Tea: Enjoy a Cup for Health and Pleasure

Monday, November 15, 2010

ROCHESTER, Minn. — People have turned to tea to soothe body and soul for more than 5,000 years. In China, tea has served medicinal purposes since ancient times. According to the November issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource, modern science has confirmed potential health benefits of tea.

Tea leaves contain a mix of substances including antioxidant compounds called polyphenols, and may offer some protection from:

• Cancer: Green tea may help prevent gastric, pancreatic, bladder and ovarian cancers. Research indicates that the reason may be catechins — polyphenols that appear to have cancer-fighting and other health-promoting properties. Green tea is especially rich in catechins.
• Cardiovascular disease: Green tea may lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. And black tea and green tea are linked to a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Cavities: Green tea destroys bacteria that can contribute to cavities. It also helps to prevent plaque formation.
• Parkinson's disease: Caffeine present in tea might help prevent Parkinson's or slow its development, possibly by increasing mental alertness or by increasing the availability of the brain chemical dopamine.

Non-tea drinkers may want to sip a cup for the possible health benefits. Tea can be prepared from bags or loose leaves. If opting for bottled or canned teas, beware of added sugar and high calories.

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9751, (toll-free) or visit Mayo Clinic's Online Bookstore.

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