Inside Tea

These cases should drink tea

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:34:00 -0700

1. After waking up, drink a cup of tea frugal

Because the body after a long night spent considerable amounts of water, a cup of tea in the morning frugal, not only timely but also replenish the water can lower blood pressure. Especially the elderly, after waking up in the morning, drink a cup of tea frugal, would be beneficial to health. The reason frugal tea, is to avoid stomach lining membrane damage.

2. After eating oily drink tea

Albumin substances in greasy foods are often very rich, slow digestion time of about four hours, so after eating will not feel hungry. Food existed too long in the stomach, will make us feel thirsty. Now drinking tea is beneficial to quickly bring food into the intestines, making your stomach more comfortable. Drink tea hot and not too much, otherwise will dilute the gastric juice, affecting digestion.

3. After eating salty to drink tea

Eating salt is not good for your health, so quick to drink tea diuretic, excrete excess salt. Drinking tea, especially green tea catechins have high concentrations, can inhibit the formation of substances that lead to cancer, enhance immunity.

4. After sweating it out for tea

Labor, health and fitness than working in high temperatures releases enormous amounts of sweat, this tea can quickly replenish the water body, reducing the concentration of the blood and the pain of muscle meat, gradually eliminating fatigue.

5. Working in the context of radiation should drink tea

Mining workers, nurses physicians working in the X-ray department, who work regularly at a computer or watching television in a long time and those who do not drink tea with the copier. Because the more or less work on radiation effects, tea is effective against certain radiation, drinking tea regularly is beneficial in protection.

6. Those who work late night and intellectual labor should drink tea

The tea is caffeine, which helps to awake, so writers, scholars and mental activity at night to drink tea, will benefit the act of thinking, enhance memory, improve efficiency the job.

7. Singer and presenter should drink tea

Working for a long time with his throat, so click the sip of tea to support the throat and larynx, can also be hoarseness prevention and occurrence of angina.

8. Smokers should drink tea

Smokers should drink tea regularly, there are four major benefits:

(1) Reduce the risk of cancer due to smoking: Content of catechins in tea may inhibit the quality Freeradical caused by tobacco, prevent tumor

(2) may reduce radiation pollution from smoking: Quality and lipoxygenase catechins in tea may reduce the harm of radiation on the human body, have a protective effect on hematopoietic function. The results of these experiments was found that tea to treat mild radiation by radiation causing its performance reaches 90%.

(3) Prevention of transparent internal obstacles arising from smoking: Smoking is the major enemy in the eye damage, promote transparency internal obstacles arise. Carrotere tea many times higher than vegetables and fruits generally, Carrotere not only work to prevent stumbling and transparent internal eye protection, and can even prevent cancer, detoxification of tobacco.

(4) vitamin C supplementation consumed as Smokers: Vitamin C in plentiful tea, especially green tea, green tea smokers can absorb the appropriate amount of vitamin C, especially if you persevere green tea, it is possible to supplement vitamin C deficiency caused by smoking, maintaining a balanced state, excluding Freeradical quality, increase the resistance of the body.

9. People with diabetes should regularly drink tea

Symptoms of diabetes is high blood sugar, increased thirst, loss of power. Drinking tea can lower blood glucose effectively, work drinks and increase stamina. Patients usually drink green tea, can gradually increase the amount of tea and a few mixed drinks several times a day.

10. When removing the stomach (diarrhea) to drink tea

Remove the stomach is very easy to make the body dehydrated, drink lots of tea, a mixture of chemicals in tea can irritate the stomach lining membrane, which absorbs water faster than normal drinking water, to quickly add amount of water needed for the body

Drinking tea enhances thinking ability

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 22:06:00 -0700

Drinking tea regularly may well influence the thinking abilities of a healthy person. That is the assertion of British scientists and the Netherlands to study the effects of these beverages to the brain.

In the study by British scientists and the Netherlands with the participation of 44 volunteers aged 40 or older, divided into two groups. Group 1 coffein 50mg used in combination with amino acids in tea is an L-thianin. Group 2 received a placebo (placebo). The scientists conducted various lessons: volunteers to explain the rapid visual information, regardless of word and click to select the correct answer and so quickly.

Drinking green tea has a positive effect to the brain.

The results showed that volunteers who drank tea with the concentration of L-thianin and coffein solving exercise is much better than those taking placebo only. In this case, clear tea has a positive effect on the brain.

It not only enhances the thinking of the study participants that reduce both fatigue and increase vigilance against a complex situation.

Thus, researchers have discovered a few more properties of tea's health benefits.

Previously scientists have demonstrated the ability of these beverages is to reduce the risk of cancer, reduce heart disease and paralysis shaking (Parkinson). There are also reports that the tea in 10 years, it can increase the density of bone tissue, causing bones from osteoporosis, brittle fracture. Some medical experts say, a cup of tea a day can prolong life.

Drinking Green tea is beneficial for the circulatory system

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 22:04:00 -0700

Drinking green tea rapidly improves endothelial function of cells of the circulatory system.

Tea (or tea) are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Dilatation depends on the flow (Flux-mediated Dilatation - FMD) of brachial artery is related to endothelial function and coronary arteries is a predictor of cardiovascular risk.

A group of Greek researchers followed 14 healthy people (average age 30) and no cardiovascular risk factors.

At three different times, they have consumed 6 grams of green tea, and 125mg caffeine (or the equivalent of 6 grams of tea), and finally hot water.

The researchers measured the FMD of the brachial artery significantly increased with green tea, with a peak of 3.69% increase after 30 minutes. This is not seen with caffeine (1.72% after 30 minutes) or with hot water.

Nilolas Dr. Alexopoulos and colleagues at the University of Athens Medical said, this is the first time we demonstrate that the consumption of green tea have a positive short-term effects on the large arteries.

A previous study results have shown that green tea to allow recovery of endothelial dysfunction in smokers.

The researchers explained that green tea is oxidized less during processing. Just as black chocolate and red wine, the nature of the cardiovascular benefits of tea are attributed to the flavonoides and antioxidant capacity of them. The development of scientists have important implications clinically.

The consumption of tea is said to significantly reduce the rate for the disease and cardiovascular mortality in many studies.

11 benefits of camomile tea

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:51:00 -0700

Roman chamomile has long been the ancient Egyptians as a medicine for all illnesses. Herbal tea you have been using for hundreds of years with many great benefits to health

Treatment of stomach pains

Camomile tea is good friend of the stomach. Type this chrysanthemum contain anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic so strong spasms of the stomach and intestines is very effective.

Take a cup of tea in a way that the instructions on the packaging and drink twice a day morning and evening when encountering these symptoms. Chamomile tea is often blended with peppermint to aid digestion.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Roman chamomile reduces spasms, intestinal cramps and gas treatment.

A cup of camomile tea will help reduce irritated bowel syndrome, nausea and abdominal pain caused by a virus.

Migraine treatment

When symptoms of migraine, please use a cup of tea, chrysanthemum and is best used early, before the condition becomes severe.

Burns and scratches

Solid phase chrysanthemum tea used to treat burns and scratches: Phase 3 packets of tea with a bowl of boiling water. When cold water, towel dipped in and towels to cover the injured area.

The Egyptians, Romans and Greeks often use these buttons to cover up the wounds heal quickly. In one study, the mice were given drinking water with camomile often heal more quickly. Chamomile oil is very effective for treating severe burns. Apply a little light oil on the burned area buttons once a day.

Lighten Skin

For a more radiant skin, boil two camomile tea package with two liters of water and then use that water for inhalation side.Bathing in water with chamomile tea also gives the same effect.

Reduce dark circles under eyes

Dip two camomile tea bags in warm water for 5 minutes, then remove and allow to cool under room temperature and then apply on the eyes at night. Chrysanthemum tea can help reduce eye fatigue and dark circles.

Helps you sleep

The most common benefits of this drink as sleep aids. It is known properties help the body feel relaxed, calm and generally easy to drink before bed to get a relaxed sleep.

Treatment of cramps during menstrual periods

The ancient Egyptians used camomile or to treat cramps during menstruation. One study found drinking camomile tea increases the amount of glycine (a compound that reduces muscle contraction) in the urine. Scientists believe this is why tea camomile may help relieve symptoms.

Anti-cold

Camomile have increased resistance properties and helps fight colds thanks to its antibacterial properties.

Control diabetes

The scientists also looked at the benefits of camomile tea in controlling diabetes. A study in pharmacy, University of Toyama, Japan has shown that the camomile tea every day helps to prevent the phenomenon of excessive high blood sugar and the complications of diabetes.

Cancer

Many studies show that camomile can prevent the development of a number of different cancer cells.

Things to note when using camomile tea:

- People who are allergic to camomile, even the Chrysanthemum flower should be careful when using this tea.

- Avoid using camomile tea during pregnancy because it can stimulate the uterus increases the risk of miscarriage.

- People with bleeding disorders or are taking anticoagulants is not recommended as chamomile tea containing coumarin compounds increases the risk of bleeding.

