Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Tea -- Glorious Tea!
Despite the scientific uncertainty, it still makes sense to drink green tea, says Jeffrey Blumberg, who directs antioxidant research at Tufts University's Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging.
Tea has been shown to do a number of heart-healthy things. In human studies it has relaxed artery walls, potentially lowering the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke. It reduces a process that clogs arteries - the oxidation of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol - and lowers rates of atherosclerosis in animals. It increases levels of HDL, or "good" cholesterol.
Maximizing your brew:
Don't use boiling water: It can make green tea taste bitter. Cool boiled water for one to three minutes before adding leaves.
Allow green tea to brew for several minutes - longer than for black tea. Loose tea needs more time than tea bags.
Antioxidants degrade, so if you make iced green tea, drink it within 24 hours.
Steer clear of green tea supplements. They may not provide the same benefits: A 2005 study found that mega-doses of green tea extract actually helped tumors grow.
Check the label if you buy bottled green tea drinks. They may contain mainly sugar and not much green tea.
Tea has been shown to do a number of heart-healthy things. In human studies it has relaxed artery walls, potentially lowering the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke. It reduces a process that clogs arteries - the oxidation of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol - and lowers rates of atherosclerosis in animals. It increases levels of HDL, or "good" cholesterol.
Maximizing your brew:
Don't use boiling water: It can make green tea taste bitter. Cool boiled water for one to three minutes before adding leaves.
Allow green tea to brew for several minutes - longer than for black tea. Loose tea needs more time than tea bags.
Antioxidants degrade, so if you make iced green tea, drink it within 24 hours.
Steer clear of green tea supplements. They may not provide the same benefits: A 2005 study found that mega-doses of green tea extract actually helped tumors grow.
Check the label if you buy bottled green tea drinks. They may contain mainly sugar and not much green tea.
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