Health benefits of ginseng tea include a number of curative and healing properties. The tea is derived from a perennial plant root. The major health benefits of ginseng tea are due to the naturally occurring chemicals ‘ginsenosides’ present in it. Ginseng tea has earned popularity all over the world as an herbal drink. According to American Academy of Family Physicians, ginseng tea possesses anticancer properties.

India, China, Japan and even some western countries are known to cultivate ginseng tea for its rich health benefits. In US and Canada, weather conditions favor the cultivation of ginseng, and ginseng tea is known to be exported from US to many Asian countries. American ginseng tea is rich in herbal lysimachiae, panax quinquefolium and radix glycyrrhizae. The researchers at University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada have proved that ginseng is effective in reducing diabetes.

Benefits: Ginseng tea is considered as one of the most nutritious herbal supplements available in the world. There are mainly 3 types of ginseng tea –American, Asian and Siberian Ginseng. All are beneficial for human health and vitality. Some of the curative properties of ginseng tea are as follows:


  • Menstrual Problems: American Ginseng tea is well known for its cooling effect. It is recommended for young women who suffer from menstrual cramps and distress. It minimizes the stomach pain associated with menstruation.
  • Low Blood Pressure: Asian ginseng tea is a strong beverage. It is very effective for people who have low blood pressure. This energetic drink keeps you on your toes all day long.
  • Brain Food: Ginseng tea is an herbal drink that acts as a stimulant to the brain cells. It improves the concentration power and thinking capabilities. For improved functioning of the brain cells, ginseng tea is highly recommended for students.
  • Obesity: If you want to shed those extra pounds, ginseng tea would help you in your dietary habits. This herbal tea is popular as a natural appetite suppressant. Consuming ginseng tea would also provide slimness to the body.
  •  Sex Problems: Men with erectile dysfunction disorder can consume ginseng tea as it lessens the symptoms of such sex related conditions.
  • Cancer: Studies indicate that people who drink ginseng tea have less risk of developing cancer. Medical experts highly promote people to drink such herbal teas to eliminate the risk of cancerous growth in the body.
More on Ginseng Tea:
Though ginseng tea is an herbal beverage, medical reports also indicate that prolonged consumption of this tea may lead to sleeplessness and heart ailments. So, it is best to consult a competent physician before you start drinking ginseng tea on a daily basis.

This article was contributed by Seema Adnani.
Source: OrganicFacts.net
There are only a few 'proven' white tea health benefits to date, but they look very promising from here.

A lot of good things have been said about white tea. So when I look into it, I expect to find lots of gold.

It hasn't disappointed. Although I find only 4 published studies on white tea health benefits, 3 of them claim white tea to be a more effective cancer-fighter and germ-killer than green tea.

It is not easy to out-do green tea. The results are preliminary, but it is a fantastic start.

Am I surprised? Not really.

High grade white, like high grade green, is made from young tea shoots, which has been shown again, again and again - to have the highest concentration of nutrients.

White tea is the least “fired” of all teas, which may explain why it contains more antioxidants than green tea.

White Tea Health Benefits #1:
Protect against cancer mutation

white tea health benefitsA 2001 study conducted by Oregon State University compared white tea and green tea for their cancer fighting potential.

Each cancer starts with one cell.

It happens when the genes become damaged or lost in a process called mutation, causing cells to multiply uncontrollably.

People only take notice when they feel a lump and see a doctor
Green tea has been known to protect against cell mutation. Does white tea offer the same antimutagen benefit?

Scientists from Paul Linus Institute conducted a test called Salmonella assay to find out.

Bacteria culture was exposed to a carcinogen called IQ, which is also found in fried or broiled meats. Either white tea or green tea was added.

It was found that white tea was always more protective than green tea, sometimes by a factor of 5.

White Tea Health Benefits #2:
Treat colon cancer without side effects


white tea health benefitsA 2003 study conducted by Oregon State University found that white tea is highly potent in treating colon cancer in mice.

The scientists compared white tea, green tea and an anti-cancer drug called sundalic. They were given to mice pre-disposed to developing cancer to drink.

After 12 weeks, untreated mice developed 30 tumours.

Mice that drank green tea and white tea developed 17 and 13 tumours respectively.

The best result went to mice that had both white tea and sundalic; they developed the lowest number of tumours - 6.

White Tea and Colon Cancer - Medicine Without Side Effects

White Tea Health Benefits #3:
Kill germs and prevent infections


white tea health benefitsA 2004 study conducted by Pace University concluded that white tea fights bacteria, viruses and fungi.

White tea retards the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus, which has been known to cause infections such as sore throat (pharyngitis), scarlet fever, and pneumonia, as well as dental caries.

White tea also fights fungi such as Penicillium chrysogenum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and so may be helpful to people suffering from yeast infections.

The scientists added white tea extract to several toothpastes, then placed the paste on germs in a lab.

Previous studies have found that green tea boosts the immune system. This study suggested that white tea is even more powerful than green tea.

"People should drink white tea," said Milton Schiffenbauer, who conducted this study.

"Our research shows white tea extract can actually destroy in vitro the organisms that causedisease. Study after study proves that it has many healing properties."

White Tea Health Benefits #4:
Keep skin young


white tea health benefitsA 2003 study suggested that white tea may slow down aging skin conditions such as wrinkles and pigmentations. This study was conducted jointly by University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University.

The scientists applied white tea cream on the subject's buttock, then exposed it to artificial light.

They found that tea-treated skin continued to function properly afterwards with limited DNA damage, but untreated skin was damaged by light.

The scientists believed white tea works because of its powerful antioxidant. The study suggests that white tea cream may have anti-aging effects on skin.

"Similar to the way oxidation causes a car to rust, oxidative stress of the skin causes a breakdown in cellular strength and function," said Dr Elma Baron, director of Skin Study Center.

"The white tea extract protects against this stress."

"We know that younger skin tends to be able to resist the oxidative stress associated with exposure to the destructive rays of sunlight," said Kevin Cooper, chairman of the Department of Dermatology.

"The white tea extract also appears to build the skin's resistance against stresses that cause the skin to age."

Article Source: Amazing Green Tea.com





Ordinary tea, as most people know it, comes from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant. There are three main types of tea: green tea, oolong tea, and black tea, categorized according to their oxidation levels (called the fermentation process). Green tea is steamed, baked, or pan heated to prevent oxidation and thus the leaves remain green. Unlike green tea, oolong tea is partially fermented, and black tea is fully fermented.
So why is green tea getting all the attention in the science world? It's mainly because of the antioxidant epigallocatechin-3 gallate ( EGCG ), the main component considered good for one's health which is preserved in green tea but lost in oolong and black varieties when fermented. Antioxidants are thought to prevent free radicals.





Free Radicals - What exactly is a free radical?
 A scientific explanation: In essence, a free radical is any molecular species capable of independent existence, that contains one or more unpaired electrons not contributing to intermolecular bonding, and is, in that sense, "free". They are produced by oxidation/reduction reactions, in which there is a transfer of only one electron at a time, or when a covalent bond is broken and one electron from each pair remains with each atom. Thus, a free radical has an unpaired electron.

