio
Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of he Board of Golden Moon Tea a division of Element H2O. Golden Moon Tea is a supplier of high quality loose leaf tea and high quality tea ware. Golden Moon Tea's website is found at http://www.Goldenmoontea.com
By Expert Author: Jon M. Stout
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Oolong Tea and Weight Loss,Article

There is so much interest in weight loss and oolong tea (a.k.a. wulong tea) that we are going to look at research supporting the connection.

Oolong Tea and Weight Loss
Let's start at the beginning
All tea comes from one plant Camellia Sinensis if it doesn't come from that plant it is not tea (herbs come from a variety of plants). Over time, the plant has protected itself from photosynthetic stressors by forming chemical compounds known as polyphenols. Polyphenols, which include flavonoids, have the same beneficial class of compounds, antioxidants, that make fruits and vegetables good for you.

The difference in green tea and oolong tea is processing. All tea is green when picked. Green tea is heated in order to halt the natural enzymatic reaction (oxidation) of the leaf. Once dried, green tea leaves are then rolled intentionally breaking the cell structure. Oolong tea leaves are plucked, kept under carefully controlled conditions and allowed to oxidize. These leaves are not intentionally broken, leaving most of the cell structure intact. These processing differences make each category of tea beneficially different even though they come from the same plant.

The Weight Loss Connection
The two main ways to reduce food related body weight are; increase energy expenditure (EE) and inhibit the absorption of nutrients, including fat and carbohydrates. Caffeine is a stimulant so it is widely accepted that the caffeine in tea increases metabolism, hence increasing EE. So the question becomes, is it only the caffeine or are other compounds in the tea contributing to that increase?
The Research
The Chinese have long believed that oolong tea is beneficial in reducing and maintaining weight. A Chinese study, in 1998, of 102 females showed that continuous consumption of oolong tea for six weeks resulted in a reduction of body weight. This study, along with the question of other compounds contributing to tea's weight loss benefits, spurred further research.

In 2001, Physiologist Dr. William Rumpler, of the US Agriculture Research Services' Diet and Human Laboratory, investigated the ancient Chinese belief that oolong tea is effective in controlling body weight. The study measured how tea influences energy expenditure (EE) and included 12 male volunteers who were given 4 separate beverage formulas over three consecutive days. The beverage formulas consisted of; 1) full strength oolong tea, 2) caffeinated water with caffeine equal to full strength oolong tea, 3) half strength oolong tea and 4) non caffeinated water.

The participants 24 hour EE was measured and resulted in;
- EE levels of about 3% higher when they drank either the full strength oolong tea or the caffeinated water versus the non caffeinated water.

- Participants burned an average of 67 more calories per day when drinking the full strength oolong tea.

- Participants increased fat oxidation (fat burning) by a whooping 12% after consuming the full strength oolong tea versus the caffeinated water.

- This data confirms that a component other than caffeine is responsible for promoting the preferential use of fat as an energy source.

The increase in fat oxidation in this study is amazing! Drinking oolong tea can actually tell your body to burn fat for energy! Scientists then speculated that caffeine combined with EGCGs worked together to increase fat oxidation.

A Japanese study, conducted in 2003, went one step further comparing the benefits of oolong tea and green tea on weight reduction. Eleven healthy young female students participated in this well controlled study. Participants received three different beverage formulas; 1) oolong tea, 2) powdered green tea leaves and 3) water.

Both teas were prepared with boiling water. The oolong tea steeped for five minutes and the powdered green tea leaves were dissolved.
After measurements were taken, the results determined;
- Oolong tea had higher EE levels from beginning to end and at intervals of 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes.

- EE levels peaked at 90 minutes for both oolong and green tea and remained at their respective levels until 120 minutes.

- These results indicate that after consuming oolong tea you will expend more energy then if you were to drink green tea or water and that it can last up to two hours.

The concentrations of caffeine, individual catechins and other polyphenols were also measured producing these interesting findings; - The caffeine and EGCG content was much higher in the green tea versus the oolong tea.

- The concentration of polymerized polyphenols was significantly higher in the oolong tea versus the green tea.

These findings show that it's the polymerized polyphenols, highest in oolong tea, that link tea to burning fat, not just the caffeine or just the combination of caffeine and EGCGs. Furthermore, the rest of the compounds compared in the teas were similar or equal to one another with no marked differences, reinforcing the results.

