Tea – The Queen of Beverages
April 7, 2009
Tea is a wonderful plant and beverage. It is a wholesome refreshing drink having a quieting or relieving effect upon the digestive and nervous system. Tea creates a sense of well being free from intemperance and is said to relieve fatigue and induce tranquility and mental equilibrium. It is known as the queen of beverages, the one who has enthralled millions over the centuries.
Effects of drinking Tea
Tea beverages are made from the natural substances found in the leaves of the plant camellia sinesis. Drinking tea helps one relax and it is a wonderful stress-booster. People who drink much tea do not get strongly addicted to alcohol or tobacco as tea controls such addiction admirably. Drinking around four to five cups of tea a day may have a beneficial effect on two long established heart disease risk factors, high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Nutrients in Tea
An average daily tea consumption of a person provides him with significant amounts of calcium (over 16 per cent), zinc (10 per cent) and folic acid (10 per cent). Four cups of tea made with semi-skimmed milk typically provide two thirds of the fluid we need to drink each day for optimum health, along with some five per cent of the selenium, 25 per cent of the riboflavin, six per cent of the pantothenate, 10 per cent of the zinc, nine per cent of the potassium and 45 per cent of the manganese we need. Other than these, tea also contains a substance called flavonoid. Each cup of freshly brewed tea contains between 150 to 190 mg of flavonoids.
Health benefits
Tea helps in preventing cardiovascular disease and cancer. The anti-oxidants in tea help in reducing the risk of cancer in most people. Apart from anti-heart disease and cancer properties, tea also helps to cure strokes and even osteoporosis.
Tea reduces the blood sugar level in diabetes. It also modulates blood cholesterol. Black tea inhibits mammary gland and colon carcinogenesis. It also possesses anti-tumor activity and reduces gastric ulcer.
Tea- as a Beauty Enhancer
For glowing skin
Cold tea is a sparkling tonic for all types of skin. Dip cotton wool in the cold tea, pat onto the skin and leave to dry.
For naturally colored shining hair
Make a pot of medium strength tea, strain in a jug, and allow cooling. Then pour as a last rinse over newly washed hair. Graying hair takes on color and life, medium hair is lightened and dark hair is highlighted as a result of tea rinse. To get a high gloss on your hair, polish gently with a pure silk scarf.
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