Many free radicals are highly reactive, owing to the tendency of electrons to pair; that is, to pair by the receipt of an electron from an appropriate donor or to donate an electron to an appropriate acceptor. Whenever a free radical reacts with a non-radical, a chain reaction is initiated until two free radicals react and then terminate the propagation with a 2-electron bond, with each radical contributing its single unpaired electron. The free radicals of special interest in aging are the oxygen free radicals (OH., H., O2.-). These free radicals often take an electron away from a "target" molecule to pair with their single free electron; this is what is commonly termed oxidation. The term reactive oxygen species is used to refer to these oxidants and the oxygen free radicals.
In the human body, oxidized free radicals are believed to cause tissue damage at the cellular level, causing damage to our DNA, mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell), and cell membrane, and have often been referred to as one of the causes attributed to aging, cancer, heart disease, and other human ailments harmful to one's health. While the green tea ion of free radicals is a normal part of metabolism at the cellular level, things such as excessive alcohol intake, smoking, and various chemical exposures only serve to increase the amount of free radicals present in the body. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system of antioxidants.

Antioxidants - What exactly is an antioxidant?

Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged (as in Vitamin C), or seek out and scavenge free radicals ( as in Vitamin E ). This is where it can be noted that research has indicated that one of the main antioxidants found in green tea ( epigallocatechin 3-gallate a.k.a. EGCG ) has been found to be much more powerful than both Vitamins C and E. Compared to other known antioxidants, EGCG was found to be 100 times more effective than vitamin C, 25 times more effective than Vitamin E and twice as powerful as resveratrol at neutralizing free radicals.

Article Source: O-cha.com
I hope that you will not be fooled by the unbelievable advertising on some food packages. For example, labels on ginseng tea and gingko-fortified cereal both claim they will promote sharp thinking. There is no solid evidence that either ginseng or gingko improve thinking, but for this discussion, let’s assume they do. Ginseng is a stimulant just like an amphetamine. If you were to take too much ginseng, you would get diarrhea and a headache; a massive overdose could raise your blood pressure, cause a stroke and even death. If the correct dose of ginseng is contained in one cup of the tea, that means that you are taking a drug when you drink a cupful; two cups can give you a headache and ten cups might kill you.

It’s the dose that makes a poison. If a substance is to cause a health benefit, you have to eat an exact dose. If you take less, you don’t receive any benefit. If you take too much, you can suffer unpleasant side effects or even die. Drugs and supplements specify the dose on the bottle; if you take a whole bottle-full instead of one pill and die of an overdose, the manufacturer will not be held responsible. But nobody measures exact portions of food. What happens if you drink the ginseng tea all day to quench your thirst?

The same applies to gingko-fortified cereals. How much cereal do you have to eat to improve your mind? What happens if your child likes the flavor and eats the whole box? Foods that truly contain medicines would harm you if you ate too much. Of course the food manufacturers are not stupid, so they put in so little of the substance that it cannot possibly harm you in any amount – and therefore, of course, cannot have any benefit. This is deceptive advertising at its worst. Save your money.


Article written by Gabe Mirkin, M.D. For more details, visit http://www.DrMirkin.com
Source: ezinearticles.com


Recently, Japanese scientists found that Rooibos tea is an enzyme containing peroxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant, which mimic the attack of free radicals and limit their adverse consequences.

Rooibos helps stomach ulcers, nausea, constipation and heartburn.

A cup of Rooibos tea before going to sleep a good night's rest! Rooibos has been found to help insomnia, sleep disorders and headaches. It contains no caffeine and has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system.

Rooibos helps you strong bones and teeth, the calcium, manganese and fluoride.

Rooibos helps peace infants with colic, stomach cramps and sleeping problems. Simply mix some Rooibos tea with milk or formula. It is 100% natural with no coloring or preservatives. It is a wonderful mother.

Rooibos contains alpha hydroxy acid and zinc for healthy skin and smooth. This wonder tea is especially useful if the skin irritation such as itching, eczema, sunburn, diaper rash and acne.

Place waste Rooibos tea bags in the refrigerator or freezer. Eyes tired after a long day, or red to soothe and relax doing.

Rooibos contains magnesium which is essential for a healthy nervous.

Rooibos increases the absorption of iron in the body.

Rooibos contains potassium and copper minerals necessary for metabolic functions.

Rooibos is often prescribed for anxiety and mild depression that makes a relaxing sedative.

Rooibos contains no oxalic acid and can therefore be appreciated by those suffering from kidney stones.

Rooibos helps to control your appetite can be beneficial in weight loss.

Rooibos helps you recover after a hangover again.

Rooibos is a great thirst-quenching drink and sports. Because the content of the mineral iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium, sodium, restores the balance of the body after strenuous exercise.

Rooibos is very versatile! It could be drinking hot or cold, with or without milk, sugar or honey, lemon juice or mixed with fruit juice for a nice blend. Rooibos Tea is also used in cooking and baking. It replaces the liquid content in recipes for soups, marinades, sauces, stews and cakes for added flavor and nutrition.

And Rooibos tastes divine! It is less than most bitter teas.

For more details, visit Loss Weight Diet Guide
Source:  Articlesbase.com
Have you ever wondered why green tea has become so popular nowadays? In fact, it is highly noticeable since it now comes in different packages. Before, tea preparation used to be in tea bags or loose leaf. Now, it comes in cold ready-to-drink beverages. Do you know why people usually grab a cold bottle of green tea? This is actually due to the immense health benefits you can get from drinking green tea.

People drink green tea to help the body get rid of free radicals. These free radicals are harmful to the body. They actually cause the body to become prone to cancer. DNA is also damaged because of the presence of these free radicals in the body. By drinking green tea, your body becomes more resistant to free radicals which are commonly found in the surroundings.

When these free radicals accumulate in your body, you are actually hastening your aging process. Old people are usually more prone to heart problems and cancer. However, because of the overwhelming presence of free radicals in the environment and the bad habits of people such as smoking and alcohol consumption, young people are aging faster than the tick of the clock!

Studies have shown that these free radicals in the body can be countered by antioxidants. These substances help reduce the risk of cancer and protect the heart. If you ensure that your everyday diet consists of foods rich in antioxidants such as green tea, then your aging process would surely be reduced by a substantial percentage. This is one green tea health benefit that you should know about.

Green tea health benefits do not only constitute reducing the risk of cancer as well as heart problems but it also helps in rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol levels, infection, an impaired immune function, as well as burning more fat in the body. By taking green tea, you just don’t get healthy, you get slimmer as well.

Now that you know about the wonderful health benefits of green tea, you should try it out yourself. You may not see any difference overnight, but with patience, you will reap the long term benefits of green tea.


For more details, visit http://www.californiateahouse.com
 Article Source:  Articlesbase.com
For those who are not familiar with the Oolong tea diet or those who have recently heard about it and are curious to see if it can help you lose weight or not, here is a look at exactly what it is and what kind of results one could come to expect from it.


Oolong tea or as some may call it Wulong tea is a special tea that is very similar to both black and green tea as it is considered semi-fermented whereas black tea is fully oxidised and green tea is not. Many Chinese researchers suggest that the polyphenol found in Oolong tea is very beneficial to those who are trying to lose weight or those who have tried to lose weight before with little or no success. It works in a way that promotes production of the enzyme that is responsible for dissolving triglycerides. Studies were done where a group of people of all different ages and sizes were given Oolong tea to drink in the morning and in the evening. Compared to those who were not given the tea, the people who had drank the Oolong tea showed a decrease in fat over a six week period whereas the others did not.

