Green Tea May Prevent Large Kidney Stones

Here is another benefit attributed by the scientists to the "miracle drink" of our times: green tea.

According to a report published in the Royal Society of Chemistry journal CrystEngComm, drinking green tea may prevent formation of large kidney stone by altering the shape of the calcium oxalate crystals. Green tea's active component phenol has been shown to flatten the calcium oxalate crystals and thus prevent the formation of large kidney crystals. The smaller stones can be passed much more easily and painlessly through urine.

The image below shows the flattening process attributed to green tea consumption.

Green Tea and Longer Telomeres

From Times Online:

"Research suggests that green tea has antioxidant, antithrombotic, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-cancer properties, and may help to lower bad cholesterol. Researchers in Hong Kong also found recently that people who drank three cups a day had longer telomeres — the repetitive DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes that normally shorten with age — than others. They suggest that chemicals called flavanols in green tea help to keep cells younger. Green tea is also known to help to fight gum disease and possibly mouth cancer"

Green Tea May Prevent Oral Cancers

A new scientific study showed that drinking green tea may help the fight against oral cancer.

59% of the 41 volunteer subjects with "pre-malignant mouth lesions" who drank green tea showed a positive response, while only 18% of those who took placebo showed the same positive effect.

However, we must add that 41 subjects is too little a number to produce really robust statistical results.

Probably that's why the chief scientist of the study, Dr. Vassiliki Papadimitrakopoulo, a professor in the department of thoracic/head and neck medical oncology at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, said "the findings were encouraging but did not provide definitive proof that green tea can prevent cancer." We agree with him from a statistical point of view.

The subjects were given green tea extracts for 3 months varying between 500 mg and 1,000 mg.

During the 28 months that the study was conducted, 15 people actually did develop oral cancer.

Want your "Certified Tea Sommelier Certificate"?

For the first time in North AMerica, there now exists a Certified Tea Sommelier Certificate program, offered by GEORGE BROWN UNIVERSITY of Canada.

Created in partnership with the Tea Association of Canada, this certificate has been designed for those professionals wishing to enter the distinguished world of a tea sommelier or for those so committed to the consumption of tea that they wish to become tea sommeliers themselves.

Learn how to cup, taste, blend and consume teas from all around the world. Take a global tour of countries that grow and produce tea from the comfort of the classroom.

Once you have completed the certificate and a final competency exam, you will be certified as a Tea Sommelier by the Tea Association of Canada.

For more information, call 416-415-5000, ext. 2517, or e-mail cehospitality@georgebrown.ca. You are also invited to attend an information session.

Certificate Completion: You must complete HOST 9119 (Tea – An Introduction) prior to taking the other courses in this certificate. You must complete the courses in section A prior to taking the courses in section B or the stage experience.
Compulsory Courses (Eight)
Section A
HOST 9119 Tea – An Introduction
HOST 9122 Tea – China and the Far East
HOST 9121 Tea – India, Africa and Beyond
HOST 9120 Tea – Preparation and Consumption

Section B
HOSF 9261 Tea – Menu Design and Food Pairing
HOSF 9262 Tea – Sensory Development and Evaluation
HOSF 9260 Tea – Service Training
HOSF 9263 Tea – Tea Garden Management

plus
Stage experience
Also see: Promoting tea with a Canadian twist. (Tea Association of Canada and Tea Council of Canada continue to promote tea to the Canadian market with focus on ... An article from: Tea & Coffee Trade Journal

Indian Police Stations to Serve Tea

In an effort to modernize public service, police stations in Gujarat, India will soon start to serve tea and coffee to those who are waiting to appear in court.

Citizen Facilitations Centres (CFC) will have tea and coffee vending machines in all 500 police stations in the state of Gujarat.

Here is the rest of the story...

Drink Green Tea to Lower Your Risk of Dying From Pneumonia

Here is yet another good science new from the green tea front: Japanese women who drink 5 or more cups of green tea a day have lowered their risk of dying from pneumonia by 47%, according to Ikue Watanabe of Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine in Sendai, Japan.

Even if they drank only 1 cup of green tea a day their risk still dropped by a whopping 41%. Not bad for a pleasant past time, isn’t it?

Watanabe studied 19,079 men and 21,493 women between 40 and 79 years old over a period of 12 years.

However, the study could not verify the same effect for men.

SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, September, 2009

Nutritional Value of Tea

Tea is one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. It has almost zero calories and zero carbohydrates despite its proven beneficial effects. It is one of those rare drinks that you can consume without any fear of gaining weight.

Here are the chemical ingredients of an average 6 fl. oz. serving (an average tea cup) of tea brewed either from loose leaves or a bag, without any milk or sweeteners:

Calories 2
Total Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 0 mg
Total Carbs. 0.5 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Protein 0 g
Calcium 0 mg
Potassium 37.4mg

Here is how many cups of tea you need to drink to equal the calories you’ll be getting from the following popular beverages:

1 can of Dr. Pepper = 50 cups of tea
1 glass of orange juice = 60 cups of tea
1 serving (12 fl. oz.) of Gatorade = 155 cups of tea
1 8 fl. oz. can of Coca-Cola Classic = 48 cups of tea
1 16 fl. oz cup of Starbucks Caramel Macchiato = 112 cups of tea
1 12 fl. oz cup of Starbucks Cafe Latte = 63 cups of tea
1 can of SlimFast diet drink = 110 cups of tea
1 8 fl. oz. cup of Lemonade = 50 cups of tea

ADDENDUM:

1 20 oz. glass of ICE TEA contains 47-50 mg of caffeine, depending on the variety.