- Camomile tea also cause drowsiness should note use while driving or operating machinery. Drink in high doses can cause vomiting and skin reactions for many people.

The benefits of Green tea

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 00:11:00 -0700

There are three types of tea: black tea (or red tea), green tea and white tea. All teas are from the same tree by Carmellia sinensis, but differ on how processed

Red tea (red tea) that the west-called black tea made from tea leaves has a forward-lasting oxidation process to change the color and flavor change. The main progress has been made of tea-the loss of a polyphenol compound with antioxidant good for health

Green tea made from tea leaves are steamed and then lightly steam rolling and drying. Thanks to this turning-processing of green tea are still kept high in antioxidant polyphenol

White tea made from tea leaves at least the variable-processing should contain more polyphenols than green tea. A pale tea color of water with the gentle elegance

In the three teas in green tea is most favored people-we-do for the following reasons;

To reduce the risk of cancer

Green tea contains many antioxidants-the-work-content of polyphenol inhibits the development of cell-cancer-cancer-cells. Many study-showed that people who drink green tea regularly may be less risk-risk breast-cancer, stomach, throat, colon and / or money-list-online

Soothe the skin

Green tea is a natural drug-de-identical course, reduce itching, anti-justified.

Green tea also reduces cancer risk-ro-skin cancer caused by sunlight. Study-showed that the risk of skin cancer who drank tea regularly reduced to 20-30 percent compared with non-tea drinkers. Special-chemical antioxidant EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) to remove burned skin when exposed to bright sunlight-e-outside.

Keep-blood pressure did not change

Quality antioxidant EGCG in green tea can keep the blood vessel constriction and therefore blood pressure has not changed-people just drink half a cup of tea a day can have 50% body-may keep blood pressure normal- People are often afraid to not drink tea

Protects memory

Green tea helps mental alertness. A drink at least two cups of green tea a day have less exposure to risk-return-receipt-way constraints than non-tea drinkers. The reason is the large quantities of antioxidant to prevent free radical damage-due-to the international economic mind-brain-cells

Helps to keep youthful look

Green Tea prevents the creation of animal-to-sub-cells in the blood vessels so the risk-risk of heart disease and stroke reduction, life expectancy increased student-hoc and more abundant life-force.

Drink approximately 10 ounces of tea a day will prevent the interest-income-to fats and cholesterol clog arteries east-

Weight loss

Green tea has accelerated progress in the calorie-burning muscle-able.

Tea increases the chance of living a heart attack

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 9 Sep 2011 23:56:00 -0700

Tea may protect the body from disease myocardial infarction.

New research shows that people who drink tea for survival after a heart attack than those without crushing it. Drink 19 cups of tea per week were 44% lower risk of death. This effect is due to antioxidants in tea offers.

The disciples of tea (either black tea or green tea, hot tea or iced tea) are less likely to die within 3-4 years after a heart attack than those who prefer other beverages. This conclusion is of American scientists came after research conducted on 1,900 patients aged 60 suffered a heart attack. They were followed within four years, starting about 4 days after stroke above and divided into three groups:

- Group 1: Do not drink tea.

- Group 2: moderate amounts of tea (less than 14 cups / week for a year before his heart attack).

- Group 3: Drink a lot (more than 14 cups / week).

Statistics show that patients of group 2 used 2 cups / week, while those of group 3 used 19 cups / week. After nearly four years, 313 study participants died (mainly due to cardiovascular disease). The authors found that patients drink plenty of tea as the risk of death within four years after a heart attack as low risk of death decreased 28% among moderate tea drinkers and 44% in the group drink more tea.

According to the authors, can be a big food flavonoids (major component of tea) had reduced the risk of coronary heart disease and risk of death in people with cardiovascular disease. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants found in foods of plant origin such as apples, onions and broccoli ...

Tea an herbal magic of nature

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 9 Sep 2011 23:25:00 -0700

Tea tree has the scientific name is Camellia sinensis plant leaves and buds that are used to produce tea Camellia sinensis is native to parts of Asia, but now widely planted in many parts of the world in the area tropics and subtropics.Apart from India and China today tea is grown mostly in Sri Lanka and Kenya.

Green tea is good year round, with white flowers, possibly tens of meters high, but the farms are trimmed to two meters lower than the second means. Tea seeds can be pressed for oil. Tea leaves about 2.5 to 4 cm long and 2-5cm wide from younger leaves and pale green leaves are harvested to produce tea of the leaves below the surface while the silk short white hairs. The old leaves are dark green. The different age of the tea leaves to create different products for quality by the chemical composition of the different leaves.

Drink tea is available on almost every country in the world, not only because tea is a common beverage, but
also nutrition for health and prevent many dangerous diseases

Tea is prepared by soaking the leaves, buds, or twigs of the tea plant Camellia sinensis in boiling water for several minutes. Processed, there are often many different names and types of tea: Fresh tea, tea leaves, tea, dolls, tea powder, tea powder, tea plants, tea leaves of different types of fermentation (oxidation) as green tea, black tea , oolong, white tea, red tea. When chilled to taste tea scented flower called lotus flowers as tea (scented with lotus flowers), jasmine tea

Tea is a source of caffeine, theophylline and antioxidant (antioxidant) natural, but it has almost no fat, carbohydrate, or protein. It has the cool, bitter, and tie

Some teas are often used

Green tea (green tea) also known as green tea, selected tea leaves picked from the young, after having dried tea is not fermented. Because green tea is not fermented tea should be kept in minerals and elements beneficial to health such polyphenol extract contains 30-40% in water. Green tea is said to contain anti-cancer elements and a high amount of vitamin C

Black tea (black tea) also known as red tea, scented specially strong fermentation as long as several hours. Tea keeps the flavor but is black. Black tea contains 30-10% polyphenols and tea which is popular western (Lipton)

Oolong (Oolong tea) are two types of black tea and green tea.Tea leaves and buds after harvest is dried, crumpled and then incubated in a short time thanks to the sale of the production process of fermentation. The amount of polyphenol in oolong has many health benefits.

White tea (white tea) is the most pure teas. Young tea leaves after harvesting of the right to appeal against the fermentation and drying. When mixed with white tea, so called white tea.The tea flavonoids (substances with anti-cancer effects) than other teas.

The benefits of drinking tea

Tea is not only a drink and common values that the old drug policy is also an herbal tea to help increase alertness, relieve pain, help fatigue, increase energy, strengthen the energy, the recovery vision. The study of ancient China, Japan, South Korea see tea as a "spiritual drug" of folk, tea can "re-aging complete the" longevity.

Today's research shows that tea may benefit human health as follows:

- Increase the immunity

- Lower bad cholesterol (LDL)

- Increase good cholesterol (HDL)

- Regulation of blood sugar

- Reducing blood pressure

- Helps to treat cardiovascular disorders

- Reduce the risk of stroke

- Reduce the likelihood of cancer

- Increasing life expectancy

- Increased memory

- Helps digestion and weight loss

- Sterilization, disinfection ...

Moreover tea also has a prevention against diseases such

- To prevent tooth decay, gum disease prevention

- Skin Protection

- Anti arthritis

- Preventing the flu

- Anti-clotting

- Preventing Diabetes

- Preventing skin cancer, lung, esophagus, stomach, intestines ...

The reason tea has the benefits of health protection and prevention of such diseases is due to the following major components of tea:

1. polyphenols

2. vitamins and minerals

3. Caffeine

In the components above, catechin - a kind of antioxidant polyphenols - the most notable is .. The highest concentration of catechins in green tea and white tea, and descending from oolong to black tea, depending on fermentation time during processing. Catechins have antioxidant properties and is the main substance helps the body fight diseases such as cancer, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, food poisoning.

Polyphenol content of tea depends much on the same tea growing areas, crop harvesting, high-intensity lighting and how to prepare the tea There are four primary polyphenols in tea, which is epigallocatechin gallate ( EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin (ECG) and epicatechin (EC).

Conclusion

Few of us today are aware that drinking the tea rich applications and benefits of a plant commonly found in gardens, a popular drink so many in our country as well as a large part of Asia . The old engine, even less than I make in scientific knowledge about tea, tea leaves, but the more detail we knew a lot of ways to enjoy tea.

However tea also be careful because sometimes the side effects. Such as teas containing substances (tannin) if drinking more can cause reactions in the intestine, reduced absorption of calcium and iron. Also drink lots of tea do for insomnia because caffeine in tea stimulate the nerve.

Green tea is good for health like?

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 9 Sep 2011 23:01:00 -0700

Green tea is naturally good for our bodies because of the antioxidant and destroy free radicals. Many studies have shown the benefits of green tea, including the ability to prevent cancer and weight loss

However, green tea is not only a tasty beverage and healthy but also cure foster beauty and preserve the house smelling clean.

