The soothing effects of tea

There is nothing more reviving than a hot cup of freshly brewed tea. It is a very popular beverage in this country and with good reason. Tea warms the body and provides energy. At the end of a long day, it is soothing and relaxing.

Tea in itself, however, has very little nutritional value, and thus can be considered a good drink for those trying to lose weight. However. the sugar, milk and cream added to the tea can cause weight gain as these are loaded with
calories.

Tea contains stimulants like caffeine, and these are responsible for the mood changes associated with taking a cup of tea. Caffeine accelerates the heart rate, increases alertness and helps respiration by dilating the airways of the lungs. It is estimated that a single cup of tea provides 30gms to 40gms of caffeine, depending on how strong the tea is. This is almost double the amount of caffeine found in most cola drinks. and approximately two thirds of the caffeine found in a cup of instant coffee. This means that with increased intake. some people can actually get hooked on tea, such that they cannot do without it at specific times of the day.

The tannins (bitter tasting organic substance) found in tea give it body and flavour, but are not very useful to the body. Tannins interfere with iron absorption. especially if the tea is taken with iron rich foods like meat. Tea should therefore be taken in small quantities by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, children and those recuperating from illness or surgery, and also those with iron deficiency anaemia. It is advisable to take tea after and not during meals.

Tannins can also stain teeth. particularly false teeth. Tea is also known to contain high levels of boiflavonoids. which are strong anti-oxidants and which are associated with a decreased risk of cancer and heart disease. In addition, tea has some mineral like fluoride and manganese. People suffering from peptic ulcers should avoid strong black tea because, like coffee, it stimulates acidic gastric secretion and may cause irritation. Instead. they should drink weak tea with milk. Tea has also been known to trigger migraines in sensitive individuals, probably due to its caffeine content.

Herbal teas
These teas and infusions from the leaves, flowers and fruits of many plants are becoming increasingly popular.Many are credited with medical benefits although there is as yet little scientific evidence to justify the claims. There is now a wide range of herbal teas available in the market, and many of these can be safely and easily prepared at home. Allow one teaspoon of the dried herb (or two of the fresh herb) per cup. Pour boiling water over the herbs, cover and infuse for around five minutes before drinking. Use honey or sugar to sweeten the tea. Do not put milk into herbal teas, as some are acidic and will cause the milk to curdle.

Below are some of the more popular herbal tea and their claimed health benefits. Please note that these are claims, hence do not be surprised if you do not experience the benefits as expected. Some herbal infusions used in alternative medicine may contain potentially harmful substances. Herbal teas should be avoided in pregnancy and by children. If you have a medical condition and are taking prescription medication, consult your doctor before taking herbal teas. Never take herbal teas as substitutes for your regular medication.

• Camomile is used to ease indigestion, calm the nerves and reduce anxiety. It is said to aid sleep, and used tea bags can be allied to soothe inflamed, itching or tired eyes.
• Dandelion leaf can be an effective diuretic (a drug which increases the excretion of urine), useful in excreting excessive fluid from the body.
• Lavender flower tea is a relaxing brew which when taken at bedtime helps to induce sleep.
• Peppermint leaves make an excellent tea to drink after a rich meal to aid in digestion and to relieve flatulence. It can also be used to control nausea and is useful in the treatment of colds and flu.
• Rosemary tea is taken as a pick-me-up to increase alertness at the start of the day, or when energy is fading. It may ease headaches and can be taken for indigestion. It is even claimed to improve memory and morale.
• Thyme tea is recommended for all types of infections, including colds, flu, bronchitis, earache and sinusitis. It is also said to relieve the pain of indigestion, and works as a mood enhancer.

END: PG 23/41