We have shown that oolong tea significantly increases EE for up to as much as 120 minutes and can even promote preferential use of fat as an energy source making it a healthy tool for reducing and maintaining weight. So what about absorption of nutrients?

Oolong tea's effect on blocking the absorption of fats and carbohydrates is thought to play a key role in its weight reducing benefits. While more studies need to be done, initial studies indicate that oolong tea has absorption blocking potential.

There are proven methods for losing weight and keeping it off; exercise, getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet. Oolong tea can enhance these positive changes and garner faster results.
Let's Face It
- Oolong tea is not a quick fix despite the recent advertising claims by slick marketing "professionals."

-Oolong tea does not have to be expensive to be effective. $39.95 is too much to pay for a 30 day supply of low quality oolong. Remember to get what you pay for.

- These studies do not indicate that oolongs grown in a specific area are better fat burners than other oolongs. It's the processing that counts.

- Losing 20 lbs in 30 days by adding two cups of oolong tea to your daily routine is nothing more than hype. If this were true, I'd be a size 2.

- If you were dieting, drinking oolong and exercising it would be hard to achieve that much weight loss in 30 days.

- If it sounds too good to be true, then it is to good to be true!
Oolong - The Facts
- Oolong teas taste great and are delicious hot or cold.

- There is a tremendous variety of affordable oolong tea.

- Enjoy a cup of oolong 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to your walk, workout or yoga session and reap the rewards!

- Drink oolong in the afternoon to stave off late day sweet cravings and energy slumps.

- All of these aid in healthy weight loss and maintenance

This article may be freely reprinted only in it's enterity and must include the resource box and copyright information.
About the Author/Author Bio
Beth Johnston, owner of Teas Etc., is a noted tea expert, importer and tea enthusiast. To learn more about tea, health benefits and the ease of brewing loose leaf teas, sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.TeasEtc.com/Newsletter.asp or visit www.TeasEtc.com.
By Expert Author: Beth Johnston
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Loose Leaf Tea and the Tea Room - A Valuable Partnership

Loose Leaf Tea and the Tea Room **Tea rooms are critically important to suppliers of loose leaf tea,Quality tea rooms often look to increase the quality of tea..Article,

Loose Leaf Tea and the Tea Room
- A Valuable Partnership
The growth in demand for high quality loose leaf tea is spectacular and all indications are that the trend will continue for the foreseeable future. As more loose leaf tea enthusiasts consume greater quantities of tea, the relationship between tea suppliers and the tea room increases in importance.

Tea rooms are critically important to suppliers of loose leaf tea because the tea room bundles high quality loose leaf tea with other food products, services and an ambiance that create a very pleasurable tea experience. This addition of value is essential to the growth of the loose leaf tea market in the United States

Many high quality tea rooms create an intimate and attractive experience for the drinking of tea outside of the home. Historically tea has represented a total experience with social, cultural, and even spiritual aspects and high quality tea rooms offer a broad choice of loose leaf teas, complimentary food products like sandwiches, fruit, and pure water beverages in a pleasant, warm environment. The basic element in the relationship between the tea supplier and the tea room however, is quality loose leaf tea.

Loose leaf tea is all about quality and service. The owner of the tea room makes a substantial investment of time and resources including the choice of an attractive location, high quality furnishings and staff in order to create a quality brand. In order to maintain the integrity of the tea room brand the basic tea offering must be one of consistent high quality.

Quality tea rooms often look to increase the quality of tea and then maintain the consistency of the tea offering. In addition a broad product line of teas offered by the supplier offer the tea room's customers choices and the excitement of new blends and flavors. Many tea rooms are constantly on the look out for new vendors of loose leaf tea because new tea lines are easily integrated into their tea offering.

Generally speaking, the commercial relationship between tea importer suppliers and the tea room is a wholesale one with discounts off of retail provided based on volume of tea purchases. Where the supplier provides marketing and customer support the relationship tends to be close and very profitable for both parties.