1 - Green tea helps with puffy red eyes were justified. The night before you wake too late u? You take just a small cotton ball dipped in tea and apply on the eyes as long as 10 minutes. Green tea will make your eyes tired, your pulse and look healthy, versatile, and as often

2 - Green Tea cool the skin makes the sun too long you were right? If so please take advantage of the properties of green tea to soothe sunburned skin cool. You just pour tea into a spray bottle and sit up sunburned skin. Because green tea also has de-bacterial properties of green tea can also be used as a disinfectant was applied on the skin or itching scratches.

3 - Green tea is good for teeth. Fluoride in green tea helps protect teeth and gums. Green tea also be used as a mouthwash to keep breath smelling

4 - Green tea can treat sore throats. Because antiviral properties, green tea is a good remedy to prevent the consequence of a cold or may cum.Ban mouth with green tea to soothe a sore throat

5 - Green tea is good for the bones. Green tea is rich in minerals it can strengthen your bone density

6 - Green tea is good for foot bath foot green tea helps prevent fungal infections because

7 - Green tea helps to fly odors in the room. The green tea leaves have been used long ago to fly odors in the room. It is for green tea leaves in a bowl to smoke smell in the room or to a few leaves of green tea in the refrigerator instead of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

8 cups Tea a day good for health

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 9 Sep 2011 22:52:00 -0700

Drink 8 cups Tea a day will benefit your health in many ways as to help protect against heart disease, improve brain health and longevity, a recent study in England concluded.

Dr Carrie Ruxton, author of the study, resulting in breaking the misconception of caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee and cocoa before. She said the caffeine in these drinks will help reduce your risk of heart attack, myocardial infarction and help drinkers feel more alert and excited.

The amount of caffeine best to be tolerated by adults is 400 mg a day, equivalent to 8 cups or 4 cups of coffee. Content of the guarantee provided for the body of antioxidants most appropriate. Caffeine is also good for children with conditions should be limited to 95 mg a day, equivalent to two small cups or a small cup of diluted coffee.

Tips mix Tea good for health

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 9 Sep 2011 22:39:00 -0700

Want to drink a cup of tea than tea taste delicious, pure water, to master the technique Tea. Thus there will be delicious tea is good for health.

Green tea - instant drink mix instant

Green tea is useful to protect the health, antioxidant, removes free radicals, anti-aging, anti-virus ... is because green tea leaves are high in polyphenols. If green tea with boiling water temperature too high or too long, polyphenols are destroyed, the tea will turn yellow and the fragrance of the tea will evaporate away.

Typically, the tea has a temperature of about 80oC is the best, the best time of 2-3 minutes mix, instant drink mix immediately. Ratio between tea and water has to fit 1:50 ratio, usually mixed with 3 grams of tea to 150 ml of water, tea is green when mixed in the light and dark. Yellow tea and white tea also phase in a similar method.

Rose Tea- phase long as there healthy

Unlike green tea, use boiling water at high temperature, the pink tea can do for promoting health care quality Flavonoids in tea roses are the most soluble in water, thus making the tea as sweet and fragrant as the concentration of tea, while also promoting all health protection functions of tea roses. So when the red best tea to use boiling water, add tea and soak as long as possible, usually about 5 minutes is best. The amount of water to make tea similar to green tea roses.

Oolong Tea - many tea leaves

When tea is also mixed with long O boiling water, but the amount of tea to several, usually about 10 g, mixed up with a capacity filled up like warm tea. Oolong can be mixed and poured some water 5-6 times, time from short to long, about 2 minutes to 5 minutes is best.

Black tea - tea in focus

Universal Turkish Tea (one tea good for health, a specialty of Yunnan Province, China) is a popular black tea, the tea after fermentation, the raw material, thick. Characteristics of black tea in that "so long as old as, the smell," so to mix with boiling water can make the components in tea extracts to the end. For the first time black tea should quickly wash tea in 10 seconds, which is washed first and then for tea in a cup of tea, pour boiling water, wait a while pouring the tea, then pour more boiling water on, cover it, so users can filter the impurities in the aroma of tea and make more concentration. Tea time pouring more water next time is usually about 5 minutes.

The slimming Types Tea

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:56:00 -0700

The benefits of tea have long been scientifically proven. Moreover, if you know how to drink tea you'll find yourself "relieved" a lot more.

Mulberry leaf tea

Effect: Stop ho, heat, treat dizziness, eliminate eye fatigue, standards compliance, health bar, treatment hemorrhoids, add liver, skin, Diuretics help eliminate excess fluid component in the international cells, thereby reducing the water line. Also tea also works to reduce neutral fat and cholesterol in the blood profile, which helps purify the blood.

Oolong tea

Oolong is widely preferred in part because it has the ability to regulate body fat content. According to the researchers, oolong can reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Every day drink a cup of oolong, which inhibits increased cholesterol in the blood.

The amount of tea depends on the preferences of each person, but if your food is high in many greasy, take a little oolong. Drink plenty of oolong not fool the stomach also helps to eliminate less greasy substances in food.

Some ways to lose weight with green tea

Green Tea + Yogurt

One teaspoon of powdered green tea mixed with Yogurt, used before meals 1-2 hours. If you can use yogurt instead of green tea for lunch and dinner is on the desired results.

Green tea + lemon juice

Mix lemon juice with water in 1:1 ratio, add 2 tablespoons of powdered green tea after meals. Drinks are consistent with the body under the water line, but if the stomach does not use weight-loss methods.

Lemon juice and green tea are the base, enhance metabolism, remove excess water from the body.

Green Tea + apple juice

Of an apple juice mixed with one teaspoon of green tea. Every morning I drink one before a meal, it is best to eat three apples.

This method is suitable for those who want to lose weight but can not diet.

Apples contain potassium extremely rich, capable of controlling the water line due to too much sodium causes. Besides apples also contain vitamin helps prevent constipation, diuretic.

Note: For best slimming hot tea, no sugar, milk. Drink after meals for at least 1 hour.

The amount of tea per person, depending on condition. If the tea you see in person as stomach discomfort, insomnia ... best not to continue taking

Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:50:00 -0700

Hibiscus tea, which brews to a bright red color, has been associated with lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, while enhancing energy levels. In nations with hotter climates, particularly Africa and Mexico, hibiscus tea is celebrated for its cooling qualities. It is also loaded in vitamin c. Hibiscus petals lend a lightly tart cranberry flavour to tea blends and can be found in numerous Hispanic markets.

Hibiscus Tea Yields Health Benefits

Did you know that hibiscus herbal tea is not only delicious, but also a very healthy beverage?

Studies have shown that drinking hibiscus tea can effectively lower high blood pressure and reduce high cholesterol levels in many individuals! Read an article about it in the February 1, 2009 issue of Internal Medicine News.

In the video below, Dr. Diane L. McKay discusses findings that drinking hibiscus tea can reduce systolic blood pressure. Bruce Jancin of Elsevier Global Medical News ( EGMN) reports from the annual Scientific Sessions.

In an issue of Alternatives by Dr. David Williams, Dr. Williams reaffirms the above study stating simply that "After centuries of traditional use around the world, hibiscus tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) has been officially proven in clinical research to be yet another effective method of lowering high blood pressure."

In yet another instance, scientists in Taiwan reported in The Journal of the Science of Food Agriculture that hibiscus tea made from the hibiscus flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa) may help control cholesterol, and thereby reduce the risk of heart disease. Scientists stated that the extract from the hibiscus flower significantly lowered the cholesterol content in the blood serum of lab animals, and successfully prevented oxidation of low-density lipoprotein. The extract has also been used in folk medicine to treat high blood pressure and liver disorder.

According to a 2004 study published in the journal Phytomedicine (2004;11:375–82), people suffering from hypertension can lower their blood pressure significantly by drinking hibiscus tea daily. The study included seventy people - half of whom drank 16 ounces of hibiscus tea before breakfast daily or ingested 25 mg of an antihypertensive medication (captopril) twice daily. After one month, the hibiscus tea drinkers’ diastolic blood pressure was reduced at least 10 points in 79% of the participants; blood pressure in the medicated group was reduced at least ten points in some 84% of the participants - a statistically insignificant difference.

The Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients (February-March, 2005 edition) reaffirms the results above.

Besides lowering high blood pressure and high cholesterol, this healthful hibiscus beverage has several characteristics that make it much more valuable than conventional teas.

Hibiscus and hibiscus mint tea are caffeine free
Hibiscus tea is also rich in Vitamin C
Hibiscus tea has a unique, delicious taste
Hibiscus tea has a smooth, pleasant fragrance
Hibiscus tea has a distinctive, vibrant, natural color
Hibiscus tea is great served hot or cold
Hibiscus tea has long been known to act as a natural body refrigerant in North Africa

Quote: Nice Valley Teas

Benefits of Lemon Tea

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:38:00 -0700

Lemon verbena is a full-bodied herb with a strong lemon fragrance and flavor. The brewed tea is faded yellow. It is favored in Europe for making relaxing, digestive after-dinner tisanes.