You may be asking “How can I apply the Oolong tea diet to my lifestyle?” and it is really very simple. You can start out by purchasing some Oolong tea for yourself and when you get up in the morning brew yourself a cup. This can be a great alternative to coffee that contains high amounts of caffeine that can cause bloating. You can sweeten it up a bit if you need to with artificial sugars or honey. At minimum you will want to drink another cup during the evening perhaps before your dinner or after. Others enjoy drinking it throughout the day as a way to help curb cravings or for those who are used to drinking several cups of coffee throughout the day enjoy still having the opportunity to have a hot beverage but one that actually helps them lose weight.
Oolong Tea Leaves

It is advised to follow the Oolong tea diet for at least six weeks to get the maximum results but for those who are on a long term weight loss plan may want to drink it regularly throughout the year. There are a few different varieties that you can try to match your tastes so be sure to try at least three till you find the one you like the most. The Oolong tea diet is a great way to help people lose weight or for those who have finally reached their goal, stay there.

Article Source: Herbal Tea Boutique
You would be surprised to know that one way to fight diabetes is by drinking black tea. Amazing? While teas are known for the health benefits that you can derive from them, there are some teas that possess unique characteristics that make them the all-time favorites, one of which is black tea. It is not so unusual why black tea is really popular since it is very flexible when it comes to usage, and has extra health benefits that cannot be found in other varieties of tea.

You might not know it, but the cool and refreshing iced tea that you love to drink is made from black tea. You can easily notice the rich flavor, the savory aroma, and the brilliant dark red color of every glass of iced tea. Aside from that, in every glass, you get the same powerful antioxidants that every tea gives to your body.



One major benefit that you can get from black tea is its capacity to fight diabetes. A recent research in China found out that the polysaccharide levels of black tea is greater compared to other varieties of tea. These polysaccharides slow down the absorption of glucose, thereby reducing the sugar levels in the body. These findings would eventually lead to further explore this specific property of the black tea in managing diabetes.

There is an organic black tea which you could say is entirely a natural tea. The plant (cammellia sinensin) being used for this kind of tea are free from man-made chemicals. These bushes are not given synthetic fertilizers, growth regulators, or even pesticides. Everything that contributes to their growth is natural. Since farmers cannot use synthetic methods, they resort to crop rotation, composting, and inter-planting. These methods replenish the soil and help maintain the ecological balance in the planet.

Organic black tea is very helpful for those who require a strict intake on foods. Because of the natural characteristics of this tea, more and more people are shifting their preference to this kind of tea, not to mention its existing patrons around the world.

So if you want to live the natural way, in order to protect your body from certain diseases such as diabetes, then go for organic black tea. It is delicious and a good source of antioxidants as well.

Visit http://www.californiateahouse.com for more details.

Article Source:Articlesbase.com
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if losing weight was as easy as sitting down to a relaxing cup of tea? Well, that dream could be creeping its way into reality if you’re sipping on Wu Yi green tea.




With all the products on the market claiming to help you lose weight, it’s hard to sift out the scams. Wu Yi green tea does have an actual science behind the extraordinary claims. The tea has a high natural concentration of polymerized polyphenols. In simpler terms, these compounds activate enzymes that bread down fat and increase your metabolism.

Many users claim that they lost 20-30 pounds within just a few months by drinking the recommended two cups of Wu Yi green tea on a daily basis. However, it takes a little more effort than that. Wu Yi tea is not a scam because of the clinically proven efficient compounds, but it is not a miracle. Dieters are yet to be freed from the chains of dieting and exercise.

Don’t get discouraged too easily though. Wu Yi green tea has plenty of other benefits that the other weight loss products cannot offer due to their processed nature. A common complaint among dieters is the feeling of fatigue. A cup of tea contains a little less caffeine than the typical cup of coffee. It also contains antioxidants that support a healthy immune system. Wu Yi green tea is not your average green tea. It is widely known that incorporating green tea into your diet is a step towards a healthy body, but Wu Yi takes it even a step further than that.

Read full post at Herbal Tea Boutique



Ginseng tea has been used for centuries as a natural tonic and remedy for a variety of ailments. The ginseng plant is botanically called Panax, which means, “all heal” in Greek. In addition, just as its name depicts, this tea is highly effective at improving health. The tea comes from the fleshy root of the plant. It contains natural components called Ginsenosides, which is where the healing abilities are said to come from.

There is a variety of different types of ginseng tea, all from various forms of the plan found around the globe. In India, the tea is called Ashwagandha. Asian teas are some of the most popular forms, though there are also Brazilian, American, and Siberian forms as well. Each is slightly different and tea aficionados say they can taste the various flavor differences based on the region the plant was grown in.

Healing Benefits

However, what are the healing benefits of this form of tea? It has long been used to treat just about any type of ailment, but there are some areas that are seen as more promising. Science has yet to prove these health benefits as of yet, but Ginseng has been used for 5000 years to help cure some of these conditions.

Ginseng is seen as an ideal way to lose weight. It helps to increase metabolism in the body. It also improves digestion. It is able to restore and maintain the immune system and is said to help fight ailments such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, stomach ulcers and diarrhea. It is also able to improve blood circulation and reduce both physical and mental stress. Some even say that it is can be used as an aphrodisiac.

With all of these marvelous wonders, there is no doubt that ginseng tea has become an important tool in various herbal remedies. The good news is that it is also quite tasty and affordable to purchase. Virtually all aspects of the plant can be used to aid in improving health, though the tea seems to be more beneficial when it is made from the root of the plant.

Source: Bestorganictealeaves.net
Next time you’re making a cuppa, new research shows it might be wise to opt for a white tea if you want to reduce your risk of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or even just age-associated wrinkles. Researchers from Kingston University teamed up with Neal’s Yard Remedies to test the health properties of 21 plant and herb extracts. They discovered all of the plants tested had some potential benefits, but were intrigued to find white tea considerably outperformed all of them.
White Tea 03 
Professor Declan Naughton, from the School of Life Sciences at Kingston University in South West London, said the research showed white tea had anti-ageing potential and high levels of anti-oxidants which could prevent cancer and heart disease. “We’ve carried out tests to identify plant extracts that protected the structural proteins of the skin, specifically elastin and collagen,” he explained. “Elastin supports the body’s natural elasticity which helps lungs, arteries, ligaments and skin to function. It also helps body tissue to repair when you suffer wounds and stops skin from sagging.” Collagen is a protein found in connective tissues in the body and is important for skin, strength and elasticity, he added.

Results showed white tea prevented the activities of the enzymes which breakdown elastin and collagen which can lead to wrinkles that accompany ageing. These enzymes, along with oxidants, are associated with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Professor Naughton said: “These enzymes and oxidants are key components of normal body processes. However, in inflammatory conditions, suppressing the activities of these excess components has been the subject of decades of research. We were surprised to find such high activity for the white tea extracts in all five tests that were conducted.”

The researchers were blown away by exactly how well the white tea had performed. “We were testing very small amounts far less than you would find in a drink,” Professor Naughton, one of the country’s leading specialists on inflammation, said. “The early indicators are that white tea reduces the risk of inflammation which is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers as well as wrinkles.”
White Tea 04Eight of the other plants and herbs analysed also helped protect against the breakdown of both elastin and collagen. After white tea, bladderwrack performed well followed by extracts of cleavers, rose, green tea, angelica, anise and pomegranate.