What Should Tea Rooms Look for in A Tea Supplier?
There are a number of tea suppliers in the marketplace but not all are the same. Some of the characteristics of the best tea suppliers from a tea room perspective are:
- High quality loose leaf tea recognized in the marketplace

- A commitment to the tea room industry

- A commitment to quality that is evidenced by tea cupping of each bulk shipment import

- A broad product offering that includes varietals, blends and flavored teas

- An e-commerce site with features that provide easy ordering, flexibility of delivery and good prices

- Marketing support including information about tea and tea commerce

- Open lines of communication that solicit feedback from tea room customers

- The highest quality customer service and a dedication to tea room customer satisfaction

The relationship between tea rooms and tea suppliers is one of the mainstays of the loose leaf tea industry. Relationships that are based upon the highest tea quality and premium customer support and service will be valuable to both parties in the transaction.
About the Author/Author Bio
Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of he Board of Golden Moon Tea a division of Element H2O. Golden Moon Tea is a supplier of high quality loose leaf tea and high quality tea ware. Golden Moon Tea's website is found at a http://www.Goldenmoontea.com
By Expert Author: Jon M. Stout
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Green tea, Weight Loss and More!,Article

Green tea, Weight Loss and More,Weight Loss Enhancement,The anti-inflammatory action of green tea, Cancer Protective,Tea for your Teeth...

Green tea, Weight Loss and More!
Green tea is has become a daily favourite of mine in view of its awesome health virtues. Funny how something tastes better the healthier you think it is for you! So, what are the remarkable benefits of this auspicious drink?

Green tea has been found to promote weight loss, reduce the risk of heart attack, pevent against cancer, protect your teeth and gums and offer relief for arthritis. Not bad for a leaf! These traits are due to a super concentration of antioxidants called catechins known for their outstanding health traits.
Weight Loss Enhancement
Green tea can actually promote weight loss which makes it a very friendly cuppa if shedding pounds is the objective, and a great ally in any healthy weight loss regime.

A study led by Dr. Dulloo at the University of Geneva, published in the December 1999 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that men given a combination of both caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given caffeine or placebo alone.

Results found that the men taking green tea extract had a significant increase in their measured energy expenditure (the number of calories used in a 24 hour period) and significant decrease in their respiration quotient (how well the body utilized carbohydrates, proteins and fats over a 24 hour period) over those taking just caffeine or placebo. The men taking green tea extract also used more fat calories than the placebo group.

The scientists believed that the catechin flavonoids in the green tea extract (potent antioxidants) may alter the body's use of norepinephrine, a chemical transmitter in the nervous system, to increase the rate of calorie burning.

They concluded, "Green tea has thermogenic properties and promotes fat oxidation beyond that explained by its caffeine content per se. The green tea extract may play a role in the control of body composition via sympathetic activation of thermogenesis, fat oxidation, or both."
Pro Heart
The cholesterol-lowering effects of green tea and black tea have been confirmed in countless studies. The 'French Paradox', namely the French high fat diet with comparably low rates of heart disease, is believed to be due to the flavonoid resveratrol found in wine.

In 1997, researchers from the University of Kansas found catachin EGCG in green tea to be twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why heart disease rates among Japanese men is quite low despite around 75 per cent of them being smokers.

In one 25 year study (the Zutphen Elderly Study; Hertog, M., et al., 1993), those that drank more than 8.5 ounces of tea per day had a much lower risk of experiencing or dying from heart attacks than those drinking less tea. Test tube studies have also found that green tea decreases the clumping of blood cells, reducing the risk of clotting associated with heart attacks and strokes.
Cancer Protective
Human and animal studies suggest green tea may be preventive against a variety of cancers including bladder, colon, esophageal, breast, pancreas, rectum, and stomach. In 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published a study that indicated drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent!
Aid For Arthritis
The anti-inflammatory action of green tea, due to its flavonoid content, has shown promise for arthritis relief. Research by scientists at Case Western University (Haqqi et al., 1999), suggests that green tea antioxidants serve to postpone the onset and decrease the severity of one type of arthritis in mice.
Tea for your Teeth
Green tea is touted for oral health by asian practitioners and recent scientific research supports this use. Studies in animals and humans have shown how green tea can effectively combat the bacteria that causes cavities in teeth. Green tea also contains fluoride that is protective for teeth.

Green tea is a fantastic health ally and a refreshing and cleansing drink. If purchased loose a few leaves can be added to other herbal teas for variety.

By Expert Author: Sylvia Riley
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

Tea: The Natural Way To A Clear Mind

Tea: The Natural Way To A Clear Mind ,Article,Tea is good for your body, comfortable state of mind and body, Cup after cup, the power of the leaf brings you to your natural groove...

Tea: The Natural Way To A Clear Mind
You know that it's all in your mind - small decisions here and there that multiply faster than you think, lifelong dreams that sometimes seem so real and yet in a split second seem to wander off completely. You know your mind can one day be a mine of ideas and suddenly a mountain of data. So what better way to begin any hurdle than having things clearer in your head? At the end of the day, it all boils down to having a clear mind.