Lemon is nature’s antiseptic. Tea is considered to be a healthy alternative to soda and coffee. Lemon tea uses the benefits of lemon to help the body and mind of those who consume it.

Lemon tea can have a cleansing effect on the body by removing toxins from the blood.

Lemon tea also helps in reducing surgical swelling.

Removing toxins from the body can reduce the chance of cancer in the body. The antioxidants in lemon tea may also reduce the chance of skin cancer.

Lemon tea aids in healthy digestion by having a calming effect on the stomach.

Lemon tea is helpful during cold and flu season; it is detoxifying and it stimulates the immune system.

Lemon is an astringent and can reduce acne and other skin disorders when taken internally. Drinking of lemon tea will help in reducing acne and other skin disorder.

Benefits of Peppermint Tea

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:33:00 -0700

Peppermint tea is made of cut-leaf peppermint. Depending on the amount used and the brewing time, the tea can be faintly minty or awfully powerful, almost like a breath mint. Mint tea can be made of any range of the herb, fresh or dried. Use dried for mixing, however. Depending on the length of the brew, peppermint tea brews to a pale or medium green.

Benefits of Peppermint Tea - Peppermint Tea Health

Peppermint tea benefits are widely-acknowledged all over the world!

An herb prized for its medicinal benefits and distinctive flavor, peppermint (Mentha piperata) is a naturally occurring hybrid of spearmint (M. spicata) and water mint (M. aquatica) . Unlike other mints, however, peppermint contains in its healing volatile oil the powerful therapeutic ingredient menthol, as well as menthone, menthyl acetate and some 40 other compounds.

Dried peppermint leaves are used to make a minty, refreshing tea that is highly satisfying both hot and cold. A native of the Mediterranean, peppermint leaves were often used to crown luminaries in ancient Greece and Rome . It continues to be revered for its refreshingly light aroma, as well as its natural, caffeine-free taste.

As well having superior flavor, peppermint tea possesses the following health benefits:

Peppermint tea treats irritable bowel syndrome

Peppermint tea eases nausea and vomiting

Peppermint tea controls flatulence and diverticular disorder

Peppermint tea improves digestion and reduce heartburn

Peppermint tea dissolves gallstones

Peppermint tea reduces the severity of herpes outbreaks

Peppermint tea fights bad breath

Peppermint tea controls muscle aches and chronic pain

Peppermint tea clears congestion and cough related to colds and allergies

Peppermint tea controls mild asthma

Peppermint tea fights stress

Creating Your Own Tea Blends

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:14:00 -0700

Becoming your own mix master is simple! After you have a short lived familiarity with the ingredients at hand, and you learn how to trust and follow your taste, there aren’t any mistakes. Above all, have fun with your blending. Even children can come up with some glorious and regularly highly creative blends.

Every time I develop a new tea blend, I imagine a personalityor better, a personfor whom to make the mix. When I dreamed up the signature teas in my SALONTEA line, I began by attempting to foresee the sorts of characters who would come to an eighteenth-century tea salon for afternoon tea. When I created one of my most popular mixes, The Lover, I was thinking about the final lovers ‘ holiday, Valentine’s Day. And everyone knows no Valentine’s Day would be thorough without chocolate! I imagined an eighteenth-century woman of a certain standing, although not a girl above romantic dalliances. I know how much girls love chocolate and vanilla ( well, I actually do ), so I made a seductive blend of fine bits of cacao and vanilla beans and mixed them with a special chai tea made from an Assam tea with cinnamon, cardamom, and clove. Cinnamon excites the smells and flavours of the other spices, making them work their wizardry quicker. The Lover mix is a natural and spicy aphrodisiac that energizes even though it seduces.

For The Musician, I wanted to achieve something actually calming, so I blended hibiscus ( which eases sore throat ) and rose petals with the calming red tea rooibos, known for its high mineral and vitamin content.

I used fully oxidized black tea from China for The Fashionable Dandy mix. I suffused the tea with bergamot oil because I’m sure a fashionable dandy would wear an especially said cologne, and bergamot oil is in several men’s ( and women’s ) colognes and perfumes. It also functions as a flavour propellant, and I wanted this mix to be very forward, as a dandy would be.

But maybe your first tea, before you mix one named after a personality or for an individual you know and love well, should be a tea for you. Start with what you know that you like. Do you like vanilla? Try this easy mix : get 1 or 2 vanilla beans ( expensive, I know, but potent ), and experiment. Scrape the seeds out of the pods ( save the seeds ) and steep each pod in a different quart of hot tea. I like black or oolong tea best with vanilla, but see what you suspect. Let the seeds and pods dry for one or two days in a covered container, then try stirring a touch of the seedsjust a tiny pinch should dowith about 4 tablespoons of, say, oolong tea leaves. The fragrance of the resulting brew is actually heady, and the flavour is absolutely heavenly. Poke the dried pods into a canister of sugar to flavour the sugar.

When you’re starting out making your own blends, it’s important to start by acquainting yourself with as many of the teas, spices, herbs, and botanicals as you can, starting with what’s simply available to you. Keep a tasting notebook to record your own personal reactions and associations with each ingredient. It’s rather like studying about the sector of wine, or the even broader arena of cheeses : finding out about tea and botanicals is a gradual process, but it’s masses of fun, too, particularly because, unlike studying about wine or cheese, you will be making your very own private blends. Note what mixes you liked, and, maybe most important, be totally sure to write down your recipes. Whether a mixture was a success or a flop, you’ll want to know how to recreate it or fix it for next time.

You can further become familiar with the tastes embedded in different tea leaves by cooking with tea. As you will see in the final chapter of this book, tea actually is one of the most flexible ingredients in the world, and it can lend real dimension to your cooking. Try adding brewed black tea to turkey soup to widen the flavour. Try poaching chicken in teaamazing! or using tea in your next marinade for meat or pork. Or try adding a good splash of citrus-infused vodka to a pitcher of iced tea to make a really refreshing cocktail. I believe you’ll be really surprised and happy.

Quote: Ilovetea

The Health Benefits Of Tea

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:15:00 -0700

Numerous health benefits have been attributed to tea since time immemorial. In folk medicine, the health benefits of tea were already recognized 5000 years ago and it was used as a treatment for infectious diseases, colds, and also as an aid to the digestive and nervous systems.

Upon the expansion of scientific research in this field, more and more facts have accumulated testifying to the connection between regular tea consumption and lower chances of suffering from a wide variety of diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The main advantage of tea lies in the fact that it is a completely natural product, without any added flavorings, colors or preservatives. Likewise, when drunk without adding any sugar, honey or milk, tea has no calories and simultaneously serves as a crucial component for maintaining the balance of body liquids.

Research Into The Health Benefits Of Tea

umerous studies show that tea leaves contain a high amount of polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant, and that regular consumption of about five cups of tea per day contributes to keeping a high level of them in the bloodstream. The antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals. The free radicals are oxidizing molecules which naturally and harmlessly exist within the human body. However, they accumulate as a result of physiological processes such as metabolism, and are furthermore found in environmental factors such as polluted air, poisonous waste and cigarette smoke.

The accumulated free radicals are an encumbrance upon the immune system as they attack the body tissues and harm cells thus leading to the development of chronic diseases and they are also linked to the aging processes.

A study led in Japan in which 9,000 women participated, shows that women who drank less than 5 cups of tea per day were twice as prone to suffer strokes. The phenols, found in the tea, prevent the oxidization of the cholesterol, which may cause damage to the blood vessels.

The health benefits of green tea have been found and reported in countless research papers. Among other things, green tea was found to lower the risk of cancer, arteriosclerosis, infective intestine diseases and liver infections; likewise, green tea helps lower cholesterol, assists with weight loss and strengthens cognitive abilities.

Green tea is famous for its calming effect on both body and mind. studies have shown that this calming effect is caused by the L- Theanine amino acid found in the leaves of green tea. L-Theanine affects the central nerve system, causing certain substances to be released which cause a sense of euphoria, optimism and serenity while neutralizing the vigor which accompanies the consumption of caffeine in tea.

Tea prevents the rise of homocysteine which is known to be an important and significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, due to the content of vitamin M in tea. The vitamin M, which is a B complex vitamin, assists in preventing cancer and it also plays an important part in the health of the nervous system, the eyes and other systems.

Epidemioligical studies have shown that anyone who drinks large quantities of tea has a lower risk of certain cancers, primarily stomach cancer, cancer of the digestive system and bladder cancer.

Tea leaves contain fluoride which helps strengthen bones and teeth and fights cavities.

Tea And Caffeine

Caffeine is a natural substance found in numerous plants. Its consumption helps with metabolism, weight loss and vitality. The average amount of caffeine from brewed tea leaves depends on the type of tea (black tea contains more caffeine than green tea), the brewing duration, and the water temperature (the higher the temperature- the greater the amount of caffeine drained from the leaves). A healthy individual can consume up to about 350 mg of caffeine per day without any concern.

