A Beautiful Brew

Water has long been viewed as liquid nutritional gold: the benefits are many: zero calories, increased energy and hydration. All of which it has been suggested will deliver us to the promised land of beauty, clear thinking and a fabulous life. However, tea may be poised to assume the crown. There is some evidence that tea may help to decrease the risk of ovarian and prostate cancer and to lower one’s risk of heart disease.

There is also research to suggest that there is a ying-yang effect to tea: the theanine found in tea may relax our minds, while the caffeine level may simultaneously keep us focused.

Photography Credit via Pinterest

Anything that even remotely promises to release me from my Patience Phllips/Catwoman existence (cool and collected one moment, stalking and energetic the next) has my attention. Yet, for every study that praises the health benefits of tea, there will be another that questions the findings. So what to believe? Well, we’re 21st century women and we know longer believe the earth is flat. By now we do have some understanding of the benefits of antioxidants. Green, black and oolong teas (derived from the Camillia sinensis bush) contain polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. Compared to a cola or latté, tea just logically seems healthier. Some scientists suggest that green and white tea, which do not undergo oxidation after harvesting, contain higher amounts of antioxidants and may provide the nutritional edge. In order to get the full benefits, research suggests three or more cups a day.