Are there any health benefits to tea and tisanes?
Tea has been used for thousands of years both as a beverage and for its medicinal properties. Tea contains many vitamins, minerals, aromatic oils and most importantly polyphenols. Polyphenols, a tannic compound, accounts for approximately 30% of the soluble matter in tea. They are known immune stimulants and anti-oxidants. Studies show that foods containing anti-oxidants reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease and stroke. Green Tea Green tea, since it is unfermented, retains a higher concentration of vitamins and polyphenols than do Oolong and Black teas. Green tea contains minerals, such as iron, sodium and potassium as well as an assortment of vitamins including: carotene, A, B1, B2, C and D. Herbal & Fruit Infusions There are no significant studies done on herbal or fruit infusions to make any claims or come to any conclusions in regards to the health benefits these infusions may or may not have.