The following table presents the amount of caffeine in various drinks, at 200 mg of beverage.

Espresso 50-150

Filter coffee 60-80

Instant coffee 40-70

Black tea 40-60

Oolong tea 30-50

Green tea 15-20

Red tea 0

Herb and fruit infusions 0

Quote: Wissotzky

Ceremonies And Cultures Tea

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:06:00 -0700

Tea Throughout The World

Tea is a customary drink worldwide. In Asian countries, drinking tea is an ancient tradition accompanied by a highly developed tea-based culture which is tied to art and local customs. Among Russians and Eastern Mediterranean inhabitants, tea became a prevalent drink long after the flourishing tea culture developed in China, and yet many years before Europeans tasted it for the first time. Th

They set it apart and glorify it and give a symbolic meaning to the importance of tea in society and local culture. Tea ceremonies which have been preserved from ancient times open a window to distant cultures and ancient customs which have assimilated into various traditions and accompanied them up until today.

China - The Original Tea Ceremony

The Chinese tea ceremony is the most ancient ceremony and plays a central role in Chinese culture.

The tea is the heart of the ceremony: the host and ceremony participants smell the tea, taste it and enjoy the many layers of taste discovered with every mouthful.

The tea ceremony reflects the search for beauty in every object of the world, in accordance with the Chinese Tao philosophy. The ceremony must be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere and induce a sense of tranquility and harmony among the participants.

The tea ceremony is conducted for various purposes: anything from expressing appreciation or asking forgiveness, to creating goodwill among the guests of family reunions or wedding celebrations.

Japan - Motifs of Harmony and Aesthetics

According to a common belief, the Buddhist monks brought tea from China to Japan during the sixth century B.C. The Japanese brought the preparation and serving of tea to an aesthetic art and an impressive ceremony in general, with predefined and very strict rules. Every detail of the Japanese tea ceremony demands strict attention and is regarded with much importance and takes a great deal of time. The Japanese tea ceremony was designed in the spirit of the Zen doctrine, according to which spiritual elevation is achieved by engrossing oneself in the small details of daily life. Thus, the attention paid to the minutest details of the tea ceremony is meant to induce a sense of serenity and harmony among the host and guests.

The tea ceremony is conducted in the "tearoom", which every traditional Japanese house has.

The tearoom is considered to be an island of tranquility and purity, allowing the guests to leave the outside world behind and relax. Artistic motifs influenced by Japanese architecture, drawing and sculpture, are interwoven into the tea ceremony and influence the design of the tearoom and the ceremonial tea dishes.

The modern Japanese culture considers tea to be a social drink and gives it a central role in their lifestyle, but the traditional tea ceremony is almost never conducted any longer in daily life. The tea ceremony holds a place of honor in Japanese culture as a magnificent trace of the past. There are currently three tea schools in Japan, established 300 years ago, which continue to bequeath the art of tea and Japanese hosting.

Russia - Samovar And Strong Tea

At the beginning of the 17th century, the Chinese Emperor presented the Russian Czar with a gift of tea. Thus, tea became an acceptable drink in Russia about 100 years before arriving in the European countries. The Russian population customarily drinks black tea. Russia was so strongly associated with black tea that during the 19th century certain types of black tea were called "Russian tea", despite the fact that the tea was actually produced in China. Tea culture is an integral part of Russian culture and is referred to in works of art and literature. The samovar, a metal container for heating water, can be found in almost every home and is part of the Russian cultural icons. The Russians tend to prepare a strong, bitter concentrate of black tea which is kept in a small teapot next to the samovar. The concentrate is diluted with boiling water to prepare tea according to the drinker's preferred strength.

India - Mass Production And Tea Stock Markets

The Indian tea industry began flourishing only during the 19th century. At this time, the British trade giant "The East India Trade Company" controlled the importation of tea from the Eastern countries in general and from India in particular. Today, the Indian tea industry is one of the most flourishing and influential branches of the Indian economy. India produces about 900,000 tons of tea per year. In the Indian tea stock market, the tea is traded among the growers, traders and marketers. Among the various types of tea to be found in India are the popular Asam tea as well as the Darjeeling tea which is considered to be one of the best teas in the world.

The Indians customarily drink black tea with milk, an English custom which remained as a testimony to the British colonial rule over India.

Great Britain - Tea With Milk

The British are among the world's most massive tea consumers. Perhaps it is possible to understand the importance of tea in British culture if we recall Sir Winston Churchill's declaration during the Second World War that: "Tea is more important to the soldiers than munitions".

Black tea was very common in Britain during the 18th century and the British founded the tradition of adding milk to black tea.

Afternoon tea – Drinking tea in the afternoon is a custom which began during the 19th century. Its development is attributed to the Duchess of Bedford. Due to the fact that the aristocracy customarily ate only two meals a day being breakfast and dinner, the afternoon tea was meant to abate the hunger between the meals. The afternoon tea was served along with a light meal between the hours 3:00-5:00 p.m.

High tea - A further development and refinement of the afternoon tea; this is actually an early dinner which includes tea. One assumption is it that the name was derived from the late hour in which the meal was taken: 500-7:00 p.m. Another suggestion is that the expression "high tea" originated from the custom of having this meal on high tables, in comparison with the afternoon tea which was eaten on low tables.

Quote: Wissotzky

Tips for Making a Perfect Cup of Tea

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:00:00 -0700

The freshness of the leaves - The tea leaf's quality is an essential part of the quality of the drink. The tea leaves' biggest enemies are light, heat, strong smells, and humidity. In order to ensure the freshness of the tea leaves, it is recommended to frequently purchase small quantities and to store the leaves sealed in a container which keeps out light, odors and oxygen.

The water quality - It is important to use flowing water which has not been previously boiled. It is recommended to use filtered water or mineral water, without the aftertaste and chlorine of tap water.

Water temperature - Boiling water should be used to brew black tea leaves.

For a brew of more delicate leaves, it is recommended to let the water cool off a bit to a temperature of about 90 degrees Celsius and only then to pour it onto the leaves.

The amount of leaves - It is easy to measure the amount with a spoon, but it is more accurate to do so by weighing the leaves. Certain leaves come in different sizes and a full spoonful of small leaves may contain a larger amount of leaves than a full spoonful of large leaves. In order to prepare tea in a teapot, 2 grams or one spoonful of tea leaves should be used for every cup as well as an additional spoon "for the teapot". Thus, for instance, a teapot which makes four cups of tea should be filled with a total of five spoonfuls, or 10 grams, of tea leaves.

Brewing duration- The brewing duration changes according to the types of tea leaves, but in general, the smaller the leaves, the shorter the brewing duration.

The leaves should be brewed between three to five minutes.

Additives- Various things may be added to brewed tea in order to suit it to the preferred personal taste. It is well known that adding sugar enhances many flavors in food and drinks. Other common additives are lemon, vanilla pods, herbs, milk and alcohol.

Quote: Wissotzky

Tea Growing and Tea Production

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:53:00 -0700

The Tea Plant

Tea is an evergreen plant of the Camellia genus. Its scientific name is "Camellia Sinensis) and it originated in China, Tibet and Northern India. The tea plant has thick leaves, dark green in color, and a strong thick stem. The tea flowers bloom in white or pink and have a delicate fragrance.

There are about 200 different species of the tea plant around the world.

Growing Conditions For Tea

The tea plant needs a hot, moist climate. It grows in temperatures ranging from 10 -30 degrees Centigrade, in areas with an average yearly rainfall of 2,000 mm. and at a ground level of between 600-2000 meters above sea level.

A carefully chosen source plant can be used for creating new tea seedlings.

The soft seedlings develop in a nursery for ten months, which protects them from difficult weather conditions. After they have strengthened, the tea plants continue to develop in open fields that are sheltered by the shade of wide trees.

Tea Picking

Tea picking is still conducted in the traditional manner: the tea leaves are handpicked and gathered into wide baskets on the backs of the tea pickers. The hand picking ensures that only the best leaves of the tea plant are collected and used for producing the tea.

In Asian countries, the tea picking season starts with the beginning of spring and continues from May until August. In Africa, the tea picking continues all year long.

The first tea crops of every year are called "new tea" and it is rich in flavor and aroma.

Only the plant's bud and two young leaves are used for processing the tea. The tea flowers are also picked, dried and added to the blend to supplement the aroma.

Tea Production

A common myth about tea is the belief that different types of tea -

black tea, white tea, green tea - are produced from different tea plants. In fact, all types of tea are produced from the same plant and the differences between them result from the different processing procedures while producing the tea.

The picked tea leaves are made up of 80% liquid while the tea sold to the consumers has less than 10% liquids. A crucial phase in the production processes of every type of tea is the stage in which the leaves are dried. This stage is necessary for reducing the moisture of the leaves and thereby strengthening and preserving the tea leaf.

Black Tea

1st drying: The leaves picked from the tea plant are spread out over mats for vaporization in the sun. Another method for drying the leaves is by blowing currents of warm air over them. In the drying phase the leaves lose about 60% of their moisture.

