Ceylon Tea: Black Teas, Organic Tea And Antioxidants

Drink to your health—have tea. The world's largest population of tea drinkers are from Japan and China. These countries have fewer sicknesses than that of the Western world, including heart disease and certain types of fatal cancers. Tea drinking in China dates back more than 5,000 years, however in more recent years there have been studies pinpointing the benefits of ceylon tea and green tea.

The most important aspect of these findings discovers tea's high percentage of antioxidants help stave off disease and illness. Powerful antioxidants found in ceylon black tea and green organic teas are called polyphenols. They work to eliminate harmful bacteria from the human body. In fact, the presence of polyphenol antioxidants is the greatest benefit of organic green tea and ceylon tea. There are ten times more antioxidants in black ceylon Tea and green tea than in fruits and vegetables, according to John Weisburger, PhD, a researcher at the Institute for Cancer Prevention.

The National Cancer Institute conducted a study of antioxidants found in ceylon tea. The findings concluded these antioxidants could reduce cancer growth in laboratory studies using animals. A study focusing on liver, skin and stomach cancer showed tumors decreased in mice when they were given green and black tea.

Black tea and green organic teas are grown from the tea plant Camellia sinensis. Black tea is grown in Sri Lanka, which was once known as ceylon, a common name for black tea. The most common brands of ceylon tea are Lipton and Sir Winston tea. At one time, ceylon tea was chief among consumers when given the choice between green and ceylon tea. In recent years, the trend toward consumers purchasing organic products has increased the demand for the green organic teas, which is processed differently than ceylon tea.

Ceylon tea leaves are fermented in their processing. This process does not decrease the necessary, beneficial antioxidants in ceylon tea. Adversely, green tea leaves are steamed when they are processed. Without the chemical processing associated with fertilizers and pesticides, green tea has the distinction of being considered organic tea. This organic process leads to healthier options for consumers. In India, the Seeyok farms produce Green Darjeeling organic tea with an enriching flavor that is not only organic, but also savory. This certified organic teas in India is nurtured by using natural solutions instead of chemical processes.

The Green Darjeeling organic tea company recommends their organic tea be consumed at least eight to 10 cups per day. Starting with tea at breakfast with two or three cups, and continuing throughout the day can be beneficial in slowing the aging process, according to the Green Darjeeling organic tea company.

The studies of Ceylon tea and the antioxidant components are forthcoming. All evidence points to beneficial effects. A small study conducted by the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University suggests drinking ceylon tea can reduce the chances of skin cancer. The study claims tea extracts applied directly to the skin can also block sun damage.

Scientists continue to study the effects of cultural differences and lifestyle variations between the Chinese and Western world, in terms of beneficial effects of black tea in dietary consumption. It appears Chinese tea drinkers benefit more than Western drinkers, but the facts are clear; tea has greater benefits than soda, and even water. Drink up.


Sources:

"Antioxidants in Tea and Cancer Prevention." About. 2007. 7 Sept. 2007. http://healing.about.com/od/cancer/a/teaandcancer. htm.

Davis, Jeanie Lerche. "Antioxidants in Green and Black Tea." WebMD. 5 May. 2005. 7 Sept. 2007. http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/antioxi dants-in-green-and-black-tea.

"Organic Green Tea." Health and Yoga. 2006. 7 Sept. 2007. http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/product/organict ea.html.