September 14, 2023
Tea & Health: the virtues of each tea family
Over 4000 years ago Sheng Nong discovered that tea has the power to both stimulate and detoxify, man had gradually lost interest in its medicinal properties. If the stimulant, diuretic and antibacterial properties of tea have long been recognized by Chinese medicine, it is only recently that its benefits have been confirmed by modern science. Today, unlike the Taoists of old, we do not consider tea as an elixir of immortality or as a drink with mystical powers. However, there is no longer any doubt that its virtues contribute to our longevity by stimulating the functions of the heart, strengthening the immune system and preventing cell mutations.
Whichever tea family you prefer, you can rest assured that each of them will offer various benefits. Find out what they are here:
Refreshing, thirst quenching white tea in China is particularly consumed during the summer. According to Chinese medicine, it balances excess heat and mitigates the effects of menopause.
New amateur of white tea? We suggest Bai Hao Yin Zhen.
According to recent studies, some green teas contains a higher amount of polyphenols than other families of tea, which has made it very popular in the West in recent years. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, green tea can prevent some forms of cancer. Equally reknowned as an aide to concentration, green tea contains more iron, vitamins and catechins than black tea. The drying necessary to obtain a green tea helps increase the polyphenol content of leaves
Are you looking to boost your antioxidants? Try out Sencha Mobata.
Steady consumption (8 grams per day) of Oolong causes weight loss by improving lipid metabolism. Its relaxing effect, anti-stress, even euphoria, is due to the high concentration of aromatic oils that are exuded from the leaves during rolling
Hugo Americi has a soft spot for the Ali Shan wulong.
The enzymatic oxidation experienced by the leaves during the processing of black tea converts some of the catechins into theaflavin and thearubigins. Caffeine in black tea is released more quickly into the bloodstream, over a shorter period than that of green tea, the oxidation partially separating the tannins. Due to this, black tea acts as a more physical stimulant than green tea. Surprisingly we now find that some black teas are rich in antioxidants.
Bet you didn't know that Kevin Gascoyne drinks about ten Darjeeling cups every morning. Well, he does. Get the facts on black tea with the Darjeeling 1st flush classic Singell DJ-19.
Because of its properties, Aged tea has long been used as a food supplement by several tribes and nomadic populations living in remote areas. As these people ate mostly high fat yak meat, tea allowed them to balance their diet by fighting against fat. Today we recognize the cleansing virtues of Aged tea which helps to regulate the body and aid digestion. Aged tea also helps to remove cholesterol.
Feeling curious? Try out the Thai Pu Er 2006 Hong Tai Cha: a more obscure terroir product.