Here is a world of difference between simply looking and truly seeing, between hearing and listening, between capturing information and crystallizing ideas. When your head is clear, it means you're in place and everything around you falls in place as well. It means both your feet are on the ground - you're quiet but strong, you're calm but collected. It also means you're alert and ready to take on anything on your path. And the secret to a clear mind is no rocket science, and follows no mind-boggling formula.

It's as simple as a cup of tea. Yup - it's time to turn a new leaf and experience the power of tea. Like the rest of the world, you well know that Tea is good for your body- but are you aware of the wonders that tea can do to your mind? Research has finally named the secret that has linked tea with mental vitality. It's called Theanine and it's found almost exclusively in the tea plant. Not a lot of people may know what it is but Theanine is certainly one of the big reasons why more and more are turning to tea nowadays as their beverage of choice. Theanine is the magical component in tea that does two things at khe same time: it relaxes you by reducing mental and physical stress, yet at the same time raises your level of mental alertness. And just as you're perfectly settled , Theanine raises your level of mental alertness by stimulating your brain to increase its production of alpha brain waves.

The effect is higher mental focus, better concentration and sharper memory. Studies have also pointed out how Theanine could effectively promote creativity Now that's when the miracle of Theanine unfolds. The unique combination of relaxation and alertness , of increasing mental sharpness while at your most comfortable state of mind and body, results in this renewed clarity of thought and mental vitality. Cup after cup after cup, the power of the leaf brings you to your natural groove. So clearly, if clarity of mind is your cup of tea and natural is your kind of thing, don't forget to drink tea, it's all in the bag. Scientific research has validated the link between Theanine and a perfect state of calmness.

Theanine is the very reason why you're not as hyperactive when you drink tea as compared to when you drink coffees. But it's also the reason why you don't feel sleepy when drinking tea. In short, it's the Theanine in your cup of tea that calms you in just the right way to put you in place and bring you to your comfort.
About the Author/Author Bio Manolito Montala is a webmaster and one of his interests is collecting local medicinal plants information which can be found in Filipino Herbs Healing Wonders. You can also visit his site at www.filipinoherbshealingwonders.filipinovegetarianrecipe.com
By Expert Author: Manolito Montala
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/A

The Future for Loose Leaf Tea and Tea Rooms

Loose Leaf Tea and Tea Rooms,Article,Drink teas (circa 1990-95) made tea drinking simultaneously easy , loose leaf tea within the nation's hottest spot for loose leaf tea sales-natural foods..

The Future for Loose Leaf Tea and Tea Rooms
The new American tea culture places high value on stress reduction (perhaps partially attributable to the relaxing properties of L-Theanine-a natural amino compound occurring in tea), product purity and exotic teaware and other brewing accessories (the after-market for tea accoutrements is substantial compared to espresso-based drinks).

Until the boom in Ready To Drink teas (circa 1990-95) made tea drinking simultaneously easy , fashionable with colorful and appealing packaging, and healthy (a no/low calorie, antioxidant-rich alternative to carbonated beverages), tea sales in America were sleepy at best. Annual retail sales had not reached $1 billion prior to 1990 and tea producers were simply uninspired.

Snapple, Arizona Iced Tea and a handful of other specialty RTD teas catapulted the entire loose leaf tea category into double-digit growth while whetting appetites on Wall Street.

Increasing interest from America's 76 million baby boomers just beginning to embrace tea as a health-promoting product for the entire family is laying a solid base for loose leaf tea.

This exceptionally health-conscious demographic is starting to explore loose leaf tea culture through brewed tea beverages, tea-based skincare products and neighborhood caf?(c)s offering exotic teas.

The consumer product dollars available for loose leaf tea purchases within the U.S. over the next decade will be significant

This stellar consumer interest in tea is being driven by scientific findings linking tea consumption and improved health and a seemingly endless wave of favorable media coverage. Novel blended flavors and convenient packaging may be securing American consumers attracted to loose leaf tea, but news of the health promoting benefits afforded by regular tea consumption is the number one market driver.

Researchers have released survey data indicating heavy frequency consumers of herbal and hot teas spend more on healthy and natural products than the general population or coffee drinkers.

