TEA: A CUP OF MEDICINE

            Have you ever thought that tea is not just a drink? Well, it’s definitely true. Tea is one of the oldest and most natural drinks on the globe, and many discoverings prove that there are a lot more to a cup of tea than you might suppose. It turns out that tea contains substances that are able to lower risk for heart diseases, cancer, and other health problems that affect men. The main substance called polyphenols. Catechins and epicatechins, in particular. There are plenty types of tea such as Green Tea, Black Tea, White Tea, Oolong Tea, Chaga Tea, Pu-erh Tea, and Chamomile Tea. These types have all different functions connected to human’s health.

            The first one is Green Tea. This type of tea has antioxidants that may interfere with growth of bladder, breast, lung, stomach, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. Prevent clogging of the arteries, help with heart and cardiovascular difficulties by improving cholesterol. Also reduce risk of stroke and neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. In addition, green tea has fluoride that can help to prevent tooth decay.

            Next, Black Tea. Black tea may protect lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. It may also reduce risk of stroke. This tea contains theophylline which increases blood flow in the capillaries and helps the body maintain a normal blood pressure. It can also expand the airways, make breathing easier for asthmatics.

            White tea leaves are much less dense and compact than other types. It is more potent anticancer properties than processed teas. Studies show that white tea can thin the blood and improve artery function. It helps lower high blood pressure and maintain a healthy one. By thinning the blood, lowering blood pressure, and reducing cholesterol, white tea protects the heart and the entire circulatory system. White tea contains small amounts of fluoride and other nutrients which keeps the teeth strong and healthy. It also kills the bacteria which causes plaque, tooth decay, and bad breath. Last, it helps strengthen the immune system and prevent bacterial infection.

            Oolong Tea is a traditional Chinese tea. The health benefits of oolong tea are basically doubled because of the combined qualities of black tea and green tea. According to the Tea Association of the United States, oolong tea falls somewhere between green and black teas, as its leaves are only partially oxidized. It helps to lower cholesterol levels, can be use as weight loss supplement, and can help people with diabetes by keep blood sugar levels in line.

            Chaga Tea. Chaga, or the “King of Medicinal Mushrooms” as some like to call it, is a very special medicinal mushroom. Usually this mushroom consumed in the form of chaga tea. It may help boost and strengthen the immune system, help in preventing growth and lowering the risk of some cancers, like breast, liver, uterus, or stomach. It has some anti-inflammatory properties. This tea boosts energy levels and supports increased stamina. Also helps to aid digestion and can prevent some stomach disease.

            Pu-erh Tea is a variety of fermented and aged dark tea produced in Yunnan province, China, and named after Pu’er City. It is known to help lower cholesterol levels, boost blood flow and improve circulation. It aids in digestion of foods, and have antioxidants that help remove toxins from the blood stream. This tea has been shown to improve the functioning of the spleen.

            Chamomile tea has antioxidants that may help prevent complications from diabetes like loss of vision, nerve, and kidney damage. Stunts growth of cancer cells. It helps stop gastrointestinal inflammation, prevents gas, and reduces stomach cramps. Used as treatment for irritable bowel syndrome and helps people fall asleep (often used as part of treatment for insomnia).

            Back to years ago, tea was used as a medicinal drink in southwestern China and spread to other countries. All these tea have special properties that may improve human’s health and can be taken as medicine. If you’re not a tea drinker, you should be. Tea drinking isn’t harmful and fits well with a healthy lifestyle. It can be prepared by pouring hot or boiling water over the cured leaves. (Michelle Aurelia Kurniawan, 1901457542).