However, some bottled "energy ice tea drinks" like Arizona can contain up to 250 mg of caffeine per 20 oz. bottle. So use caution and always read the label.

A cup of tea really does help in a crisis: study

A survey found that 68% of Britons turn to tea in a dilemma

LONDON — Researchers produced evidence Thursday to support what most Britons are famously certain of -- that a cup of tea is the answer to any crisis.

Dr. Malcolm Cross, a psychologist at City University London, tested the anxiety levels of a group of people following a stressful situation and revealed that even a single cuppa has a significant calming effect.

His team gave 42 volunteers a mental arithmetic exam and afterwards offered half of them a cup of tea and the other half a glass of water.

The water group's anxiety levels soared by 25 percent compared to before the task, while the tea group actually reported a four percent reduction in anxiety -- despite the taxing test, they were more relaxed than when they started.

According to a survey carried out for the research, 68 percent of Britons turn to tea in a dilemma, making it Britain's most common response to trouble of whatever kind.

About 60 percent said the promise of comfort and warmth was the main reason for putting the kettle on, but 48 percent said they found calm through the drink's association with Britain and cultural icons such as the Queen.

"The ritual of making and drinking tea -- particularly during times of stress -- is at the very core of British culture," Cross said.

"This study shows that the social psychological aspects of tea enhance the effects of its chemical make-up on our bodies and brains.

"It?s possible that this culturally rooted, symbiotic function between mind and body explains why Britons instinctively turn to tea in times of need."

The survey of 3,050 tea drinkers was conducted by OnePoll during July, and commissioned by Direct Line insurance.

Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved

What is Turkish “Kitlama” Style of Tea Drinking?

Kitlama sugar cubes

© Ugur Akinci

There is a special way of drinking tea with sugar in Turkey which called “kitlama” and originates from the Eastern city of Erzurum. In this style, the sugar is not poured directly into the cup. That’s considered almost a “sacrilegious” act by die-hard Turkish tea fans.

Instead, the sugar, which is a small (quarter to half and inch wide) lump of hard white candy, is placed and held in between the half-open jaws. Then, as the drinker sips in the tea, the hot liquid is held over the lump of sugar for a brief second before swallowed. The tea liquid is thus sweetened inside the mouth instead of in the cup itself.

Kitlama drinking needs some practice to get used to. But if you’re a foreigner and learn how to drink your tea by this method, you will certainly win friends for life since Turks hold this skill highly and consider it as the true mark of a genuine tea lover.

How to brew a cup of Turkish tea

A typical Turkish "çaydanlık" set, with "demlik" on top

© Ugur Akinci

Turks use a set of stacked kettles called “çaydanlık” to brew their tea.

The smaller kettle that sits on top is called “demlik.” That’s where the tea leaves go. A demlik never touches the flame or heat source directly.

The larger kettle at the bottom, which sits directly on the flames, is also called a “çaydanlık” for lack of a special word.

The çaydanlık sets come in all sizes. They are made of either porcelain or stainless steel.

You start with placing the desired amount of tea leaves in the small kettle on top (demlik) -- while it's still cold and not warmed up, and BEFORE placing it on top of the bottom and larger water kettle.

Usually one or two tablespoon of leaves is enough but you can increase or decrease the amount depending on your number of guests or the intensity of the brew you desire. The exact amount of tea leaves in the demlik is less critical in Turkish style brewing since you can always adjust the final strength of the brew by mixing it by any amount of hot water you want from the bottom kettle.

Next is filling the bottom kettle with clean water and placing it on the burner. You take the lid off the bottom burner and sit the demlik (the upper and smaller kettle) right on top of it.

In this double-decker configuration, as the water gets hot in the bottom kettle, the steam rising upwards warm up the demlik automatically and soften up the tea leaves inside. Some Turks add just a little water to demlik even when the water is yet cold so that, as the demlik warms up, there is some sort of pre-brewing going on inside the demlik.

When the water boils in the bottom kettle, you fill the demlik about one half to three quarters with hot water, place the lid of the demlik back on and sit it again on top of the bottom kettle. Now it’s time for brewing. Reduce the flames to low and wait about 5 minutes. Your Turkish tea would be ready in no time.

Serve it by first pouring a little of the “dem” (brewed tea) from the demlik ("container of the dem") and then topping off the glass with clear hot water from the bottom kettle.

NOTE: Use a strainer to catch the loose tea leaves from pouring into your cup (unless you like that specifically). Drinking a cup of Turkish tea with tea leaves is not a comfortable experience. That's why Turks always use a strainer to pour brewed tea out of a demlik. If you balance the strainer on top of the tea cup, you can use both hands just to pour the hot content from the demlik. Throw away the tea leaves caught in the strainer. They won't be good for a second cup. Here is a strainer I recommend you use to pour Turkish tea, especially if you're using the authentic narrow-waisted Turkish tea cups. Here is another one.

You can pour as little or as much brewed tea as you like from the demlik. That kind of separation between the brewed tea and the clear hot water provides a great degree of freedom to produce servings of various strength from the same kettle set.

If a guest wants a light (Turkish: açık) cup of tea, then you can pour just a little brew and then diluting it by adding a lot of plain water on top.

But if a dark and strong (Turkish: koyu) cup of tea is requested, you can fill the cup all the way to half or even more with the brew and fill up the remainder of the glass with plain hot water. You can serve black tea in all kinds of strength and robustness levels thanks to the Turkish double-kettle set up.