This is yet another indication of the emerging demographic pursuing loose leaf tea within the nation's hottest spot for loose leaf tea sales-natural foods retail outlets.

Finally. As the demand for loose lea tea grows, customers will also demand pleasant and wholesome surroundings to better enjoy the tea experience.

The tea room business, as a result, has a very strong growth path and a bright future.

About the Author/Author Bio
Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of he Board of Golden Moon Tea a division of Element H2O. Golden Moon Tea is a supplier of high quality loose leaf tea and high quality tea ware. Golden Moon Tea's website is found at http://www.Goldenmoontea.com
By Expert Author: Jon M. Stout
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/A

The Immune Enhancing Effects of Tea: Theanine,Article

The Immune Enhancing Effects of Tea: Theanine
Mammals have two largely independent immune systems in their bodies. Although these immune systems do interact, they serve two very different roles in protecting us against pathogens, including cancer and infectious diseases.

Most people are generally familiar with the immune system that is activated by vaccines. This immune response is highly specific, but it is also very slow to respond to specific pathogens. This is why vaccines exist... to pre-activate this genetic or adaptive immune response to specific pathogens. The faster an immune response can be mounted against a specific pathogen, the more immunological protection it provides.

Herein lies the problem. If a person has never been exposed, for example, to a particular influenza virus strain, the specific immune response to this virus may be too slow to protect us against death. This is why flu vaccines are changed every year. The key word is specificity. Yesterday's flu virus may not protect us from Bird Flu or another influenza strain.

Yet, there is another immune system that MAY protect us against All strains of Flu or other pathogens without vaccines.

Think about it. If we HAD to be vaccinated against all pathogens that we encounter, every child over 2 years of age would be dead. Every watch a child eat dirt or stick a dirty object into their mouths? Yet these children do NOT die. There is a reason for this.

Our secondary immune system is called the innate or natural immune system. It encompasses a wide diversity of cells, including natural killer cells, gamma delta T lymphocytes, neutrophils and macrophages. This system is our first line of immunological defense against cancer, and infectious pathogens. Usually, this immune response works just fine. If it didn't, no one would survive childhood.

These immune cells are not activated by immunization. They have the magical ability to recognize and react to the presence of pathogens, including cancer cells, by non-specific means. If you read the scientific literature, it is simply amazing how the innate immune response works and how effective it is in protecting us from...well just about everything.

Although we can activate the genetic immune system by vaccination, can we do the same with the innate or natural immune response? Apparently so.

Three years ago, a scientific study published in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences made the news throughout America. Theanine, an amino acid which is 50% of the dry weight of tea leaves, was found to prime a major component of our innate immune system, gamma delta T lymphocytes. Finally, a natural immune enhancer.

This article can be read online if you are interested.
Gamma delta T cells are a special population of immune cells that increase by 50 fold when we are confronted with bacteria, fungi and viruses. Theanine primes these lymphocytes so they can immediately respond if confronted with a bacterial, fungal or viral infection.

Interestingly, this study shows that drinking green or back tea increases immune reactivity to recall antigens. Recall antigens are simply bacterial, fungal or viral products to which we have been previously exposed. In the presence of theanine breakdown products, our immune system rapidly responds to these pathogens if we encounter them again. The faster our immune system reacts, the more protection it provides us. So drink your tea on a regular basis or take some theanine capsules, sold in health food stores.

In the last year, scientists found that this very same population of gamma delta T cells was much more important for our immunological well being than we previously recognized.

Gamma delta T cells, once activated or primed (by theanine?) can further activate our normal alpha beta T cells, CD4 and CD8 T cells which produce antibody and attack cancer and virally infected cells. These cells act like APC or antigen presenting cells, much like dendritic cells.

This study was published in the prestigious journal Science.
In the past, no one has ever linked the activation to our genetic immune response to innate immune responses. This study shows that both our immune responses are interrelated. If the gamma delta T cells of our innate immune response can be activated by metabolites of theanine from tea, these cells can further activate our genetic immune response, including the production of specific antibody and cellular immune responses against cancer cells, virally infected cells and other pathogens. And that ain't bad!!!

In a world paralyzed by fears of Bird Flu, cancer and other pathogens, it is important that we keep our immune systems primed. So learn to love tea or take theanine supplements.

Not everything in life has to be complicated.