Dr Pauline Hili, Technical Director for Neal’s Yard Remedies, said: “We are really excited by this research as it helps us to remain innovative and at the cutting edge of natural skin care. Celebrating the plants used in the Neal’s Yard Remedies products and understanding their specific actions on the skin is what it is all about. The Kingston University research program helps us to create safe, highly effective and cutting-edge products so it’s an ideal partnership for us.”

Article Source. TheMedicalNews.net

It is easy to overlook how prevalent tea is in our modern lives. It is when we come across the amazing statistics that tea is the number two most consumed beverage it the world and it has been so for a long, long time that we start to understand how central to our lives drinking tea is. That fact is made even more powerful when we know that the number one most consumed beverage in the world is water.
 
One reason that black tea in particular has reached such phenomenal levels of acceptance and enjoyment around the world is warm and rich taste. With so many others to choose from, if you made it your passion to discover new tea flavors, varieties and to enjoy teas from as many places around the world as you could, that would be a quest that would take a lifetime to complete.

Black tea is by far the most common tea most of us enjoy because that is the kind that is commercially sold in grocery stores in the form of tea bags. But few people know that the only difference between green and black tea is in how they are handled after the picking process is complete. The drying procedure for green tea is somewhat less complicated. But even though the drying process for black tea is more involved, it makes the resultant product stronger and more able to be stored without losing its freshness.

It adds to the fun and enjoyment of drinking quality black tea to know a little bit about where it comes from and the culture and type of environment the tea was produced. The soil, weather and many other factors of different parts of the world have a big impact on both the flavor of the tea and the vitamin content of it as well. So learning a little bit about black tea origins can help you even in shopping for commercial tea.

For example, Lapsang Souchong is a Chinese tea as is Yunnan and Keemum varieties. You might see this distinction when you read the ingredients panel on the side of the next box of black tea you buy. These teas have a wonderful smoky flavor because pine fires are mostly commonly used in China to dry the tea leaves to prepare them for sale and consumption by you and me. The Chinese take great pride and care in how they prepare the teas they sell so much so that they won't even let the leaves be broken as they cure them to become the tea we enjoy in our cups at home.

Let this first step of understanding Chinese tea be your introduction to learning all you can about where your tea comes from, how it is prepared and what kinds of flavors you can expect. You might try out Assam tea from India, Darjelling form the Himalayas, Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka as well as teas from Kenya, Malawi, Zimabwe and even as close as Hawaii.

Each of these teas will have a unique flavor and aroma and its great fun to find out which ones will become your favorites and even indulge yourself in becoming a bit of a tea snob by wanting the teas you enjoy the most each day. That's ok because tea is so good for you and such a great beverage that you can sample and enjoy so much variety, all from the comfort of your cozy home and your cozy teapot.

If you are interested in learning more about tea then please visit us at http://www.TeaCollection.org

Did you know that you can improve your health just by adding green tea to your diet? This tasty little eastern beverage is packed full of great health promoting benefits, and here we'll be talking about just those!

Natural health has recently grown in popularity in the western hemispheres, and with it has come many foods that have been commonly used in eastern cultures for a very long time. Green tea is a natural drink, made from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis bushes, which has been fermented for an unusually short amount of time. This short fermentation process causes the tea to retain most all of its polyphenols which would have otherwise been removed, and which are believed to be the cause of many of green tea’s health benefits. Its use has been dated back in some areas as long as 5000 years ago, and eastern cultures still regularly use it because of its application to health. It has many different health benefiting properties, but here are the three most prominent.

Western society has recently become extremely focused on youth and retarding the aging process. People want to look, think, and feel younger, and movie stars pay millions for products that promise smoother, younger skin. Antioxidants have been revealed to be a powerful agent in keeping people youthful, as they can reduce the aging effects of free radicals on our bodies. Green tea is an excellent source of these antioxidants, and the antioxidants in green tea have proven to be very potent.

One reason for green tea’s recent popularity in the west is its benefits for the cardiovascular system. Heart disease and cardiovascular related illnesses are at all-time highs in the United States, and are currently on the rise. It can be very difficult to avoid the factors that cause cardiovascular stress, but green tea is one substance that can actually help. Although it is high in caffeine, which is not generally good for the cardiovascular system, its rich antioxidants have the power to lower a person’s cholesterol and help prevent future heart problems. It has also been shown to help prevent diseases that affect the arteries.

Green tea’s recent increase in popularity, although attributed to many of its properties, is most likely the primary result of its effect on weight loss. It’s no secret that out of control weight has become a serious problem in western culture, and as a result there are thousands of different dieting plans, exercise routines, and even pills that are designed to take off the weight. Although green tea will not cause you to shed pounds directly, one special property of it will greatly help any attempt you make to do so – its ability to speed up your metabolism. This drink actually has the ability to increase your body’s metabolic rate by helping your body process calories at a more efficient rate.

While green tea is a completely natural drink and does have many positive health benefits, it is not recommended for everyone. Because it is so unique, and happens to contain somewhat high levels of caffeine as a result of its short fermentation, people who have heart problems are not advised to take it. Despite its positive impact on cardiovascular health, its amounts of caffeine are simply too much for a weak or damaged heart and can cause problems. Also, if you are a pregnant woman or are breast-feeding, stay away from green tea until your child has been weaned.


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Everybody wants to look and feel more youthful. Goji Berry Juice can help!
 
Article written by Cole Carson. To view the original post, click here.

Another name for Oolong Tea is Wu long, which is made from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis that are found to be abundant in polyphenols, chemical compounds that are beneficial in relieving stress to the leaves. The polyphenols in Camellia Sinensis leaves include the flavanoids, another powerful antioxidant.


There are three classifications of tea-green, black and oolong-that are derived from Camella Sinensis. The difference is the manner of preparation. Green tea is prepared by heating in order to stop the natural enzymatic reaction of the leaf. After drying, green tea leaves are rolled to break the cell structure. Thetea has different steps. After plucking the leaves off Camella Sinensis plants, they are not intentionally broken. In fact, the leaves' cellular structure must be intact.

There are two ways to be effective in burning fats. The first way is to increase energy expenditure. The other way is to inhibit the absorption of nutrients, particularly fat and carbohydrates. Caffeine is also associated with teas, and it is widely accepted that it is an effective stimulant, especially when it comes to metabolism.

For thousands of years, Chinese had been banking on oolong tea, and they believed that it is beneficial in reduction and maintenance of weight. In 1998, Chinese studied on 102 females displayed that regular consumption of oolong tea for 6 weeks led to a reduction of body weight. This result spurred deeper study on oolong.

In 2001, Dr. William Rumpler, a physiologist at US Agriculture Research Services' Diet and Human Laboratory investigated the ancient traditional belief that oolong is effective in burning fats. The study centered on measuring the influence of oolong to energy expenditure on 12 male volunteers who were given 4 separate beverage formulas for three consecutive days.

The beverage formulas composed of:
1. Full strength of oolong tea
2. Caffeinated water with caffeine that is equivalent to full strength oolong tea
3. Medium strength of oolong tea
4. Non-caffeinated water

After 24 hours, their energy expenditure increased by 3% when they drank either full strength of the tea or the caffeinated water. Also, the participants burned around 67 calories in a day when they drank the full strength of oolong tea. With these findings, researchers noted that it does not need to be expensive to accelerate the burning of fats.