NOTE: if you brew for too long, Turkish tea turns bitter very quickly. Similarly, it’s not a good idea to brew the same Turkish tea leaves more than once either as it tastes very stale.

Also see: Turkish Tea facts

Gluten in Tea Bags?

Gluten is a wheat product that can be dangerous for some people. It can lead to swellings of the hands and the feet. There are also those rare people who are literally poisoned if they ingest products with gluten in them.

We know that tea does not have any gluten. But what about the tea bags?

Did you know that some companies close their tea bags by using a wheat gluten solution as glue?

If you are gluten sensitive, make sure your tea bags are crimp or staple closed. I prefer crimping since it eliminates the one-in-a-million possibility of swallowing a tiny staple.

I have sent emails asking this question to various tea companies.

Here is a quick answer from STASH, one of my most favorite bagged-tea sellers:
"Thank you for your email. We do not use gluten to seal our teabags, they are crimp sealed. All of our teas are gluten free as well. Please let me know if you have any further questions or comments.

Sincerely,
Erin Barsuglia
Quality Assurance
Stash Tea"
Thanks Stash! Not only you make good tea but obviously you care about your customers as well.

I'll share the other answers if and when I get them.

P.S. Here is another reply I've received from Celestial Seasonings:

"Thank you for taking the time to contact us. We strive to maintain the highest quality products and appreciate your patronage.

Our tea bag paper is comprised of a blend of chlorine-free fibers. None of our tea bag paper contains starch or gluten. Our supplier utilizes a proprietary, chlorine-free process in the manufacture of our tea bag paper. The paper is comprised of natural plant and heat-seal fibers. The heat-seal fibers are a food safe material that is added to the paper.

Sincerely,

George
Consumer Relations Representative"

UPDATE: It's interesting that LIPTON TEA officials could not come out and say "no, we do not use gluten in the manufacturing of our tea bags." Instead they simply advices us to read their ingredients carefully. So if you are gluten-sensitive I'd say be careful when using LIPTON tea bags.

Here is the official CONSUMER-BEWARE reply to my inquiry from UNILEVER, the mother-company of LIPTON TEAS:

"
Gluten is found in wheat rye, barley, and oats. In our sauces, the source of Modified Food Starch is corn. The source of Carmel Coloring is a brown food coloring obtained by heating sugars. Malted Barley, which has been partially germinated to permit some of its carbohydrates to be broken down into simpler sugars, is used to provide flavor and sweetening to food products.

Because our products are formulated for use by the majority of our consumers, and not specifically for those on restricted diets, it is possible our product formulations may change at any time. As a result, we cannot provide a list due to several factors:

- Lists of this type reflect products as formulated at a specific time
- Possible that more products/varieties may have been added
- More important, changes in existing products may have occurred

Therefore, we suggest READING ALL INGREDIENT LABELS CAREFULLY.

We hope this information is helpful!
Your friends at Unilever"

Turkish Tea

A glass of Turkish tea presented in its characteristic slim-waisted ("ince belli") glass cup

© Ugur Akinci

Tea, called “çay” in Turkish, is the unofficial “national beverage” of the Turkish people. Turkish tea is a special kind of black tea with strong robust flavor and a lovely crimson color.

Wherever you go in Turkey you’ll immediately be offered a cup of hot tea, in distinctive glass cups that look like an hour glass.

There is hardly a single business meeting, meal or social gathering in Turkey in which tea is not served automatically. To turn down a cup of (almost always free) tea is considered a rude act in Turkish culture and will not win you any friends.

All government offices, universities, and most corporations in Turkey have a full-time tea-server on their payroll called “çayci” whose sole function is to brew and serve tea all day long.

DID YOU KNOW THIS -- According to 2004 figures, Turks drink even more tea than the Brits. Turks consume 2.5 kg of tea per person a year compared to 2.1 kg per Brit.

Green and ever-moist mountains of Rize is ideal to grow tea

Turkish tea, the same Camellia Sinensis cultivated all over Far East, is grown along the Black Sea coast of Turkey. Provinces like Rize are famous for their black tea plantation situated on the steep mountains that overlook the Black Sea.

Turkish tea is both consumed widely within the country and exported as well. Usually export variety is a slightly more expensive but better brand. Some of the best-known Turkish black tea brands include Filiz and CayKur.

Turks do not add milk to their tea but use sugar.

Also see: How to brew a cup of Turkish Tea?

"Jasmine Green Tea" by GOOD EARTH

If you do not have the time to brew a great cup of jasmine green tea from loose leaves, this is as close as it gets to the "real thing" -- and by that I mean loose-leaf tea.

You tear the individual tea bag open and a delightful jasmine fragrance catches you unawares. It brews a rich flowery cup of jasmine tea with that smoky green tea texture in the background.

The ingredients are listed as Green Tea, Jasmine Flowers and Natural Flavors. (I always wonder that catch-all phrase "natural flavors" and assume there's nothing disagreeable in it.)

It contains no sugar, artificial flavors (again that "flavor" concept), colors or preservatives.

Highly recommended, either hot or iced.

1st Grade Jasmine Green Tea w/ Jasmine Flowers. Loose Leaf Green Tea. Net Wt: 4 oz. (Makes 50 Cups)
Stash Premium Organic Jasmine Green Tea, Loose Leaf, 3.5-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 3)

"Chai Spice Decaf Tea" by STASH Premium

Being a hard-core tea lover, I usually don't care for the decaf stuff but this is good. It really has the right kind of clover and black tea taste for that fresh invigorating jolt to the palate and soul.

The dominant note in this spicy song is CLOVER, which I like.