About the Author/Author Bio
Dr. Stephen Martin is the Chief Scientist of Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest. Grouppe Kurosawa is dedicated to establishing Free treatment protocols for a host of acute and chronic diseases using only natural medicines, supplement products and generic drugs. http://www.grouppekurosawa.com
By Expert Author: Dr. Stephen Martin
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

What You Should Know About Green Tea

Know About Green Tea**Green tea, stopping certain neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer's, preventing and treating cancer, Article...

What You Should Know About Green Tea
There is much information about green tea that is important to know, especially in regards to your health and well-being. One of green tea's positive benefits is that it contains antioxidants. Antioxidants are chemicals that greatly reduce the rate of particular oxidation reactions in the body. This oxidation process can sometimes be carcinogenic and can release free radicals within your body. Free radicals can cause damage to your body's cells. Over time, this damage is irreversible and could lead to cancer.

Antioxidants are extremely important, and a diet containing polyphenol antioxidants, which green tea contains, is basically essential for the health of most mammals, and as well they are widely used as ingredients in dietary supplements that are used for health purposes such as preventing cancer and heart disease.

For thousands of years certain cultures have known about the medicinal value of green tea. The most prominent effect of this tea is that it benefits all five of the vital organs, especially that of the heart. Some of green tea's medicinal qualities include: easing the effects of alcohol, acting as a stimulant, curing blotchiness, quenching thirst, eliminating indigestion, curing beriberi disease, preventing fatigue, as well as improving urinary and brain function.

Green tea has also been considered to be useful for: cognition, stopping certain neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer's, preventing and treating cancer, treating arthritis, treating MS, preventing the degradation of cell membranes by neutralizing the spread of free radicals, increases fat oxidation, raises metabolism, lowers LDL cholesterol, preventing lowered T-cells due to HIV, and more. Recently, green tea is being used as a supplement to help people lose weight. Studies have shown that it is a glucose regulator, which means that it slows the rise in blood sugar following a meal.

The most recent notable research on the beneficial properties of green tea to human consumption and health is one that relates the delay of cancer onset with the consumption of green tea. What the study shows is that early stage breast cancer spreads less rapidly in women who have a history of drinking five or more cups of green tea a day, as compared to that who did not drink any green tea.

Considering all of the plentiful and various health benefits and medicinal purposes, it is important to learn about green tea and see if it can have some benefit for you. By acknowledging and understanding the available green tea information, you will be more aware of the positive effects of this product and perhaps be more intrigued to incorporate it and other health products into your diet.
About the Author/Author Bio
Daniel Lanicek is a health fanatic, weightlifter, and armchair nutritionist. He likes his green tea with jasmine and hint of honey. Learn more about the many benefits of green tea at The Green Tea Kettle.
By Expert Author: Daniel Lanicek
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/

The Advantages Of Green Tea

The Advantages Of Green Tea,tea leaves very good for you, since they are simply water plus phytochemicals and caffeine,Both green and black tea....

The Advantages Of Green Tea
Green tea has been enjoyed by the Chinese and Japanese cultures for thousands of years, yet it has not been until relatively recently that the rest of the world has discovered the joys of green tea. It is considered to be one of the most popular herbal supplements in the world. Green tea offers many nutritional benefits; such as its ability to help loss weight, lower cholesterol, increase immune function, and improve the cardiovascular system. The reason for green tea being so incredibly beneficial lies in the fact that the green tea leaf is rich in healthy antioxidants called catechin polyphenols.

The most powerful of these catechins is EGCG and it accounts for 10% to 50% of the total catechin content of green tea. The EGCG in green tea is beneficial for the heart and circulatory health and support of the body's natural resistance to cancer of the bladder, breast, colon, esophagus, lung, pancreas, prostate, skin and stomach. It is anywhere from 25 to 100 times more potent than vitamins C and E.

Tea made from tea leaves (as opposed to herbal teas) are very good for you, since they are simply water plus phytochemicals (of which catechin polyphenols are a part of) and caffeine, and very little else, unless of course you add sugar or another substance to it before drinking. Green tea contains about half of the amount of caffeine found in black tea and about a quarter of the amount of caffeine that is found in one regular cup of coffee making it a healthy drink you can consume at just about any time of the day.

Both green and black tea are derived from the same plant, yet black tea is fermented and therefore contains more caffeine, and green tea leaves are not fermented. Green tea leaves are also rich in fluorine and help to prevent dental decay by inhibiting the enzyme that causes plaque formation. Another important factor is that people generally consider green tea to cause less nervousness and anxiety than that of black tea, probably due to the lower levels of caffeine.

