Tea is produced in over 20 provinces of China from tea bushes cultivated in the tropical and subtropical regions or wherever there is sufficient humidity, sun, and adequate soil, according to Shen-Nong.com. Green, oolong, and black teas, all derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, are prepared from unfermented leaves, partially fermented, and fully fermented leaves, respectively. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, those teas with the least fermented leaves contain higher concentrations of beneficial polyphenols, which contribute to the various health benefits that certain Chinese teas provide.
Cardiovascular Benefits
The Harvard Health Publications reports that the antioxidants in green, black and oolong teas can help in blocking the oxidation of the harmful LDL cholesterol, increase the beneficial HDL cholesterol, and improve artery function. A 2010 study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that regular consumption of green tea and oolong tea, along with caffeine intake, was associated with a reduced risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that such cardioprotective properties of green tea may be due to the high concentrations of polyphenols found in green tea that are thought to block the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and promote its excretion from the body.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar Levels
Green tea is thought to regulate blood glucose in the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, thus stabilizing blood glucose levels in those with diabetes. A 2009 study in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" found that rats fed green tea extract solids with their standardized diet exhibited decreased levels of blood glucose, increased sensitivity to insulin, and lower triglyceride levels, therefore suggesting that green tea has potential health benefits for those individuals with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes.
Decreases Cancer Risk
The catechins in green tea, according to the Harvard Health Publications, contain antioxidant properties that have been shown to be effective in halting cell damage that can lead to chronic disease such as cancer. Various research studies have shown that regular consumption of green tea may reduce risk for developing cancers in the skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal, and bladder.
Other Health Benefits of Chinese Tea
Chinese teas are suspected to have many health benefits, although many require further confirmation by research studies. According to Teavana.com, oolong tea is thought to have weight loss benefits by boosting metabolic rate and aiding in digestion by breaking down fats. Furthermore, green teas and black teas are thought to aid in preventing cavities and gingivitis.
References
- Shen-Nong Limited: Types of Chinese Tea
- Teavana.com: Types of Tea
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea
- Harvard Health Publications Harvard Medical School: Benefit of drinking green tea: The proof is in -- drinking tea is healthy, says Harvard Women's Health Watch
- Journal of the American College of Nutrition; Green tea extract decreases oxidative stress and improves insulin sensitivity in an animal model of insulin resistance, the fructose-fed rat; Hininger-Favier, I., Benaraba, R., Coves, S., Anderson, R.A., and Roussel, A.M.; August 2009
- Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health; Coffee, green tea, black tea and oolong tea consumption and risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease in Japanese men and women; Mineharu, Y., Koizumi, A., Wada, Y., et al.; July 2010
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