A great tea to try late at night, after work, or whenever you'd like to relax, meditate and think about things.

Here are the ingredients: Naturally decaffeinated black tea, cinnamon, ginger root, cinnamon flavor, clove oil, cardamom oil, allspice, clove and nutmeg.

So how do you classify this: herbal tea, or black tea, or both?

One thing I don't understand from a production point of view is this: why would one use both Cinnamon AND Cinnamon Flavor? What's that all about? I'm hoping to find it out one day.

I'm not trying to be difficult here; just curious is all. And I'm going to enjoy every drop of this distinctive blend. Recommended.

STUDY: Excessive Oolong and Black Tea May Weaken the Bones

A Western traveler enjoying a cup of local tea in Mongolia. (Visit this interesting travel blog)

In this web site I try to share ALL the facts and research results about health effects of tea drinking, not just the good and positive ones. I believe that as a tea lover and web site owner I owe that level of impartiality and objectivity to my readers.

Here is one such news from Japan: due to the high level of fluorine found in oolong and black teas, excessive consumption of these varieties can weaken human bones.

However I'm not sure what constitutes "excessive" drinking. Over 10 cups a day would certainly fit the bill.

A research team headed by Dr. Tetsuo Shimmura of Toyama Institute of Health in Japan presented the results of his research at a meeting of Japan Society for Biomedical Research on Trace Elements in Tokyo recently, according to a Kyodo news agency story.

Japanese researchers found that the amount of fluorine in these two kinds of tea exceed the same amount in tap water by 70 percent, based on a "test population" of 130 tap water samples. The average fluorine in tap water was 0.8 milligrams per liter. In mineral water it's under 2 milligrams per liter.

However, we should also remember that the subjects in this study were selected from Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region (in China), a region historically known to consume much higher than average quantities of black tea. So I believe this was not as random a population sample as a scientific study deserves.

"In our study of people's health in the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region (in China), we found that the bones of those who consumed water and beverages containing high fluorine density over a long time could develop a propensity to break," Shimmura is reported saying.

"They are not in any immediate risk. However, it is desirable that a standard be set and displayed for tea drinks," he added.

Back to Basics Ice Tea Maker

This is an ice tea maker that truly deserves its name. It's simple enough to use by anyone but yet good enough to produce cup after cup of quality ice tea.

A distinctive feature of this unit is its 2.5 quart glass carafe. Most people think that glass containers yield a higher quality ice tea than plastic pitchers. If handled properly, they last longer as well.

The built-in infusion filter on the top is where the tea (bagged or loose leaf) goes. You can adjust the strength of the brew my moving the dial in front to the appropriate position. When you switch on the unit the brewing starts automatically.

The unit has multiple filter baskets to accommodate both bagged and loose leaf varieties of tea. You place the loose leaves in the top basket and bagged tea in the other baskets. Although it feels a bit "different" in the beginning, once you get used to this multiple filter-baskets system, it produces great iced tea every time.

Click here for more info on Back to Basics Ice Tea Maker and consumer reviews

Bodum Ceylon 102-Ounce Iced-Tea Maker and Water Infuser

This 3 quart size no-nonsense ice tea maker delivers great tea with no fuss and no electricity. Ideal for campers and those on the road.

It's fool proof operation requires just a few steps:
  1. Place the amount of tea (bag or loose) you like into the built-in (but removable) filter compartment.
  2. Fill it half way with hot water and let it steep.
  3. When the brew reaches the density you like, remove the filter and fill it up with ice.
  4. Serve and enjoy!
You can store the oval shape pitcher in your refrigerator door. Nice touch.

Due to its very simple but effective design, you can use Bodum Ceylon infuser to brew all kinds of herbal beverages as well. Just replace the tea with the herbs of your choice. You can, for example, fill up the filter with mint leaves and then fill the pitcher with orange juice; let it steep for a while; add ice and enjoy delicious mint orange juice.

Try adding cucumber slices into the filter, lemon wedges or sliced ginger for all kinds of additional exciting flavors.

CONSUMER TIP: Due to the size of the holes of the built in infuser compartment, you might have a cleaner ice tea if you use tea bags instead of loose tea leaves with the Bodum Ceylon ice tea maker.

Click here for more info on Bodum Ceylon 102-Ounce Iced-Tea Maker and Water Infuser and consumer reviews

Hamilton Beach 40911 2-Quart Electric Iced Tea Maker

As modern-designed an automatic ice tea maker as they come.

The sleek 2 quart pitcher is designed to fit into the door shelf of a refrigerator. That's a major plus since it's harder to find a place for a round pot-bellied iced tea pitcher in the fridge.

It has a built-in paperless tea filter compartment through which the heated water is filtered down. The filter is made from wire screen and needs no replacement.

This is very practical unit to brew a cold one on a hot summer's day.

Follow these easy steps to make tea with Hamilton Beach 40911 2-Quart Electric Iced Tea Maker:
  1. Fill the clear plastic pitcher one-thirds with ice.
  2. Place the amount of tea (bag or loose) you like into the built-in paperless filter.
  3. Select whether you like mild, medium, or strong brewing.
  4. Snap on the pitcher's lid.
  5. Place the pitcher snug into the receptacle that slides out from underneath the heating unit.
  6. Add appropriate volume of water into the heating unit.
  7. Switch on the unit and watch delicious tea filtered down into the pitcher of ice.
One feature I like is the way this unit turns itself off automatically when the brewing is over. Turning off the unit is one less thing to worry about at picnics or on those hot summer afternoons when all you want to do is relax and sip your ice cold tea.