Overall, it is not hard to see why green tea is so respected; its plentiful beneficial nutrients and other properties are nothing but positive, and can be beneficial to one's health in more than several ways. This article is just the tip of the iceberg of the many great qualities of green tea. You owe it to yourself to learn more about this tasty and healthy drink.
About the Author/Author Bio
Daniel Lanicek is a health fanatic, weightlifter, and armchair nutritionist. He likes his green tea with jasmine and hint of honey. Learn more about the many benefits of green tea at www.greenteakettle.com .
By Expert Author: Daniel Lanicek
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Loose Teas: A Magic Elixir?,Article

loose teas-has significant benefit to the health of prostate glands, bones, skin, teeth and gums, weight loss, teas-black, green and white-developed and published by medical organizations,

Loose Teas: A Magic Elixir?
Though they may not be magic elixirs, the hard data on the benefit of loose teas-black, green and white-developed and published by medical organizations, research institutes and laboratories, certainly suggests that the consumption of these products may indeed have wide-ranging medical benefits.

In recent years a number of major clinical and laboratory studies in the United States and abroad have shown that tea consumption-especially of loose teas-has significant benefit to the health of prostate glands, bones, skin, teeth and gums, hearts, help block allergic responses, boost metabolisms and aid in weight loss, delay the onset of diabetes and protect against Parkinson? Disease-the list goes on and on. For example . . .

In a recent California study reported in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers found the presence of tea polyphenols and theaflavins in the prostate glands of test subjects who ingested black and green teas, and noted that cancer cell proliferation was less when samples were grown in media with serum taken from these subjects. Papers presented at the American Institute for Cancer Research/WCRF International Research Conference on Food, Nutrition and Cancer (July, 2005), established new evidence of links between green tea compounds and cancer prevention that include: diffusing cancer-causing proteins found throughout the body; preventing prostate cell proliferation; slowing the growth of breast tumors; and causing cell death in lymphoma cells.

A study conducted in China and reported on in the International Journal of Cancer found that consumption of green tea was associated with a 41 percent reduction in risk for stomach cancer. University of Arizona researchers found that smokers who drank four cups of green tea daily for four months showed a marked decrease in cell damage caused by smoking. The National Cancer Institute found in animal tests that catechins in green tea deactivated oxidants before cell damage could occur, inhibited cancer cell growth and reduced the size and number of tumors. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also reported that seniors in Japan who drank one or more cups of green tea per day were significantly less likely than those who drank less tea to show cognitive and memory problems.

Black tea consumption was shown to provide benefit to teeth and gums in a recent Chicago College of Dentistry study. Subjects who rinsed with black tea multiple times daily were shown to have reduced plaque build-up compared to those who rinsed with water. At the Harvard Medical School a study of 340 people who had suffered from heart attacks found that those who drank at least one cup of black tea per day reduced their chance of repeated heart attacks by 44 percent, when compared to non-tea drinkers. A Boston University study indicated that black tea drinking helps prevent narrowed or clogged arteries that lead to heart disease or stroke.

White teas too have been shown to provide significant health benefits. Made from immature tea leaves and undergoing less processing than black or green teas, white tea contain more polyphenols, the cancer-fighting antioxidant, than other teas. At Pace University research has shown that white tea extract may help retard the growth of bacteria that cause staphylococcus infections, pneumonia and dental cavities. Researchers say that white tea may actually destroy the disease-causing organisms, while green tea only stimulates the immune system to fight disease.

+Scientists also say that compounds in white tea are effective in enhancing skin cells"immune functions and protecting the skin from harmful effects of the sun. Elma Barton, the Director of the Skin Study Center at University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University reported that "We found the application of white tea extract protects critical elements of the skin?€s immune system. Similar to the way oxidation causes a car to rust, oxidative stress of the skin causes a breakdown in cellular strength and function. The white tea extract protects against this stress. This study further demonstrates the importance of researching how plant products can actually protect the skin."

The evidence is compelling. From formal studies to anecdotal reports, the facts do more than just suggest that loose black, green and white teas offer significant medical benefits and can offer relief and protection from a host of ailments.
About the Author/Author Bio
Cory Lambert, President of Tools Of Nature. We offer you the highest quality loose teas and herbs to help you live a healthier life. http://www.toolofnature.com
By Expert Author: Cory Lambert
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Should you Drink Caffeine Free Green Tea, Green Tea for Fat Burning and Overall Health

Drink Caffeine Free Green Tea**As with any other type of tea, green tea naturally contains caffeine., health and fat burning benefits that seek to be healthier while loosing a few pounds....