Rolling: The process of rolling the leaves has the purpose of releasing the liquids found in the leaf in order to allow the fermentation and oxidization of the leaf to begin.

Fermentation: During the leaves' fermentation process, the enzymes within the leaves are bound to the oxygen in the air. This process causes the leaves to blacken and this is what creates the typical flavor of the tea. The fermentation is conducted by blowing currents of humid air over the leaves. This stage takes about 3 hours.

2nd drying: An additional drying stage is crucial to stopping the oxidization process. At the end of this process a long-lasting, stable product is produced.

Green Tea

1st drying: After the tea picking, the leaves are sun-dried on bamboo trays for a few hours.

Roasting The tea leaves are "stir fried" in hot roasting pans in order to vaporize additional moisture.

Rolling: The leaves are manually rolled.

2nd drying: The tea leaves are put back into the pans for additional drying and are also often rolled once more. This is done in order to give them their final shape.

Green tea production does not include the fermentation stage. Without the oxidization which occurs during the fermentation stage, the leaves retain their original green color and their delicate flavor.

White tea

Tea picking: The tea buds are picked before ripening and opening

Drying: The closed buds are sun-dried.

The process of producing white tea does not include the rolling and fermentation stages.

The delicate leaves are hardly processed at all in order to preserve the original refreshing taste of the tea plant. White tea is produced in small quantities and is very expensive.

Oolong Tea

The process of producing oolong tea is almost completely identical to that of black tea, except for a shorter fermentation stage. This makes the flavor of oolong tea slightly weaker than that of black tea.

Herb And Fruit Infusions

Herb and fruit infusions are comprised of various combinations of natural plants and fruits and include: blossoms, stems, roots, fruits, herbs and buds. The infusion mixtures are caffeine and sugar free and are sweetened by the natural sugars in the fruits.

Rooibos Infusion - Red Tea

The rooibos plant was discovered in the 17th century in South Africa by the local tribes of the Cape town area. These tribes used the entire rooibos plant to create a refreshing, aromatic drink with medicinal benefits. When dried, the leaves take on a red-brown hue which is where the plant gets its name: rooibos meaning "red bush". Similar to the benefits of green tea, the rooibos plant is also rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which help prevent numerous chronic diseases. The rooibos infusion also assists the digestive system and eases heartburn and nausea. The rooibos infusion is caffeine free as well.

Quote: Wissotzky

The Grading Of Tea

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:43:00 -0700

How Is Tea Graded?

The grading of tea is an accepted method of classifying the tea and it relates to the quality of the tea leaves.

The grading of tea facilitates the international trade in tea and is the central component in the assessing of a money value for the various types of tea

This classifying of tea into grades is an important tool for the tea experts in their task of making evaluations and comparisons between the different varieties of tea that are grown and manufactured throughout the world. The accepted methods of grading tea relate to the grading of Black tea only.

The two main factors which affect the grading of tea are:

1. The size of the tea leaves: Whole, large tea leaves gain a higher grading

2. The method of production of the tea: There are 2 methods of manufacturing tea. Manufacturing of tea and these are the traditional method of production of tea by hand and the more modern mechanized method which is aptly called the CTC process (Crush, Tear and Curl). It is considered that the mechanized method damages the tea leaves and as a result the tea leaves bear a lower grading.

In respect of Green tea and Oolong tea, as opposed to black tea, no single accepted method of grading has been developed. For these teas there exists a whole range of grading systems and these differ from tea grower to tea grower, from tea growing region to tea growing region and so on. These tea grading methods are based on and depend on factors different from those that affect the grading of Black tea . The grading of Green tea and Oolong tea is affected by factors such as the variety of the tea plant , the region and area in which the tea was grown and the stage at which the picking of the tea leaves took place. The grading of Green tea and Oolong tea indicate the taste and quality of the tea.

The Grades Of Tea

There are five main grades for classifying tea and these are:

Dust –D This is the lowest grade in the classification of Black tea. Actually it consists of small pieces of tea leaves and tea dust.

Fanning This consists mainly of pieces of tea leaves. It is a low grade.

BOP – Broken Orange Pekoe This consists of small tea leaves or pieces of large Leaves.

It is considered a medium grading for the classification of tea leaves.

OP - Orange Pekoe This consists of large, whole tea leaves picked without the flower bud of the tea plant.

FOP – Flowery Orange Pekoe These are the whole tea leaves together with the flowering tea plant.

In addition to the five main categories of tea there are two further important qualities or traits and these are Golden where gold hues occur in the tea leaves evidencing their quality and Tippy which signifies an abundance of young tea buds.

The following classifications relate to choice tea consisting of whole leaves and complemented by one of the above traits:

GFOP Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe These are whole, young tea leaves whose tips are golden and are complemented by the flowers of the tea plant.

TGFOP Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe This consists of the tea bud and two uppermost leaves of the tea plant complemented by the flowers of the tea plant. This is the highest category in the grading of tea. However in this highest grading of tea leaves there are also two further quality refinements marking the best of the best:

FTGFOP Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe for choice tea leaves

SFTGFOP Super Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe which is the highest existing grade for tea leaves.

The Quality Of The Tea

In evaluating the quality of tea, the tea experts give consideration to the variety of tea, the region where the tea was grown, the stage of picking of the leaves and the tea manufacturing process.

Two further tests help in determining the quality and the taste of the tea brew and these are:

The Scientific Test:

A critical assessment of the quality of the tea by chemical and physical means such as an analysis of the chemical composition of the tea, use of the “electronic nose” and other tests.

The Sensory Test:

Classification of the quality of the tea by way of the senses – the taste, smell, the physical feel of the leaves to the touch, and the appearance of the tea which includes the shape, size and color of the leaves. This sensory test is a subjective evaluation of the quality of the tea and is the result of the knowledge and experience of the expert tea tasters

The sensory test is still the most widely accepted means of evaluating the quality of tea.

Types Of Choice Tea From Around Thw World

Darjeeling Tea

Darjeeling tea is one of the types of tea considered to be of the highest quality, the tastiest and the most expensive. The origin of this tea is the Darjeeling region which is located in North -Western Bengal in India. The tea bushes grow on the high and steep slopes of the Himalaya Mountains and benefit from the warming mountain sunshine during the day, from lower temperatures during the night and from an abundance of rain. Darjeeling tea has a fine flowery aroma, a light body and a taste reminiscent of Muscatel. Sipping the tea causes a slight tingling feeling on the tongue and this is proof of its quality. Darjeeling Tea has been called the "champagne of tea" because of its rare quality and its prestige and exclusivity.

Assam Tea

The Assam regions sprawls along the two sides of the mighty Brahmaputra River in North-Eastern India and it is the area where the largest amount of tea is grown in the world. Assam black tea excels in its color, taste and strong aroma. Assam tea is especially suited for sipping in the morning with breakfast. It is largely used as a principal ingredient in blending popular teas such as English Breakfast Tea.

Nilgiri Tea

Nilgiri is a tea growing area in South - Western India. Nilgiri tea leaves are dark and from them the golden tea infusions are produced that have rich, fruity tastes and aromas.

Most of the Nilgiri tea is sold to meet the local Indian consumer demand, but the choicest selected yields of Nilgiri tea (the whole tea leaves) are traded on the world’s exchanges for huge sums of money.

Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey Tea is not a variety of tea but is blended from black teas and seasoned. It is named after the British diplomat Earl Charles Grey who customarily blended black tea leaves and seasoned them with the essence of Bergamot (a small acidic orange) in accordance with an ancient Chinese recipe which came into his hands. In the eighteenth century A.D. the drinking of black tea was a widespread custom of the British nobility. Only the rich could drink tea because of its high price and the nobility would show off their wealth by inviting friends to parties featuring tea drinking and the eating of light meals. At these parties Earl Grey tea gained a place of honor. As far as is known, Earl Grey tea is the first seasoned tea produced in history and it has enjoyed, to this very day, the status of the most famous seasoned tea in the world.

Quote: Wissotzky

The History Of Tea

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:34:00 -0700

Drinking tea plays such a central part in our lives, it is such a universal phenomenon with millions of people the world over enjoying their tea on a daily basis, that it’s hard to imagine a world without tea and yet while the Eastern world has been using tea for more than 4500 years, for most of this time tea was unknown in the Western world.

Tea was only introduced into the West a relatively recent 400 years ago. Discovered in China, tea has exerted a profound influence on societies and cultures throughout the world so that there are unique ceremonies in various cultures and most parts of the world have social etiquettes concerning the preparation and drinking of tea as well as social customs regarding how, when and where to drink it. Many myths, legends, poems and proverbs surround tea and maintain its mystique. Tea has always accompanied and even influenced the unfolding of key historical events as well as maintaining a presence whenever economic, technological or cultural developments to k place. Today tea enjoys an unparalleled and enduring popularity. The story of tea is truly intertwined with the story of Mankind.

