The good news for tea addicts is that it has many advantages, beginning with preventing dental decay to even preventing cataracts. Enjoyed as a refreshing, sociable drink, a body of scientific evidence points to tea being a significant aid to good health: reducing dental decay, helping to keep our genes in order, keeping arteries unblocked, and even preventing cataracts. Confirmation of tea's health-giving properties has been recognized in work done by Michael Schweizer, Professor of Biochemistry at the University in Edinburgh. He believes that tea helps in protection against damage to the genetic matter, which dictates our hereditary characteristics. "Defective genetic instructions are potentially dangerous. Both green and black teas are known to be rich in antioxidants which have a protective effect on DNA," he said. A study at the Institute of Food Research has indicated that green tea protects cell membranes from oxidative damage, helping to safeguard those at risk from blocked arteries. Another possible benefit provided by tea could have vast potential benefits for people in both western and developing countries suffering from cataracts, the world's main cause of blindness. Many scientists are working to find out how diet can affect the health of eyes. They discovered that quercetin; a chemical commonly found in tea and in other plant-based foodstuffs, under laboratory conditions reduces cataracts in lenses. It was found to mop up harmful free radicals, chemicals causing damage and even death to cells in our bodies. Dr Belinda Clarke, science liaison manager, reported: "A survey of common varieties of tea, including Assam and Darjeeling, showed that all were rich in quercetin. "A long-term outcome of this work could be eye drops containing drugs to limit the onset of cataracts. By understanding how quercetin reduces the risk of cataract, a more effective synthetic version could be made. This might prove to be a novel sight-saving drug," she added. There is a wide demand for more than 15 specialty teas, notably Earl Grey, Lady Grey, Assam, Lapsang Souchong and Darjeeling in England as well as Europe. Demand is growing for green tea varieties such as Pure Green, Jasmine and Lotus. Members of the UK Tea Packers Association, of which Twinings is a founder member, joined with the United States and Canadian Tea Association to form the Tea Trades Health Research Organization which funded independent research into the possible health benefits of drinking black tea. Twinings technologist Mike LeGood said: "Along with other leading UK tea packers, this company has been monitoring the quantities of antioxidants in tea, for these are the compounds which can help protect from the harmful effects of free radicals. Some of our packs mention that tea is rich in antioxidants, which are also found in fruit and vegetables, and the important part they play in a healthy diet." Some of the most recent research, carried out in the US, would seem to confirm that tea drinking can mean fewer trips to the dentist, suppressing the growth of, or potentially killing, cavity-causing bacteria. This has been confirmed by a Tea Council survey showing that 97 per cent of dentists agree that tea is a natural source of fluoride, helping to prevent decay by enhancing the action of saliva, inhibiting acid production from plaque and thus reducing attack on tooth enamel. Nutritionist Professor Vincent Marks, Dean of Medicine at the University of Surrey and an adviser to the Tea Council, declares Tea, is a valuable means of preventing dehydration and his prescription is likely to appeal to scientists and Tea producers alike. He said: "Good quality tea is both sociable and relaxing. I would suggest that few would find it a hardship to drink at least one extra cup every day." (London Press Service) |