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If you’re new to tea drinking, it may be difficult to understand how one tea differs from another in terms of quality. The beginning of a good tea starts with a good tea garden that is tended by a skilled tea artisan. Proper care of the garden along with careful tea plucking and harvesting creates the best tea.

Flavored white teas are becoming increasingly popular. White tea is fairly new to the Western world, but is becoming more popular each year. White tea is the mildest of all teas, so it is a natural choice as a base for flavored tea, since the additional flavorings really shine in white tea. One of the most popular flavored white teas is white licorice tea. White licorice tea is a flavorful blend of licorice and the best white tea.

White licorice tea is also extremely healthy. Because of the way that it’s processed, white tea has more anti-oxidants than black tea, making it effective at preventing many serious diseases like cancer and heart disease. These healthy benefits are another reason that flavored and unflavored white teas are becoming so popular.

If you’re new to tea drinking, it may be difficult to understand how one tea differs from another in terms of quality. The beginning of a good tea starts with a good tea garden that is tended by a skilled tea artisan. Proper care of the garden along with careful tea plucking and harvesting creates the best tea. For white licorice tea, it’s also important that the best quality star anise be used to flavor the tea and that the tea artisan is skilled in infusing the tea with the licorice appropriately.

White tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, just like other teas. However, harvesting and processing white tea is quite different than harvesting and processing other teas. White tea is harvested much earlier than other teas, before the leaves are fully open and while the buds are covered with fine white hair, which is why it’s called white tea. In addition, white tea leaves are not fermented like black tea. This lack of fermentation ensures that the tea is sweet and mild and contains all of its natural anti-oxidants.

The best white tea gardens pluck the tea by hand, selecting only the completely unopened and undamaged buds, and, in some cases, the top two leaves of the plant. The harvester ensures that the buds and leaves are not damaged during plucking. The best white tea buds are harvested only in March and April and only when the weather is just right. There must be no rain on the day of harvest. There should have been no frost on the previous night, and the morning’s dew must be dry. It’s critical that the tea garden pay careful attention to these environmental factors when harvesting the tea.

Next, the white tea leaves are dried and steamed. The best tea gardeners know exactly how long to steam the leaves to ensure the best flavor.

Finally, for white licorice tea, the tea must be mixed with star anise to give the licorice flavor. The best tea gardens use only whole pieces of star anise in the tea, and they know exactly the right combination of tea leaves and star anise to get the perfect flavor.

Once the tea is processed, it must be stored and packed for selling. This is the end of the process for this year’s white licorice tea harvest, but it’s not the end of maintaining a good tea garden.

Throughout the year, the tea gardener has work to do to ensure his tea garden is maintained properly so that he can produce fine tea each and every year.

During the summer, the tea garden must be constantly weeded. In addition, if the tea garden produces black and green tea as well as white (as most of them do) there will be tea to harvest throughout the summer. Most black and green tea plants are harvested three or four times each growing season.

Tea plants do their most vigorous growing during the autumn. So, it is during this time of year that the tea gardener will fertilize the tea plants and plant any new plants for the year. By October, the tea plants will need to be pruned in preparation for winter.

During the winter, the tea gardener will pay close attention to any tea plants in his garden that are less than four years old. Depending upon the severity of the winter, they may need protection from the cold during the winter months.

In late February or early March, the tea plants must be pruned in preparation for the spring. Then, the entire tea harvesting cycle begins all over again.

As you can see, tea gardens require constant work and attention. Only the tea gardeners who work diligently to harvest and process the tea appropriately and who maintain their gardens throughout the year will be able to produce the very best tea.

Tea gardening requires a great deal of skill, patience and attention to detail. Most tea gardeners learned the skill from their parents, and may be tending a tea garden that has been in their family for generations.

A lot goes into making that delicious cup of white licorice tea. As you sip, savoring the flavor and aroma that makes white licorice tea so special and distinct, remember that labor and love that went into producing this cup of pleasure.

Article written by Jon Stout, Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, black tea and wholesale tea go to www.goldenmoontea.com 

How do you prepare your tea? Are you a "bag dunker", or do you steep gourmet loose tea in your infuser?

Only one of these methods will give you tea the way it was meant to be enjoyed!

Which is it?

At the conclusion of this article, tea bags may be a thing of the past for most folks! But don't throw them away, they make good odor absorbers in the refrigerator, in fact, that is all they will seem good for after experiencing tea the way it was meant to be consumed.

Five Interesting Things To Know About Gourmet Tea

1) As hinted above, gourmet loose tea will provide much better aroma and flavor over ordinary tea bags. The simple reason why is that loose leaf tea contains more essential oils since there is more surface area. The result is a fresh cup with a very appealing aroma which tastes very inspiring. Each sip will reward the senses.

Ever remember that great glass of wine or awesome cup of gourmet coffee you had at a cafe? Was there a difference from the usual? The same may go for your new tea experience...

Tea bag tea contains fannings, also called "tea dust", and while this may be great for tea leaf reading, will never yield a cup that rivals its larger loose leaf brothers. A big reason why is because tea bag leaves are crushed which depletes most of the oils. Another is that most tea bags can be over a year old, which means more of a stale flavor. All tea is best enjoyed within 6 months.


2) Gourmet tea also contains more antioxidants and polyphenols which are responsible for teas amazing health benefits. Some benefits include, lowered blood pressure, lowered cholesterol, a stronger immune system, and even weight loss! Since loose tea is fresh and contains more oils, naturally they will give us more of the goodies health conscious folks are looking for in each cup.




Tea bags will offer little of these benefits, and although you may receive some, they are not in the numbers as with loose leaf.


3) Gourmet loose leaf yields way more varieties compared to what a selection may be at a supermarket! There are four main types of tea, white, green, oolong, and black. But each type branches out into thousands of varieties.

Seasoned tea drinkers are always looking for a new cup to discover, and this is one of the most simple pleasures gourmet tea is known for.





  
4) Another thing gourmet loose tea excels at is it makes a great gift idea! For a loved one, you're always on the hunt to impress them with something, well, different. Depending on a person's likes, loose leaf tea is a good choice and one way to bring out a "WOW!" when they open the present.

Purchasing little tea tins with an infuser, cup set, tea pot, and fitted in a small box or gift basket is the perfect way to make a person feel surprised.

It may very well make them form a healthy new habit as well!


5) Are you thinking that gourmet grade tea is expensive? The truth is, loose leaf will cost a little more, but in the long run, you are getting what you pay for. In the long run, you're saving money. Look at it this way, a normal cup of tea-bag brewed at a restaurant will cost around a dollar.


Loose leaf when purchased in the popular 2 or 4 ounce tins can be an average of 10 to 25 cents per cup. That is not too bad for something that you will enjoy is it? In addition, 2 ounces of tea will make many servings too!

Now while these are five top reasons to enjoy gourmet tea, I'm sure you'll find others. It is a good way to impress company, and is a perfect companion for a social gathering. In time, you may find yourself shaking you head every time you see someone dunking a tea bag and smile that it was the way you once enjoyed what you thought was "tea".

Article written by David Carloni. Source: FoodEditorials.com


Many tea drinkers are unfamiliar with Imperial Formosa oolong teas. Oolong teas, in general, are not as well known in the Western world as other teas, but they are certainly worth investigating.