The Origin Of The Word "Tea"

The Chinese originally called it “Kia”. As far as is know it was during the course of the 6th century AD that the name evolved into "Cha". On its arrival in the West it became Té which is still the name for tea in many countries.

The Discovery Of Tea

Legend has it that tea was discovered by the Chinese Emperor, Shan Nong, in 2737 B.C.

The Emperor had a habit of boiling his drinking water.
One day while he was in his garden a few tea leaves fell by chance into his boiling water which then gave off a rich, alluring aroma. The Emperor, upon drinking this brew, discovered it to be refreshing and energizing.

He immediately gave the command that tea bushes to be planted in the gardens of his palace. Thus the custom of brewing fresh tea leaves in hot water began and it quickly spread.

Since the discovery of tea and over the centuries the tradition of drinking tea brewed from fresh tea leaves in boiling water has been firmly entrenched in China

Until the fifth century A.D., tea was primarily used as a remedy, due to the medicinal benefits attributed to it. From this time onwards, China's upper class adopted the fashion of presenting packages of tea as highly esteemed gifts and of enjoying drinking tea at social events and in private homes. At around the same time the Chinese tea ceremony began to develop and the tidings of tea began to spread as it reached Japan.

How Tea Arrived In The West

Tea arrived in Europe via Dutch and Portuguese sailors at the beginning of the 17th century. They had trade relations with China and brought the tea to Britain and Holland at the outset, where it was sold at auctions and became very popular among the aristocracy and the wealthy. The beverage's initial high price prevented it from circulating among the western population at large.

The tea trade was a significant factor in establishing connections between east and west. In China, tea leaves were used as a substitute for coins. In Europe, tea was used as a symbol of high status and as a stimulus for many technological developments, for instance, the development of fast sail boats such as the "Clipper", which shortened the time it took to sail from China to Europe and made it possible to provide shipments of fresh tea to the west.

British companies established for the importing tea, such as the "John Company" and "The East India Trade Company" became trade monopolies, unprecedented in size and power, and were ordained by the royal family and empowered to operate in any way necessary to ensure the continuous supply of this popular drink. At the beginning of the 18th century, with the expansion of tea imports to the west and the consequent decrease in its price, tea became a common product enjoyed by all sectors of the population.

Tea In America: The Boston Tea Party

At the beginning of the 18th century, tea arrived in Northern America, quickly becoming a desirable drink there as well. In New York and Boston, London-style teahouses started developing, where the drink was sold to the general public. At around that time, the British Empire decided to place taxes on the tea supply to the colonies of North America who were under their power. This decision greatly angered the American settlers who decided to boycott the taxed products in protest. Whenever the British ships arrived at the harbors laden with tea, the settlers would start demonstrations which forced the ships to leave without unloading their wares. The most famous occurrence in this regard was named the "Boston Tea Party", during which a group of settlers boarded one of the ships anchored in the Boston harbor and started throwing hundreds of crates of tea from its deck into the sea. England retaliated to this by sending military forces to the harbor and shutting it down. This event marked the begini ng of the American War of Independence.

Tea In The 20th Century

A significant rise in tea consumption resulted from the appearance of tea bags at the beginning of the 20th century. The inventor of tea bags, a New York tea merchant by the name of Thomas Sullivan, had a custom of sending tea samples in white silk bags to his customers, and they were intrigued by this new ground-breaking product. Upon the appearance of tea bags, the price of tea was lowered. The possibility of drinking tea without special brewing utensils made tea suitable for mass consumption, turning it into the world's most prevalent hot beverage.

During the 20th century, the source of tea crops spread throughout the world, from Japan to Africa and South America. Towards the end of the 20th century, an additional rise in the western world's tea consumption occurred and also in evidence was a demand for quality teas.

The rise in tea consumption in the occident results from three primary reasons:

The rise in popularity of the back-to-nature trend and an aspiration to lead a healthy, simple life. Tea, as a natural drink with evident health benefits, fits in perfectly with this lifestyle.

A massive immigration of Asians to the west. The Asian immigrants disseminated their strongly based the tea cultures in the western countries.

Western travelers in the east, who brought with them tidings of tea upon their return.

Today the scope of the tea industry's worldwide economic activity stands at more than three billion dollars a year. Tea is grown and produced in more than 40 countries worldwide.

Every year, more than 2.5 million tons of tea is produced around the world, most of it in Asian countries.

Quote: Wissotzky

How to Steep Tea

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 01:24:00 -0700

When learning how to steep tea, there are three measurements to keep in mind:

How much tea leaf is required for one cup

How hot the water needs to be for the particular tea leaf you are using

How long the leaves need to steep in the water before they are removed

Each of these measures vary with different teas, even among the same class, so it is best to confirm the steeping directions before leaving the tea shop or by researching the requirements for your specific tea online.

Measurement #1: The Tea Leaves

For most teas, you will need approximately 2-3 grams of leaves to make a 6 ounce cup but this will vary slightly depending on the variety of tea that you are steeping. The leaves will be easy to measure if you have a small kitchen scale. Measuring by volume with a teaspoon is a little trickier because the leaves vary so much in size. Here is the general equivalent for 2-3 grams depending on the size of the leaf:

Small leaves: 1-2 teaspoons

Medium leaves: 2-3 teaspoons

Large leaves: 1-2 tablespoons

Calculate how much tea you will need by multiplying for the number of cups you desire and adding an extra one for the pot.

Try to avoid using tea bags when hosting a tea party. Not only are they less elegant and flavorful but they also contain dusts (called fannings). These are impossible to strain and will most likely find their way into the teacups of guests. But tea bags will do in a pinch and if you are using them, you will need approximately 1 bag for 2 cups of water (plus an extra one for the pot).

Measurement #2: The Water Temperature

The water that you use to steep tea should be treated as a very important ingredient because the tea liquor is mostly composed of water. Therefore, try to use water that tastes good by itself. City water with a strong chlorine taste will alter the taste of the tea so use bottled or filtered water if your tap has a strong flavor or odor. Also avoid distilled water because it does not have enough minerals to create a flavorful infusion. If you are using your tap, let it run for a minute before filling the kettle because starting with fully oxygenated, cold water will enhance the flavor of tea.

Ignoring water temperature is a common mistake made by those who do not know how to steep tea. Sturdier teas require a higher water temperature to extract the flavor during the infusion whereas the more delicate teas (green, white, some oolongs, and a few black tea exceptions) require water with a lower temperature. Oversteeping tea (either through using water that’s too hot or letting the tea leaves steep for too long) will cause the cup to taste bitter. Ask questions when making your tea purchase and experiment for yourself to produce a cup suited to your taste. Here are some general water temperature rules for how to steep tea properly:

For black, pu-erh, oolong, and herbal teas, bring the water to a full rolling boil. There are some notable exceptions such as the first-flush Darjeeling which is more delicate than the typical black tea. Also the perfect water temperature for oolongs will depend on whether they have characteristics closer to a black or a green tea.

For the more delicate green and white teas, remove the kettle from heat when bubbles begin to form. If the water has already come to a boil, let it cool for a minute or two before steeping.

You will need both a tea kettle to heat the water and a teapot to brew and serve the tea. Before steeping, warm the teapot first by pouring a little water into the pot from the kettle when it is close to boiling and swirling the water around before discarding through the spout. It is important to preheat teapots, especially when brewing black, pu-erh, and some oolong teas, because you’ll want to ensure that the high water temperature is maintained throughout the infusion. Also have the teapot ready by the kettle and just as the water starts to boil, pour it over the tea. Walking with the kettle across the room will reduce the temperature of the water too much.

Also do not let the water boil for too long. Not only will a lot be lost as it evaporates but too much oxygen will be released as well. For this reason, never reheat water that has already been boiled. Water that is not hot enough or overboiled (lower oxygen content) makes the tea taste flat.

Measurement #3: The Steeping Time

Steeping times vary from tea to tea, but here are general time guidelines for how to steep tea:

2-3 minutes for white and green

3-4 minutes for oolong

3-5 minutes for black and pu-erh

Avoid using mesh balls to steep tea because these damage the leaves when they are crammed inside. The best cups are produced when the leaves have room to expand in the water as they rehydrate. But if you feel that the convenience outweighs the flavor disadvantages, be sure to use a tea ball made from stainless-steel mesh. The mesh allows for more contact between the leaves and water than the tea balls that only have a few holes. Never stuff the ball until it’s full. If you need to add more leaves, then simply use multiple tea balls.

Ideally, find an infuser with plenty of room for leaves to unfurl. Large cylindrical and pyramid infusers are great. To steep, place the leaves into the infuser and pour hot water overtop. Be sure to cover the teapot so that the leaves expand at an even pace. Also stir once during the steeping. To keep the drink warm for a longer period of time, cover the pot with a tea cozy.