Measures 17-1/2 by 11-1/2 by 4-1/2 inches.

Click here for more info on Hamilton Beach 40911 2-Quart Electric Iced Tea Maker and consumer reviews

Mr. Coffee TM3-2 3-Quart Ice Tea Maker

This is one of the best-seller and better known ice tea makers out there in the market. Its generous 3 quart capacity produces enough ice tea at one time to last for hours.

Among the features I like about this unit is the automatic shut off feature. Once the brewing is done you do not need to worry if you've left it on or not. It also has a removable brew basket which prevents over-brewing and makes easy cleaning possible.

Follow these easy steps to make tea with Mr. Coffee TM3-2 3-Quart Ice Tea Maker:
  1. Pour the desired amount of ice into the pitcher.
  2. Place tea in the infusion basket built into the brewing unit (tower). Make sure you bring the pitcher close enough to the unit, with its spout aligned with the "base notch" in the correct position so that the brewed tea can pour in without any drips.
  3. Pour in the appropriate amount of clean water into the brewing unit.
  4. Switch the tea maker on and you'll have for yourself a great pitcher of iced tea within 10 minutes.
CONSUMER TIP: There have been various complaints in the past about the quality of this unit's plastic pitcher. You might consider buying a spare pitcher to enjoy uninterrupted service.

Also See:


Mr. Coffee® Iced Tea Maker 3 Quart Thermal Picher with Bonus Inside

Click here for more info on Mr. Coffee TM3-2 3-Quart Ice Tea Maker and consumer reviews

Workers at a Russian Tea Plantation near the Black Sea



Circa 1905-1915. Public domain photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

(Send us your favorite tea-related photo and we'll publish it here for you... )

STUDY: Green Tea Prevents Blood and Lymph Cancer

One should be cautious in attributing any “miraculous” powers to green tea.

But perhaps there’s no other adjective to describe the scientific evidence that’s piling up in favor of this beverage which has been around for thousands of years. Green tea is proven to be high in polyphenol compounds.

According to a study of 41,761 adults conducted by Dr. Toru Naganuma of Tohoku University School of Medicine in Japan, drinking 5 or more cups of green tea a day may reduce the risk of blood and lymph cancers by as much as 50 percent. The results were published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Again, drinking 5 or more cups of green tea a day was found to reduce the risk of hematologic malignancies by 42 percent and reduce the risk of lymphoid neoplasms by 48 percent.

Guo Lu Organic Loose Leaf Green Tea

Moreover, the risk reduction in question was found to be independent of the gender and weight (Body Mass Ratio) of the subjects.

The study followed up these 41,761 adults over a 9-year period and found 157 cancer cases.

The polyphenols in green tea leaves (epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epicatechin (EC)) are considered to be effective in triggering self-distruction (apoptosis) of cancer cells.

However, the scientists were careful to note that despite the degree of high “association” between green tea consumption and reduced risk of cancer, they could not prove any direct “casual relationship” between the two yet.

STUDY: Black and Green Tea Help Prevent Tooth Enamel Erosion

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

© Ugur Akinci

First the shocking fact: did you know that a 20 oz. can of soft drink has 17 teaspoons of sugar?

Here’s another: The citric acid found in most fruit juices is actually more powerful than hydrochloric or sulfuric acid (a.k.a. “car battery acid”).

Result -- both the soft drinks and fruit juices will corrode your tooth and wear out your tooth enamel. And once the enamel is gone, there’s no way to grow it back again.

However, you can stop the erosion by drinking black and green tea, according to a study published in the July/August 2008 issue of General Dentistry, the official journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

According to the scientific research conducted by Mohamed A. Bassiouny, DMD, BDS, MSc, PhD, green tea is better than black tea in its protective qualities. Actually, tea in general seems to have the same corrosive power as water: that is, none.

Organic Gunpowder Green Loose Tea

Dr. Bassiouny said the research conducted in Japan and Europe has determined green tea to be superior to the black tea due to its higher content of “natural flavonoids (plant nutrients) and antioxidants.”

However, adding milk, sugar, sweeteners or lemon to tea lessens its protective function.

AGD spokesperson Kenton Ross, DMD, FAGD, said enamel erosion due to high soft drink consumption is nothing new for dentists. "I would highly recommend patients choose tea as an alternative to more erosive drinks like soda and fruit juice."

What Should You Know About Herbal Teas?

Lemon Balm Tea

© Ugur Akinci

Herbal tea, as paradoxical as it seems, is a tea-drink made from the leaves, dried fruit, roots and flowers of a wide variety of herbs and plants except the original tea plant, Camellia sinensis.

A true herbal tea does not have any caffeine (but it can contain other powerful stimulants as well as sedatives).

There are probably as many herbal tea varieties as there are plants and flowers on this planet.

Add to that the astronomical number of herbal fusions and blends that you can buy and enjoy… That's why we won’t attempt to give a comprehensive list of herbal teas here.

But some of the better known ones are chamomile, jasmine, mint, peppermint, anise, and linden teas.

One feature of herbal teas is their frequently claimed medicinal qualities. That's why herbal teas require knowledge and study since drinking the wrong herbal combination can have serious health consequences for special segments of the population like the children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

However, most of these alleged qualities are anecdotal in nature. In countries like the United States, companies who sell herbal teas are forbidden from making any claims that they cannot substantiate through scientific double-control experiments.

Organic Ginger Tea

Some herbal teas actually do have proven and acute side effects that consumers should aware of. Read the topic What are the side effects of herbal teas?