Oolong teas are those that are fermented for a shorter period of time than black teas. This shorter fermentation period creates a tea that is a bit blacker than green tea, but a bit greener than black tea. This "middle ground" that is oolong tea produces an extremely fragrant cup of tea, with slightly more complex flavors than other teas.

Oolong teas originated, like most other teas, in China many years ago. Formosa oolongs, however are different than these traditional Chinese oolong teas. Formosa oolong teas are produced in Taiwan. They are referred to as Formosa oolong teas because Formosa was the original name for Taiwan.

Oolong teas are different from other teas in the special attention that they require for proper processing. Oolong leaves are plucked by hand, and then allowed to wither and dry. Chinese oolong teas typically wither in sheds while Formosa oolong teas are withered and dried in the sun. Then the tea leaves must be bruised slightly to begin the oxidation process. During this process, the leaves are often shaken or tumbled on a regular basis. Once the leaves are appropriately fermented, they are fired to end the oxidation process. All of these steps must be attended to by a skilled tea artisan to ensure that the oolong tea is properly prepared.

Because of the care required to make a good oolong tea, they are typically made by hand in small tea gardens. High yield, mechanized tea production doesn’t produce fine quality oolong teas.

Oolong teas have a different flavor than white, black or green teas because of their shorter fermentation period. Oolong teas are typically milder than black teas with less of a grassy taste than green teas. They are typically fragrant with distinct floral notes and have a fruity flavor, often slightly peachy.

Formosa oolongs are some of the most fragrant and fruity of all oolong teas. The peach notes are typically very noticeable in both the aroma and flavor, but it is often blended with woody and nutty notes. Many people describe Imperial Formosa oolong teas as having a chestnut flavor. Many people consider oolong teas to have the most sophisticated and complex flavor of any variety of tea.

Formosa oolong teas are graded differently than Chinese oolong teas. The government of Taiwan imposed a standard grading system for its teas that makes if easy to ensure that you’re receiving a high quality tea. The best grade of Formosa tea is called "Finest to Choice" and the second highest grade is called "Finest". In fact, Formosa oolong teas are some of the easiest to judge, as the grades really speak to the quality of the tea. By choosing loose Formosa teas of one of the highest grades, you’ll ensure that you’re getting the best quality for the money.

Formosa oolong tea, like other oolong teas is different, too, in the way that it’s brewed. Tradition calls for you to "awaken" the oolong tea leaves before brewing them. To do this, prepare your water by boiling it and letting it cool to about 180°F. Pour a bit of the hot water over the tea leaves, rinsing them and then quickly pouring off the water. This brings the flavor and aroma of the tea to life. Then pour more water over the leaves to actually brew the tea.

Formosa Imperial oolong tea should be brewed only about one minute. Over brewing this mild tea can cause it to be bitter. Brewing Imperial Formosa oolong tea with spring water that is high in mineral content will yield the best tasting tea. The mineral content in the water brings out the flavor of the tea. Formosa oolong tea leaves can be used to produce several infusions of tea. Each infusion will taste just a bit different. You’ll notice that different flavors are prominent with different infusions. Though each infusion is different, each will be delicious if you’ve selected a good quality tea.

Formosa Imperial oolong tea is a very healthy drink. Like all teas, oolong tea has a very high anti-oxidant content. The partial fermentation that oolong tea undergoes ensures that it is very high in the anti-oxidant polyphenol. Polyphenol is a very powerful anti-oxidant that has been shown, in particular to have strong powers to prevent heart disease and cancer. In addition, all oolong teas have been found to be an effective weight loss supplement. Oolong tea helps speed the metabolism and oxidize fat, both of which enhance weight loss.

So, Imperial Formosa oolong tea is good and good for you. You’ll find this sophisticated blend of nut, flower and fruit flavors to be especially pleasing to the palate. Combine this with the fact that it has the power to prevent disease and help you live a longer and healthier life and you must agree that Imperial Formosa oolong tea is one smart choice in beverages.

Article written by Jon Stout, Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, black tea and wholesale tea go to www.goldenmoontea.com


 What is so fantastic about white tea? What is it, what are its characteristics, and how is it made?

Tea has been a popular beverage in both the east and the west for centuries. Europeans have generally enjoyed black tea. Green and Oolong teas have been making strides in popularity in the past few years.

All tea comes from the plant camellia silensis. While there are variations in this plant depending on where it is grown, tea differs mainly it the way it is processed. White tea is picked before the leaves of the plant have opened fully. At this stage the buds are covered with fine white hair, giving the tea its name.

It is largely unfermented. The leaves are picked and allowed to wither, rather than being cooked dry. The proportion of buds to leaves determines the type of tea. White Peony tea, for example, contains one bud for every two leaves. Silver Needles, the most prized leaf style, is made entirely from blossom buds.

It differs from its black and green cousins in that it is not rolled. The fresh leaves are left to wither for a few days, which results in slight. Because it is "uncooked", the antioxidant levels may be more potent than in other types of tea.

While there have been relatively few studies on the health benefits, it is starting to be recognized as a potentially great health aid. It contains high levels of catechins, which are known to help lower both cholesterol and blood pressure.

Its delicate sweet flavor is far less stringent than black tea. It does not have the fresh grassy tones of green tea. It has been prized for centuries as the most gourmet of teas, and because it is made from the immature buds, it is one of the more expensive kinds of tea available.

The buds that comprise the majority of this tea are sturdy and robust. To brew a good cup, start with high quality loose tea and clear filtered water. Bring the water to just below the boiling point, then pour over the leaves. Steep for three to five minutes. Drink up! It is a healthful alternative to just about any other beverage.

Ready to explode common myths about this amazing tea? Visit White Tea Information – Six Myths Debunked in my White Tea guide to learn about its breakthrough health benefits and more.

Article written by Julian Tai. To view the original post, click here.


White tea has not gained much popularity until recently, but it is now exploding as the new fad diet of the year. What makes white tea so special, and what is the difference between white tea and other teas?

White tea is the newest form of dieting with tea, and may soon become the most popular after seeing the amazing benefits. The name White Tea comes from the fluffy white hairs that cover the leaves when they are first picked. White tea is fermented a little different then most teas. It is dried out and when brewed it has a pale yellow color to it.

Recent studies have shown that white tea has the most health benefits of any of the Chinese teas. This includes both black and green tea which was previously thought to be the best. White tea did not really receive much attention until it was featured on Oprah as one of her "amazing weight loss secrets".

There are three different types of leaves that you can pick white tea from. Big White, Narcissus White, and Vegetable White. All three of these do give a slightly different taste and texture.

White tea was first seen in China in 1796. Farmers used to pluck the white tea only from the vegetable white. It was not until the late 1800s did farmers know you could also use the big white leaves to also make the white tea. White tea began to spread as a luxury drink for the rich and important in China. The tea could only be plucked at certain times of the year, so it was somewhat scarce. White tea will continue to gain popularity and may soon overtake Green tea as the most popular tea supplement in the world.

Article written by Ryan Anderson. To view to the original post, click here.
WuYi mountains can be found in the Fujian region of China where Oolong Tea was discovered many centuries ago.

Fujian Oolong tea is becoming one of the fastest selling new teas in the market - given celebrity status thanks to the Oprah show.


