This is a very interesting article that was published this week in the American Chronicle. It really resonated with me since it is one of the first articles that I have read that shows just how si... Posted by Tim Grover on May 10, 2008
City TV - Edmonton – April 2008 Posted by Tim Grover on April 27, 2008
By Julian Tai Published in the American Chronicle April 16, 2008 The green tea revolution is here! Whether you brew loose green tea by the cup, or grab a bottle of iced green tea, the popular... Posted by Tim Grover on April 19, 2008
By Rajiv Lochan Subscribe to this Feed How enchanting to see the new growth in the backdrop of old – the nature’s cycle. It is now 10 years since first tea was planted in Doke in ... Posted by Tim Grover on April 16, 2008
(WebMD) An antioxidant in green tea may be a powerful weapon against breast cancer. A new study shows the green tea antioxidant EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) significantly slowed breast canc... Posted by Tim Grover on April 09, 2008
This is a very interesting article that was published this week in the American Chronicle. It really resonated with me since it is one of the first articles that I have read that shows just how simple the nature and benefits of tea can be. Most articles tend to complicate the issue, but Julian Tai was able to break it down almost as simply as we do at Cargo & James during our Tea 101 seminars. There are some minor errors, but otherwise a great summary.
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/61042
Julian Tai
May 07, 2008
Caffeine, long considered the perfect pick-me-up, has been getting a bad rap lately. Green tea caffeine is often considered to be gentler and less intense than that found in coffee or black tea. What is the caffeine content in different types of tea, and which one is right for you?
Types of Tea
All tea comes from the same plant, camellia sinensis. This plant grows in high altitudes in China, India and other Asian countries. The tea that ends up in our cups depends for its flavor and color on many different factors.
There are three main categories of tea: black, oolong, green and white. These are picked at different times of the year. The main difference, however, is in what happens to the leaves after picking.
Black tea is fermented, which makes it darker and stronger. Oolong tea is fermented less. Green tea is dried very quickly without fermentation. White tea is left to withered with the accompanying chemical changes with minimal cooking involved.
Caffeine Quality
Green tea plants tend to contain less caffeine than black tea plant, and far less than coffee.
In addition, the way our bodies absorb the caffeine is mitigated by the tannins. We tend to get a long slow boost from it instead of a sudden jolt. Because it is a gentler effect, green tea is an especially good choice for an afternoon or evening beverage. It can provide a pick me up without making you jittery or potentially keeping you awake when it´s time to sleep.
Loose tea provides less caffeine than bagged tea. Most tea leaves can be infused two or three times, with less caffeine making it into each cup. By the time you drink that last infusion, you may feel only a very mild lift.
Health Benefits
The popularity of caffeine has been decreasing lately. Perhaps all of those cups of strong coffee and energy drinks are finally taking their toll! In small amounts, however, caffeine is good for the health. It improves circulation, and helps in weight loss. It is invigorating and improves mental clarity and memory. It is even a natural antidepressant! Add that to the powerful antioxidants found in green tea, and you´ve got a healthful and restorative beverage.