Tea is Good For Your Bones

12/07/07

Tea's reputation for promoting good health has been well established in many countries, especially Japan, China, India, and England. As research continues to support what these countries have known for centuries, interest in tea has been steadily increasing.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer properties of polyphenols (anti-oxidants) found in green, black and oolong teas. Other studies have suggested that the polyphenols in tea may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

A recent study published in the October, 2007 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicated that tea is even more beneficial for older women. In this study, the University of Western Australia randomly selected 1500 women, 70-85 years of age, to participate in a 5 year prospective trial, during which researchers examined the relationship of tea consumption with hip structure.

A specialized x-ray technique was used to measure BMD (bone mineral density) in the first and fifth years. Researchers determined that total BMD in the hip was close to 3 percent higher in tea drinkers than non-tea drinkers. The tea drinkers lost an average of 1.6 percent of their BMD over 4 years, but non-tea drinkers lost an average of 4 percent.

The researchers' conclusion was, "Tea drinking is associated with preservation of hip structure in elderly women. This finding provides further evidence of the beneficial effects of tea consumption on the skeleton."

Which Tea is Best?
Most research has been done on green teas, assuming that the fermentation process diminished the health benefits of black tea. However, recent studies indicate that black tea is not inferior to green tea. Both contain polyphenols. Although they differ in chemical structure, they both have the same health benefits.

Many tea drinkers prefer oolong tea over green or black, because of its unique flavor. It is generally considered more palatable than green tea because it is less leafy tasting. Oolong tea is also high in polyphenols, even more than fully fermented black tea. Research also indicates that regular consumption of oolong tea contributes to enhancing the function of fat metabolism and to controlling obesity.

Decaffeinated tea loses some of its polyphenols, therefore, it is unlikely that they have the same health benefits as caffeinated tea. Herbal teas are generally a blend of leaves, flowers, seeds and/or roots from plants, so they are not considered "real tea." However, some delightful and healthy teas are made from a blend of "real tea" and other plants, flowers, herbs, etc. Jasmine tea is a blend of Chinese tea and Jasmine. Earl Grey tea is black tea blended with bergamot.

While traditional herbal teas do not have the same health benefits as the "real teas", they do offer some medicinal benefit. Raspberry tea eases diarrhea and is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Dandelion tea is an effective diuretic and it also stimulates and cleanses the liver. Red Clover tea is recognized as a detoxification tea or "blood cleanser." And Chamomile tea is well known for its relaxing properties and is great for calming an upset stomach.

All things considered, it might be wise to make your next coffee break a tea break and start reaping the many benefits of nature’s amazing "wonder drug."

Be well,
Medicine Plants™

Health Disclaimer! The information presented on this site should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. You should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to your health and well-being. The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the authors, but readers who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

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