The Fat Controller, what is it? did'nt I hear on the news that a Fat Controller had been discovered - but would'nt be released for a few years? Wrong. The Fat controller already exists now, it is Oolong Tea. It works by preventing triglycerides from turning into fat - instead it turns your fat into energy!

Don't take my word for it, one of the biggest keep fit websites in America sells Oolong tea in supplement form to its athletes, not only that, they have their own resident Doctors that have written articles praising Oolong tea.

Like with any slimming or dieting programmes, there must also be a degree of control of the types of food you consume to aid weight loss.

Not only does Oolong tea help with any weight loss program - it also helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol too. This is achieved by the polyphenols found within - these act as powerful antioxidants - mopping up free-radicals.

Free Radicals

Free-radicals are bad cells which continue to multiply, this could leads to premature ageing and age related illnesses.

For more details, click here.

Two or more cups of tea a day reduced risk of cerebral infarction (a certain type of stroke) by 21 per cent in men who smoke according to a recent study.  

In this study, researchers looked at the relationship between tea drinking and stroke risk in more than 26,000 male Finnish smokers. Tea consumption was assessed at the start of the study using a food frequency questionnaire, and the men were followed up for more than 13 years.

The researchers looked at the relationship between tea drinking and the occurrence of different types of stroke. These included the most common type of stroke known as ‘cerebral infarction’ (caused by a blockage in a vessel supplying blood to the brain), as well as less common forms of stroke including cerebral haemorrhage (caused by leaking of blood into the brain from a damaged vessel) and subarachnoid haemorrhages. The researchers also accounted for the major known risk factors for cardiovascular disease and age.

Commenting on this latest research, Dr Hood from the Tea Advisory Panel notes: “These latest study findings on black tea are interesting.  In a nutshell the study found that when men consumed 2 or more cups of tea a day, they had a 21 per cent reduced risk of cerebral infarction versus those men who did not. There was no significant association between tea drinking and any other forms of stroke including cerebral haemorrhage.”

Dr Hood adds: “The results from this study are consistent with a growing body of evidence which has shown a link between tea consumption and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Tea contains high amounts of polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties and prevent oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Oxidation of LDL cholesterol promotes the formation of atherosclerosis, leading to increased risk of all types of cardiovascular disease including stroke. These beneficial effects of tea on reducing the risk of cerebral infarction are therefore biologically plausible.

In summary, in this large prospective study of male smokers, those drinking 2 or more cups of tea a day significantly reduced their risk of a type of stroke.”

Article Source: TeaAdvisoryPanel.com
Ginseng Tea:
Ginseng, botanical name Panax ('All Heal' in Greek) is a perennial plant with a fleshy root. You can make herbal tea from the fleshy root of the Ginseng plant. Ginseng Tea is said to have many healing and energy-giving properties. All the health benefits are brought about due to the presence of natural chemicals called 'Ginsenosides' in the Ginseng root.

Ginseng originated in Manchuria and has been in use for some 5000 years. It was called 'Ren Shen' by the Ancient Chinese. 'Ren Shen' means 'Man Root' and refers to the human-like shape of the Ginseng root. In Korea and Japan, Ginseng is called 'Ninjin'. The Chinese placed great faith in Ginseng and considered it a sort of rejuvenating, cure-all palliative for a variety of ailments. They also believed that regular drinking of Ginseng Tea would lead to a long life. Ginseng was so valuable it was bartered for silk and even prized above gold. The demand was such that the supply of Ginseng from the Chinese Mainland was not enough and the Chinese had to import it from Korea. Soon the Ginseng stock in the wild was exhausted and commercial cultivation became inevitable. However, Wild Ginseng has more medicinal value than cultivated Ginseng.

The Ginseng root is used fresh or dried for later use. You can buy it whole, sliced, in powder form, in tea bags, etc. Sometimes the Ginseng plant leaves are also used, but these are not considered as important as the root. Cultivated Ginseng can be had as Red Ginseng and White Ginseng. In both cases, the Ginseng plants are grown for about 6 years before their roots are harvested. The difference lies in the way the roots are processed for use. To make White Ginseng, the root is peeled and sun-dried. The dried root looks yellowish-white. To make Red Ginseng, the unpeeled root undergoes steaming, turns reddish-brown, and is then dried.

These days Ginseng Tea is a popular herbal drink the world over and Ginseng is grown in many places.

Health Benefits of Ginseng:
While Ginseng has been traditionally considered a 'cure all', many modern researchers question the actual efficacy of the root. The studies done on the subject have either not been extensive enough or have produced controversial results. Even so, a great many people swear by Ginseng Tea and consume it on a regular basis. According to these Ginseng supporters, it is beneficial in the following different ways -

  • Ginseng helps build up an appetite.
  • Ginseng helps with digestion.
  • Ginseng aids respiration.
  • Ginseng is rejuvenating and works against fatigue.
  • Ginseng helps reduce physical and mental stress.
  • Ginseng aids the immune system.
  • Ginseng works as an aphrodisiac.
  • Ginseng helps counter arthritis.
  • Ginseng helps counter asthma.
  • Ginseng helps counter diabetes.
  • Ginseng reduces the risk of cancer.
  • Ginseng lessens the effects of Crohn's Disease.
  • Ginseng is effective against Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome.
  • Ginseng helps lower (LDL) bad cholesterol levels.
  • Ginseng is effective against headaches.
  • Ginseng provides a cure for stomach ulcers.
  • Ginseng provides a cure for diarrhea.
  • Ginseng is good for blood circulation.
Article written by By Sonal Panse. To read more, click here
If you’re ready for something a little different at tea time, try a flavored oolong tea. Many Westerners have not experienced the delicious flavor of oolong tea in any form. With a different flavor than black, green or white teas, oolongs are a rare treat. When paired with another flavor, oolong teas are quite exceptional.
Oolong tea is very popular in Asia. It was first created in China and is still considered China’s national tea. In the West, however, it is one of the least familiar tea varieties.

Tea leaves for oolong tea are picked early in the day and then dried indoors to promote fermenting. But, the fermentation process must be stopped when the leaves are 30% red and 70% green. Once fermentation has stopped, the tea leaves are rubbed, which releases the aroma, flavor and texture. Finally, the leaves are dried using charcoal, before they are graded for quality and sent for packaging.

Most oolong tea is grown in the Fujian region of China, but some is grown in Taiwan, and a small amount is grown in the Darjeeling region of India and in Vietnam.
 

Oolong teas have a very fruity flavor, often with smoky or toasted undertones. They are typically very fragrant teas, often with a floral aroma. Because of the natural fruitiness of oolong teas, they are often blended with other fruit flavors. The combination of oolong tea with other fruits only enhances the oolong’s natural flavor. Some of the most common blends of oolong include:

Coconut Oolong – This oolong tea has a very tropical taste. The combination of the fruity oolong or pouchong tea with the sweetness of coconut creates a light and sweet tea. Because it is light and flavorful, this tea is equally delicious hot or cold.

Orange Oolong – Oolong tea is often blended with orange blossoms or bergamot oil. Orange blossom oolong will provide a very light and sweet orange flavor to the tea. Oolong tea flavored with bergamot oil will be bolder and more flavorful. Bergamot oil comes from the very citrusy bergamot orange and is the flavor used in all Earl Grey teas. Hence, you’ll see this tea labeled as Earl Grey oolong.