Herbal tea is sometimes referred to as “tisane” or “ptisan” as well, which means “a drink made from pearl barley” in Greek.

Some of the better known herbal teas are:
  • Linden Tea -- My grandmother used to brew us some linden tea every time we had a cough or soar throat and it seemed to work. It’s made by seeping dried linden leaves and flowers in a cup of hot water and letting in steep for about 5 minutes. It has a great smooth taste and goes down better with a teaspoonful of honey mixed in.
  • Chamomile Tea -- Chamomile tea has a sedative effect.
  • Hibiscus Tea -- It is very popular in the Middle East and Japan. It’s drunk either hot or cold and believed to contribute to a long life span.
  • Mint and Peppermint Tea -- A very popular herbal tea either drunk as is or mixed with green tea.
  • Ginseng Tea -- Made from Ginseng root and very popular in Japan and China. Those who swear by Ginseng attribute almost miraculous powers to this plant including extra energy, vitality and stamina.
  • Ginger Tea -- Made from ginger root and is believed to help relieve nausea and vomiting.
  • Roasted Barley and Roasted Wheat Tea -- Used as coffee-substitute in Japan and Korea.
  • Lemon Grass Tea -- As the name suggests, a slightly sour and tart drink with an invigorating effect.
  • Rose Hip Tea -- An excellent source of Vitamin C.

How much caffeine is there in tea?

Caffeine molecule

It is common wisdom that a cup of coffee contains more caffeine than a cup of tea. In general, that is true. On the average, a hot cup of coffee contains 50% to 65% more caffeine than a similar volume of hot tea.

But if the comparison is made between dry roasted coffee and dry tea leaves, then that’s not true. Dry tea actually contains more caffeine than dry coffee.

Amount of caffeine in a cup of tea also varies significantly whether it’s the first cup brewed from tea leaves, second cup or the third. A cup of green tea, for example, contains 32 milligrams of caffeine. However, this amount drop to 12 and 4 mgs for the second and third cups brewed with the same leaves.

According to the findings of Food Research International and USDA Agricultural Research Service, one cup of coffee (about 100 ml) brewed from coffee grounds on the average contains 40 mg of caffeine.

A tall-size Starbucks coffee has one of the highest amounts of caffeine: 240 mg. A cup of expresso coffee has 212 mg. The amount drops to 26 mg for instant coffee.

A cup of tea made by a bag of Lipton black tea has 33 mg. A cup of green tea made from loose tea leaves still delivers 32 mg of caffeine.

A 5-ounce cup of brewed black tea will have between 40 and 60 mg of caffeine, depending on the exact brand of black tea and brewing conditions.

A 5-ounce cup of instant tea will come with 30 mg and an 12-ounce glass of iced tea will deliver 70 mg of caffeine.

Green tea bags have more caffeine than loose green tea leaves.

Other food items and beverages that contain caffeine:

1 Hershey’s Special Dark chocolate bar (43 g, 1.5 oz) -- 31 mg.
1 can of Coca-Cola classic (355 ml, 12 24 U.S. fluid oz) -- 43 mg.
1 Excedrin tablet -- 65 mg.
1 can (250 ml, 8.2 U.S. fluid oz) of Redbull energy drink -- 80 mg.
1 can (709 ml, 24 U.S. fluid oz) of Wired X505 energy drink -- 505 mg.

Black Tea May Lower Blood Sugar

Darjeeling Black Tea

According to a study conducted in Tianjin University, China, a polysaccharide compound found in black tea works similar to Precose and Glyset, both of which are Type 2 Diabetes drugs.

According to the study conducted by Dr. Haixia Chen and his colleagues, the compound in question is specific to black tea and is not found in less-processed oolong and green teas. Black tea had been used in the past in China and Japan to lower blood sugar.

Chen and colleagues have shown that the polysaccharide compound in question inhibits an enzyme called alpha-glucosidase, which turns starch into glucose. That inhibition effect helps lower blood sugar level.

"Many efforts have been made to search for effective glucose inhibitors from natural materials," Dr. Chen says in a press release. "There is a potential for exploitation of black tea polysaccharide in managing diabetes.”

However the experiment was conducted with high concentrations of polysaccharides extracted from black tea. Therefore it is not clear at this writing if brewed black tea would have the same inhibitory effect. CAUTION: Large quantities of black tea is known to lead to respiratory and nervous problems and is not recommended.

The finding was published in the Journal of Food Science.

IQ Innovations 51552 Fine T 4-Cup Gourmet Tea Machine


One of the most sophisticated and programmable electric tea makers available today. Makes 4 cups of perfect tea.

Not-hot-enough water is one of the complaints directed at some other tea makers. You won’t have that problem with this unit since, through its seven built-in settings, this 1200-watt tea maker heats up your water from 160 to 205 degrees F. For white and green teas you can try a lower temperature and select 205 degrees for black teas.

The 24-hour programmable clock allows you to program this high-end tea maker so that you can wake up to a warm fragrant pot of hot tea every morning.

Besides its eye-catching design, the back-lit LCD Digital Program Control Panel is a distinctive feature of this tea maker. You can search for the correct program (that is, the water temperature and brewing time combination) for different tea types by pressing on the up and down menu buttons and viewing the menu options. To select a setting, press the Check Mark button.

