North Bay Woman

H E A L T H T E A C H A R T B E N E F I T S O F T E A True teas True teas are green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea and Pu-erh. They are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, a shrub native to China and India, and are fi lled with fl avonoids — unique antioxidants with many health benefi ts. The degree of fermentation determines fl avor and aroma. Teas contain less caffeine than coffee and stimulate the body in more benefi cial ways. Black Tea Made with fully fermented tea leaves. It has the highest caffeine content of all teas. Might protect lungs from damage resulting from exposure to cigarette smoke and reduce the risk of stroke. Green Tea Made with unfermented steamed tea leaves. Believed to have antioxidants that work against the growth of some cancers, prevents clogged arteries, burns fat, reduces the risk of stroke and neurological orders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and improves cholesterol levels. White Tea Made with uncured and unfermented tea leaves. Believed to have potent an- ticancer properties. (e.g. Silver Needle) Oolong Tea Made with partly fermented tea leaves. Believed to lower cholesterol levels. (e.g. Iron Goddess of Mercy) Pu-erh Tea A black tea made from fermented and aged leaves that are pressed into cakes. One study showed that animals gained less weight and had reduced LDL cholesterol. (e.g. Seng Cha) Herbal teas Herbal teas — also called infusions or tisanes — are made from herbs, fruits, seeds or roots steeped in hot water. They have less caffeine than true tea, and although studies are limited, many are believed to have health benefi ts. Available in a wide variety of fl avors, including ginger, turmeric and rooibos. Chamomile Made from chamomile blossoms. Promotes sleep, eases muscle spasms and menstrual period pain and reduces stress. Hibiscus Made from hibiscus fl owers. A study showed that drinking three cups a day lowers blood pressure in individuals with moderately elevated levels. Lemon Verbena Made from the leaves of the lemon ver- bena plant. Aids digestion and relieves joint pain. Rooibos: South African Red Tea Made from leaves of the South African Aspalathus Linearis shrub. Contains fl a- vonoids that might fi ght cancer. A small study showed that drinking three cups of hibiscus tea a day lowered modestly elevated blood pressure. Turmeric Made from turmeric root ground into a powder. A source of curcumin, it's an antioxidant that eases infl ammation, has the potential to prevent heart disease and help relieve symptoms of depression. Ayurvedic Teas Ayurvedic teas are herbal infusions used in Ayurvedic medicine, a holistic health practice that uses natural remedies to keep the body in balance. Teas are three types: Vatha tea, Pitha tea and Kapha tea. Teas are blends of several ingredients. Vatha Tea Contains herbs and spices such as cin- namon, ginger, cloves and fennel. (e.g. cinnamon sticks) Pitha Tea Contains elements such as roses, cardamom, ginger and licorice. (e.g. rose petals) Kapha Tea Contains ingredients such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger and black pepper. (e.g. ginger root) – Tea information sourced from multiple sources including Tea Fountain, The Tea Spot and webmd.com GREEN TEA CHAMOMILE & LAVENDER TEA ROOIBOS TEA

• Cover