Orchid Oolong – This is a very rare oolong, scented with real orchid petals. It can only be produced at certain times of year, when the right orchids are blooming. It produces a very fragrant and lightly sweet tea. When buying this tea, be certain that it has been flavored with real orchid petals rather than an artificial flavoring.

Peach Oolong – Many people describe the fruitiness of oolong tea as resembling the flavor of peaches. So, adding peach pieces to oolong tea is a natural choice. The addition simply enhances oolong’s natural aroma and flavor.

Almond Blossom Oolong – Oolong tea flavored with almond blossom and slivers of almond provides a light and sweet tea with just a hint of almond flavor.

You may also find other blends of oolong tea. With its natural fruity flavor, oolong tea can combine well with nearly any fruit and with many other botanicals, as well. Drinking flavored oolong teas can provide another taste dimension to the already flavorful taste of oolong. Additional flavors and aromas make the tea go well at different times of the day and with different foods.

Consider for example, choosing a spirited flavored oolong like Earl Grey oolong for a mid day meal, or a glass of iced coconut oolong on a hot afternoon. A mild almond blossom oolong can provide a perfect way to wind down after a stressful day.

Oolong teas are some of the most versatile teas available. You may find them a bit harder to locate and somewhat expensive, but they are certainly worth the effort and the expense. Oolong is a tea with many dimensions and one that provides some of the most complex and subtle flavor combinations. Spend a little time experiencing the many different flavors available in oolong tea. You’re certain to find quite a few that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

Jon Stout is Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, black tea and wholesale tea go to www.goldenmoontea.com

Article written by Jon Stout. To view the original post, click here.
Most people know oolong tea as the kind they are served in Chinese restaurants. Although this type of tea has long been treasured in Asia, partly due to its weight loss reputation, it is now gaining popularity in the west. Most people know oolong tea as the kind they are served in Chinese restaurants. Although this type of tea has long been treasured in Asia, partly due to its weight loss reputation, it is now gaining popularity in the west.

Although there are many different types of tea, they all come from the same plant, camellia sinensis. The leaves of the tree are processed in various ways, giving us the many kinds of tea. White, green, oolong and black tea are all from the same plant, but are processed differently. This processing affects the flavor, color, caffeine content and health benefits of the different types of tea.

After oolong tea is hand picked, it is shaken slightly to bruise the leaves, then left out in the sun. It is important to the ultimate flavor of the tea that this is done immediately after it is picked. This begins the drying and fermenting process. It is then roasted, traditionally in a hot wok.

Oolong means black dragon. It comes originally from Fujian Province in China. Today there is both Chinese and Taiwanese. This tea is semi-fermented, somewhere in between green tea, which is unfermented, and black tea, which is fully fermented. It contains caffeine, but slightly less than either black or green tea.

There is a large variety available. Different fermentation times produce different flavors and textures. Some oolong is flat and straight, some is curly, and some is rolled into tight balls. Often jasmine is added for flavoring. Some varieties are grassy and light, others are dark and richer.

The darker variety is best brewed kungfu style. Traditionally a very small clay pot is used. Pure water is boiled and poured over the leaves. Allow to steep for just one minute before serving. It is best taken hot.

This tea contains antioxidants, which are important to good health. While it contains fewer of beneficial compounds such as EGCG than green tea, it has far more of them than does black tea. This tea accounts for just a small percentage of all of the tea consumed in the world. It is renown in China for its weight loss effects. Try some today for a new tea experience!

Among all tea types, Chinese oolong tea has the highest level of aromatic oils and therefore is the most fragrant. The Iron Goddess oolong tea especially is renown for its intoxicating aroma. For further information, visit the Chinese Tea Shop at Amazing-Green-Tea.com.


Article written by Julian Tai. To view the original post, click here.
A study by University College London (Oct. 2006) revealed that people who drank tea after stressful events were able to de-stress more quickly than those who did not drink tea. The researchers discovered that black tea lowers the levels of cortisol, a harmful stress hormone, by a significant average of 47 percent. No distinction was referenced between decafinated or catinated tea.

Tea is chemically complex—containing catechins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and amino acids, and so far it is not known whether it is a single substance or the synergistic interplay of all its components that are responsible for black tea’s health promoting effects. More studies are planned.

Professor Andrew Steptoe at UCL Department of Epidemiology and Public Health states that although drinking tea has traditionally been associated with relaxation, scientific evidence for the stress-relieving effects of black tea has been limited. This is one of the first studies to assess tea in a double blind placebo study whereby the participants did not know whether they were drinking tea, or just a tea-like beverage.

As a black or green tea drinker exclusively instead of coffee my entire life, I can attest to a natural ‘craving’ for tea when I am feeling stressed or need a pick-up in the late afternoon. This ‘natural’ gravitation to drinking tea in the late afternoon coincides with the British and many Europeans having tea time at 4:00 p.m or the Chinese and Japanese drinking tea with lunch and dinner. This practice may have started with their ‘natural’ craving for tea when feeling stressed or when needing a pick-up and it then became a national ritual. According to this research—not ironically done in London—it has proven what has been known for centuries—black tea has a calming effect.

Article written by Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD. To view the original post, click here.
Oolong tea also referred to as Wu Long tea is extensively consumed in Asia and has been dubbed as the 'Diet Tea'. Why is Oolong tea dubbed as such when there is a proliferation of different types of teas like green tea, black tea, herbal teas or herbal infusions? There are several varieties of this tea and it has also been called names other than wu long, it is also called WuYi or Wu Yi tea. Oolong tea also contains the best qualities found in green tea and black tea.

With all the different varieties of oolong teas in the market nowadays, the common denominator is their weight loss and fat burning properties. Oolong teas have been widely used in Asian countries for several centuries now and have been associated with keeping people, who constantly drink it, slim. Although a lot of scientific studies, research and debates have been done, there are still skeptics as to the weight loss property of Oolong tea. However, some scientific studies have come up with enough evidence that the tea helps to:

* Increase metabolism. Polyphenol, a substance active and available in higher concentrates in Oolong tea can effectively control obesity. It has been corroborated by some scientific studies that polyphenol activates the enzyme that dissolves triglyceride thus consistent intake of the tea enhances the metabolism and controls obesity.

* Increase energy. Wu long tea or Oolong contains caffeine just like coffee although its caffeine content is only about 15% of that of coffee. It has been established that caffeine stimulates the nervous system causing fat to be burned and converted to energy and producing heat, a process known as thermogenesis. In this way body fat is burned and excess water is also discarded from the body accelerating weight loss.
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* Block fat absorption. The tea absorbs fat through the process of lipolysis, wherein fatty acids in fat cells are broken down. The fatty acids, saturated or unsaturated fats, are then released into the blood thus lowering blood pressure and regulating insulin in the blood.

* Rid the body of excess water. The tea acts as a diuretic causing the increased discharge of liquid or urine from the body. It produces a clean alkaline environment in the body that destroys and releases bacteria, microbes and other toxins from the body.

These properties are the very reason why Oolong tea has been dubbed as the 'Diet Tea'. Consuming tea regularly will greatly help in weight loss which is the expected result of taking a diet tea such as Oolong tea. It is completely safe even if taken regularly and though there may be side effects due to over consumption, these are negligible since you will have to literally drown yourself in tea before you would see any of the side effects.

Article written by Jumneez Swensen. To view the original post, click here
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