Should you Drink Caffeine Free Green Tea
A tea isn't completely devoid of the extra kick if it states that it is caffeine free. Not all of the caffeine can be taken out by the decaffeinating process only most of it. As with any other type of tea, green tea naturally contains caffeine. It is a relatively easy process to remove the caffeine from your tea, but there is a little more to it than you might think.

Green Tea for Fat Burning and Overall Health
Although Chinese medicine has been administering herbal remedies for thousands of years it is only today that the western culture is now becoming more and more aware of the benefits of these herbal products. Many of these herbal products are so popular that Oprah Winfrey has even endorsed the herb know as green tea. Green tea concentrate is known for its many health and fat burning benefits so this is good news for all that seek to be healthier while loosing a few pounds.

Green tea concentrate has all of the benefits of the most popular green tea beverage, which is consumed all around the world, but is now available in a convenient pill and concentrated liquid. Green Tea has been known as a healing tea. It can also help you feel energized and more importantly it can help you burn fat. Concentrated green tea extract when added to any diet plan can help you achieve the fat reduction results you want more quickly.

Since ephedra has been taken off the market, many have been searching for a supplement that could aid and assist them to get the fat burning process going. Some people did see good results with ephedra but do to there being many substitutes being marketed as ephedra it has been take off the market, probably for good. Remember the purpose of taking any kind of supplement is to maintain a healthy lifestyle so it would not be smart to take a product which has been taken off the market for being unsafe even if you can obtain it through other means.

One of the obvious benefits that ephedra offered was the increase in energy. Also the thermogenic properties of the product offered great results for burning fat. And although it acted as a stimulant you were still able to get a great night sleep.

When we look at the benefits of green tea extract we can see that it is safe and it is just as effective as ephedra products It does provide you with the added energy without the gitters that ephedra could sometimes cause. Green tea concentrate also will assist in burning fat. Plus the added anti oxidant benefits of being high in polyphenols. Green tea extract has been shown to be 40 times stronger when compared to the anti-oxidant vitamin E. Therefore green tea extract offers all the benefits of ephedra and more. I would highly recommend the green tea extract to anyone because of the overall health benefit it provides.
About the Author/Author Bio
This article has been brought to you by Douglas Alp from MyCompletelife.com. Douglas is in pursuit of the complete life which beings with optimal health at the core and is the foundation for a great abundant life. You can visit his site at www.mycompletelife.com to find other great resources and sign up for your free newsletter to assist you to building a healthy and vibrant body and mind in pursuit of your complete life.
By Expert Author: Tom G. Antion
By Expert Author: Douglas Alp
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Caffeinated or Decaffeinated?

The health benefit of green tea generally outweigh the negatives, a warm cup of green tea that is caffeine free it is a no-win situation.....

Caffeinated or Decaffeinated?
Start off with some background. The well-known black tea, oolong tea, green tea and white tea are just a few of several types of tea. The most caffeine is found in black tea, while green tea is in the middle and white tea has the least. Coffee contains more caffeine than tea. One half or a third of the caffeine in coffee is found in a cup of tea.

It is rather surprising when you consider some general facts about tea plants. Caffeine will be stronger the smaller the tea leaf. A higher caffeine content is also in the tea leaves that are fermented longer. However, according to some sources the health benefits of green tea is ruined by the decaffeination process. So while you may be able to find comfort in a warm cup of green tea that is caffeine free it is a no-win situation.

You will want caffeine free if you have a problem with caffeine. Caffeine green tea is not completely devoid of caffeine, so you should keep this in mind if you have a severe reaction to any amount of caffeine. Which means you should probably stay away from teas altogether.

If you can even drink caffeine free green tea then herbal infusions may be an option. These do not contain any tea whatsoever despite the being mislabeled as teas. Herbs or flowers are often contained in these products and can be brewed in tea bags or balls just like teas. Chamomile is an example of the alternate ingredients included in herbal infusion which is a type of flower.

Caffeine green tea is a great choice if you are trying to limit your caffeine intake. The health benefit of green tea generally outweigh the negatives of a little bit of caffeine when you look at the big picture.
About the Author/Author Bio
Tom Antion is the writer of green tea . He also writes on Green Tea Diet and green tea products.
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/