Shown to be high in Antioxidants, 8 – 10 times more than fruit and vegetables. Antioxidants scavenge for cell-damaging free radicals in the body and detoxify them, hence blocking DNA damage i.e. preventing oxidation. Hence found to be of benefit by boosting metabolism to aid with weight loss, block allergic response, slow the growth of tumors, protect bones, fight bad breath, improve skin as well as below:
Reduced risk of stroke: A long term study by the Netherlands Institute of Public Health and the Environment found due to teas high levels of flavonoids it showed a reduction in LDL levels, and improved functioning of the blood vessels. In a separate study Dr Joseph Vita at Boston’s School of Medicine supported these results and a study of over 3000 people in Saudi Arabia showed that black tea reduced the risk of heart disease by 50%.
Relieve Stress: University College of London researchers found that people de-stressed quicker when drinking black tea. They also found they had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood after a stressful event compared to control subjects.
Diabetes: A study by researchers from Dundee University and the Scottish Crop Research Institute found that natural chemicals within black tea mimic insulins effects in the body and help protect against diabetes.
Gum Disease: The study above also found that the polyphenols within black tea inhibited an enzyme (glucosyltransferase) produced by the bacteria, preventing the formation of the matrix material by which dental plaque adheres to tooth surfaces, as well as causing differing bacteria to lose the ability to aggregate.
It too has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels by 20 – 59%, while HDL was increased from 7% up to an amazing 83% making it beneficial for prevention of stroke and heart disease.
The bergamot oil mixed with the Camelia tea has it’s own benefits i.e. the ability to decrease the formation of scar tissue in injured arteries. This action is believed to be due to the antioxidants within the oil. Research published in the British Journal of Pharmacology 2007 showed it decrease the level of damaged neurons, making it neuroprotective and beneficial for many nervous system conditions.
Research published in the Journal of Natural Products in 2009 showed that bergamot carries a subdivision of HMG-CoA reductase which is believed to work similarly to statin drugs and decrease the amount of cholesterol produced in liver cells.
All in all fantastic news for tea drinkers!!