Follow these easy steps to brew a pot of great tea with IQ Innovations 51552 Fine T 4-Cup Gourmet Tea Machine:
  1. Pour appropriate amount of water into the top chamber. The outside water indicator clearly shows the water level in the chamber, eliminating all guess work. The minimum and maximum marks inside the water chamber eliminates the possibility of not having enough water or adding too much water.
  2. Add loose-leaf or bagged tea into the infusion basket and close by swinging the basket back in on its hinge.
  3. Select from the 7 different available settings for the correct water temperature and brewing time.
  4. Freshly brewed tea will drain to the carafe at the bottom. Serve and enjoy!
  5. The hot plate keeps your carafe warm for 30 minutes and then shuts itself off automatically to prevent any fire hazard.
Measures approximately 8-3/5 by 8 by 15-8/9 inches.

Click here for more IQ Innovations information and consume reviews

Do you own this machine? What do you think? Send us your review and photos.

Adagio Teas triniTea Electric 32-Ounce Tea Maker

This double-chamber unit is one of the best tea makers out there in the market.

Its logical construction consists of three chambers placed right on top of one another.

The top chamber is for water. From there, the heated water drops down to the steeping chamber in the middle. This is where you place your tea. Instead of just passing through with the force of gravity, the tea is steeped for a configurable period varying between 2 to 7 minutes. And once the steeping is completed, the brewed tea drips to the glass carafe at the bottom. It just makes sense and yields rich perfectly-brewed tea every time.

We also like the fact that this unit comes with a temperature dial for black and green tea. That's a well thought out feature since black tea usually requires a higher temperature than the green tea.

Follow these easy steps to brew a pot of great tea with Adagio Teas triniTea Electric 32-Ounce Tea Maker:
  1. Pour 32 oz. or 4 cups of water into the heating chamber on top.
  2. Place your loose-leaf or bagged tea in the infusion basket.
  3. Place your glass carafe at the bottom, with the lid on.
  4. Turn the strength dial to the appropriate setting.
  5. Set the brewing timer to an appropriate value between 2 to 7 minutes.
  6. Switch the unit on and soon you'll have a pot of great tasting tea, brewed at the correct temperature.
The auto-warm feature will keep your tea ready for drink for hours at home and in the office.
Measures 13 by 7-4/5 by 15-1/2 inches.

Click here for more Adagio info and consumer reviews

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Sunbeam HTM3 Hot Tea Maker

Here are the things we like about this unit:
  • It has a 28 oz. glass pot which is preferable to plastic ones and will last longer if handled properly.
  • Its removable tea basket can accommodate both loose tea and tea bags.
  • The strength control dial in the front of the unit helps you determine the strength of your tea: mild, medium, or strong.
  • After brewing, this unit will keep your tea warm until you shut it off manually.

CONSUMER TIP: This unit does not shut itself off automatically.

Follow these easy steps to brew a pot of great tea with Sunbeam HTM3 Hot Tea Maker:

  1. Fill the water reservoir with clean water.
  2. Place your bagged or loose-leaf tea into the steeping basket and close the lid.
  3. Select tea strength (mild, medium, or strong tea) by turning the strength control dial on top to the appropriate position.
  4. Switch on the unit by pressing the manual on/off switch in the front.
  5. Within 5 minutes you'll have pot of great tasting hot tea.

Measures 8-3/4 by 9 by 10-1/2 inches.

Click here for more information about Sunbeam HTM3 and consumer reviews

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Zarafina Tea Maker Suite

We love Zarafina electric tea maker "suite" because it's a complete brewing system and comes with a serving tray, a ceramic tea pot and two 8 oz. cups. Thus the "suite" designation.

Zarafina has several different settings to brew exactly the kind of tea you like.

First, you can select what kind of tea you want to brew by pushing the slides on the side of the machine to the setting you like: Black, Oolong, Green, White, and Herbal.

Once you decide that, you can select whether you’re going to use Bags or Loose tea.

Then comes the strength selection: Strong, Medium, or Mild.

The 16 oz. water tank on top has grading marked for 1 cup or 2 cups of tea which eliminates the guess work.

The infusion basket is built into the water tank and that's where the tea leaves or bags go.

Follow these easy steps to make tea with Zarafina Tea Maker Suite:

  1. Place the amount of tea (bag or loose) you like into the infusion basket. Close the basket lid.
  2. Fill the tank up with the amount of water you like.
  3. Make your selections for tea kind, bag/loose, and tea strength.
  4. Switch on the unit and Zarafina takes care of the rest.

It's a simple yet sophisticated way to brew two cups of tea allowing you to make different kinds of tea and the proper temperature, thanks to the multiple settings it provides.

Measures 19-3/7 by 12-3/4 by 25 inches.

Click here for more Zarafina info and consumer reviews

Do you own this machine? What do you think? Send us your review and photos.

What are the side effects of herbal teas?

Some herbal teas have strong and even toxic side effects that you should be aware of.

If you are under medication for any reason, see your doctor first before drinking any herbal or regular teas. If, for example, you are taking a blood thinner like warfarin (Coumadin) don’t drink any green tea blend.

Comfrey plant

Comfrey Tea
-- For one thing, some people confuse comfrey leaves with those of Foxglove, which is a highly poisonous plant. So get yourself a good plant guide and learn to differentiate these two plants before you do anything else. Comfrey has strong pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and has been used externally to fix broken bones since the Ancient Greeks. Yet it can also cause permanent liver damage and even cancer if used internally. So it’s better not to drink any comfrey brews at all.

Lobelia plant

Lobelia Tea -- This is another herbal tea you should stay away from since lobelia contains “lobelia,” a yellowish alkaloid that might have a toxic effect similar to nicotine. Although used by Native Americans to cure respiratory problems, the plant also have strong emetic qualities and that’s why it’s also known as “pukeweed,” “gagroot,” and “vomitwort.”