If you’re not using an infuser, then simply toss the leaves directly into the pot before pouring the water over them. Then use a strainer to catch the leaves as you pour the tea into either another teapot or directly into the cups. If pouring directly into the teacups, be sure to pour all of the tea because any liquid left in the pot will still be in contact with the tea leaves. The remaining tea will oversteep, causing a bitter taste as excessive tannin is released from the leaves.

Ceramic and cast iron teapots retain heat well and are ideal. Silver and stainless steel are the only metals that won’t affect the flavor of the tea. Aluminum and enamel should be used only in tea kettles for boiling water, but not teapots where the infusions occur. Yixing teapots, cherished by tea aficionados and used especially for Chinese black and green teas, should be used only for one kind of tea because over time, the stoneware retains the flavor of the tea and adds this unique taste to subsequent infusions.

Avoid washing your teapot with soap, because the residue will alter the flavor of later infusions. Simply wash your pots with water and if stains ever form, try rinsing the pot with a mixture of hot water and a few tablespoons of baking soda.

Beauty skin with Green Tea

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 01:08:00 -0700

In the increasingly busy lives today are spending some time to make nice with women is a problem. Along with work to help prevent and cure many diseases such as cancer, diabetes, or oral green tea is also no small effect in preserving the beauty for women.

No need to spend much time and money, the girls just use green tea to protect your skin. Besides a wide variety of branded cosmetics on the market today, the Vietnam Women may be used as the herb of the home to beauty.

Use 1 teaspoon of tea leaves boiled with 25ml of water, simmer for 40 minutes and filter the water, let cool, then use the soft gauze soaked in clear water on the face and neck each morning and evening before bed. This approach will help your skin from being dull black by the sun ...

If you want a skin soft and bright, mix 100g of honey with two teaspoons of tea and also used soft gauze soaked in the solution apply on face for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with clear water. Make every day a time, you will have a skin as desired.

For those who have wrinkled skin, use 1 tablespoon rice flour Stir well with a special tea mixture into a paste and mixed with egg yolk. Rub mixture on face for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Using this therapy one time a week, your wrinkles will disappear.

Not only helps protect the skin, green tea also work in the hair. Using mixed with 200ml water 10g dried tea leaves, chrysanthemum 50g, boil for 5 minutes, filter the water, let cool, mix in 200ml of white wine and soak for 2-3 days. Use this solution to remove all the hair and 30-40 minutes, then rinse with soap, you will have a shiny hair and not fall out.

Is the solution simple, but effective, green tea today went beyond the borders of Vietnam. So if you do not have time to do all medications, you can also drink a cup of green tea every morning or convenience rather than the beverage product is purified from green tea to keep in shape and youthful vitality.

Benefits of green tea for Women

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:54:00 -0700

Green tea is Among the Ideal Beverages that Could be Experienced by Anybody And Very much more so by women. Healthy lunch ideas are the best approach to stay fit and healthy in today’s quick paced and mostly automated way of life. There are Loads of benefits which Occur with this As Properly as your immune Technique May be Significantly enriched instead of Consuming One other caffeinated Beverages Obtainable In your market. The only Issue which green teahas Could be the caffeine Articles but A single Must Understand The Simple fact that caffeine Amounts On this Consume is Lower than Fifty percent of what is there in Java and Power Beverages Getting Marketed Inside the market. Many green teabenefits Could be gotten by Possessing this drink. To Begin with There are Plenty of Anti-oxidants Inside tea which Aid To Minimize back cholesterol and lessen Our blood Stress for women. Besides this, green tea also Aids in strengthening the immunity On the System and So Creating us resistant to Many Varieties of ailments and diseases. The Variety of green tea benefits is Massive and This could Confirm Very helpful to Anybody and everyone. Best from prevention of Most cancers to Excess fat loss, green tea is loved by Individuals The earth More than As a Outcome of its Several benefits.

green tea is Well-known Within the Eastern Hemisphere for some indigenous reasons. For instance, Persons out Right here Think that green tea Aids in killing bacteria As Nicely as deter plague. Individuals who Are afflicted by Foodstuff poisoning are also Acknowledged to consume green tea Since it Can help Clear the Program and restore the Equilibrium From the body. It Can also be Acknowledged to alleviate “bad cholesterol” That is Especially Damaging With the heart. There
Undoubtedly are a myriad new Methods By which green tea can benefit us and This Type of Procedures are Becoming studied From the West nowadays.

One Cause why Ladies all More than The earth Adore green tea is for its Support in Minimizing weight. green tea benefits Your body While in the oxidation of Extra fat Inside of a Quicker Price As Nicely as Assists Increase the Metabolic process Belonging to the body. Like a result, Your body Melts away Excess fat Quicker and Hence loses weight. This has Assisted Ladies from all More than The earth To get rid of Excess weight With out Obtaining to starve their System of Foods and stick to Rigid dietary regimes. A single One more Element which Allows in Lowering Bodyweight Is the Reality that green tea Consists of ECGC which Facilitates in depressing the lepton With the body. The Weight Within the System is Accountable for Development With this Necessary protein And is also Mainly The Cause for Storage space of System Body fat Via Mind signals. Although this would not Allow you to To get rid of Fat Immediately However it is nevertheless An improved Choice than sticking to Extremely caffeinated Beverages like Java and Vitality Beverages in lieu of Foods and starving yourself. 1 Extra green tea benefit Is the Actuality that it Assists in suppressing your appetite which Additional Assists in Excess weight loss. Finally, You Require to also Comprehend that green tea Is Ordinarily a Extremely Superior Alternative for Ladies Simply because As opposed to aerated Beverages With the market, green tea is Really Excellent For your body. As opposed to the aerated drinks, it does not give Go up to Problems Inside the female System which would Perform their Component Throughout childbirth.

Quote: Benefit of green tea

Jasmine Green Tea Protects, Fights Infection, and Decreases Body Fat

fashionbest20@gmail.com (insidetea) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:45:00 -0700

Though most teas are made from only the leaves of herbs, jasmine green tea is different. It is made by adding the jasmine flower to the tea Cultivated widely for its beautiful flowers, jasmine is any of more than 200 species with fragrant white, yellow or red flowers.

The jasmine plant was brought to China from Persia sometime in the third century AD but never became popular there until about 1000 years ago. Yin Hao is considered the finest jasmine tea Other popular versions are Xiang Pian, Dragon Phoenix Pearl, and Mo Li Hua Cha, the latter being possibly the most popular scented tea worldwide.

Jasmine green tea is made by starting with a Chinese green tea for a base. Some will use pouchong/oolong or black tea but green is more common. The tea leaves are plucked and processed in April and May and then kept dry until the jasmine flowers bloom in August and September.

The flowers are gathered when they are fully open, either at midnight or early in the morning. Then they are placed with the tea so that the scent of the flower can be absorbed over the next four hours. The flowers are then removed. This will be repeated from two to seven times over a month's processing before the tea is ready for sale. Grading of the tea is determined by how many scentings the tea has gotten over a month. Low grade is 2-3 scentings. Higher grades will use seven scentings over the month.

Most green teas with jasmine contain a significant amount of polyphenols, plant-based substances that have proven to have anticancer, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. This helps prevent certain cancers and slows aging by eliminating free radicals. Jasmine is good for diabetes prevention and reducing high blood pressure. It is believed to prevent strokes, heart attacks, thrombosis, and arterial sclerosis.

Other jasmine tea health benefits include the ability to reduce the risk of blood clot, prevent allergy and flu, reduce blood sugar, keep fluid balance, boost the immune system and provide oral care and fluoride that helps protect against cavities and prevent tooth decay. One of the jasmine tea health benefits is to improve intestine conditions by blocking development and growth of bad bacteria and strengthening good bacteria.

In addition, jasmine tea fights food poisoning, including cholera, dysentery, and piccoli causing gastric ulcers. Gargling with jasmine green tea is believed to be one of the most effective ways to protect oneself from influenza, as the tea performs anti-viral functions.

Today, jasmine is known in alternative health care as an effective anti-depressant, including post-natal depression, and menopause problems. Along with raspberry leaf tea it has been used to help childbirth and milk production. It can help relieve muscle and joint pain, including chronic back pain and is considered a romantic enhancer.

Recent studies show that drinking jasmine tea may fight fat. People who consumed tea with jasmine tea extract during the period of three months lost more fat than those who consumed regular oolong tea It seems substances found in jasmine tea known as catechins, trigger weight loss by decreasing body fat and stimulating the body to burn calories.

To prepare a cup of tea simply steep about one half teaspoon of tea in water from 170ºF to 190ºF for two minutes. You can repeat the steeping up to two times. You should consume at least four cups a day. This tea is served with strongly flavored foods or served alone. It is good with curries, chicken and fish, and vegetarian dishes. A good quality jasmine green tea will work beautifully with fruit and flower salads, or desserts made with flowers, or soft cheeses with pressed flowers.

But there are more benefits of the Jasmine Green Tea to be discovered. Visit More Than Alive, an online store for bulk herbs and a trusted resource where you can buy green tea and many other herbs.

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