Green Tea -- Although it’s rare, some people experience difficulty of breathing, constriction of their throat muscles, swelling of tongue and lips, and other similar allergic reactions. If you experience any such effects please immediately see your doctor. Heavy use of green tea is also said to be a contributing factor of esophageal cancer. Green tea (as well as many other tea varieties) can also cause heartburn, sleeplessness, irregular heartbeats, headache, etc. if consumed in great quantities in a single day. If you do not feel comfortable, cut down on your tea consumption and see a doctor.

Chamomile plant

Chamomile Tea -- Chamomile has a sedative effect and thus can help if you’re trying to fall asleep in bed.

But if you are driving a vehicle, operating a machine, or doing anything that requires your full attention, then it’s better not to consume chamomile tea at all.

See: What Should You Know About Herbal Teas?

Glossary of Tea Terms

An Indian worker gathering tea in Assam

Here are some of the most often used tea terms. Knowing what's what can help when you’re shopping for loose tea, a tea maker or other accessories.

Assam – A region in Northeast India and the full-bodied robust tea cultivated there.

Bancha – A low quality Japanese tea made from the lower and larger leaves of the tea plant. Most Bancha tea is consumed domestically and not exported. See Sencha.

Chai – An Indian style of tea brewing in which black tea is mixed with spices and heated milk.

Darjeeling – A variety of very high quality tea grown in the Himalayan regions of India. For some aficionados "tea" means "Darjeeling."

FermentationThe process through which the freshly cultivated green tea leaves are rolled (broken) and exposed to the oxygen in the air. Oxidation exposes the enzymes within the tea leaves and allows the fermenting of the special taste and aroma that makes tea so appealing. The more the tea leaves are fermented (oxidized) the darker their color turns. That's why black tea is 100% fermentized tea. Oolong and green teas have less fermentation. White tea is not rolled at all; it's fired right away. Also see Oxidation.

Kettle – a container used only for boiling water. The word "kettle" is derived from the Latin catillus, meaning “a deep dish or pan for cooking,” You never boil loose tea leaves or bagged tea in a kettle. Kettles are usually made up of metal or flame-resistant glass since they are specifically designed to sit on open flame. However, there are electric kettles as well. See Infuser.

Infuser – a container for holding the tea leaves. It is where you steep tea leaves with hot water. An infuser, which sometimes look like a strainer but sometimes it also looks like a small tea pot, has no contact with open flames or stove top. Water which is boiled separately in a kettle (see Kettle) is poured over the tea leaves placed in an infuser. Sometimes infusers look like small tea pots and they are placed directly on top of the open-top of the kettle (that is, a tea kettle with no lid). That way the infuser is warmed by the steam rising from the water boiling in the kettle.

Pekoe – Describes a tea production method in which the largest leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are used to produce whole leaf teas. Pekoe teas commonly-available general-use products.

Oxidation – See Fermentation.

Rolling – The process of breaking the tea leaves to expose their enzymes and juices to the oxygen in the air. Highest quality teas, like the rare white tea, are rolled not by machines but by hand.

Sencha – The most commonly available variety of Japanese tea making about 75% of Japan's total production. See Bancha.

Tea BallA tea ball is a mesh sphere to hold loose tea leaves inside a pot of hot water for steeping. Tea balls usually have a hinge on one side, a chain and a hook to attach them to the edge of the pot.

Tea Cozy A tea cozy is a protective cover that slips over a tea pot to keep it warm. Especially if you are living in a cold climate, a tea cozy is a must to enjoy a pot of warm tea over a lengthy period of time.

Tea PotA tea pot is very much like a kettle but it never sits on open flame to boil water. Even though some tea pots have built-in electric heaters to keep the brewed tea warm, it is never designed to boil water. Tea pot is where tea leaves (usually loose) are steeped with separately-warmed hot water. Since they are not designed for direct contact with stove top, tea pots are made from a wide variety of materials including metal, porcelain, stone, glass, and even wood. Some heavy iron-cast tea pots are used in countries like Japan to both boil water and to steep tea.

What is Genmai Cha?

Genmai Cha (or "genmaicha") is Japanese green tea mixed with roasted brown rice.

This exotic tea brand is also know as "Genmai Cha Pop" or "popcorn tea" because of the way rice kernels popped when the tea leaves were roasted for processing. The brown rice gave volume to the tea leaves and made it more affordable. That's why genmaicha is also known as "people's tea" although today it is enjoyed by all tea lovers in Japan.

When brewed, genmaicha releases a distinctive and nutty "popcorn aroma" that's much appreciated by its aficionados.

Russian Tea

A brass Russian samovar set

When Russia is mentioned, perhaps the first drink that comes to mind is Vodka. But tea is also widely consumed by the Russians to the extent that, for some people, tea is actually the true "national beverage" of this gigantic country which spreads over 11 time zones across Europe and Asia. There is hardly a Russian home or office today in which a tea samovar is not ready to serve a piping hot cup of black Russian tea to friends, family, or business associates.

Russian tea is basically black tea, both imported and home grown. However, green tea is also making inroads in the tea-fanatic Russian population.

Did you know that 82% of the 140 million Russians drink at least one cup of tea every day? That translates to a minimum of 115 million cups a day, or 42 billion cups a year!

Tea originally arrived in Russia from China. But the transportation of the exotic plant over the difficult terrain and great distances proved to be so problematic that initially it could be afforded and enjoyed only by the aristocracy. With the creation of Tea Road between Russia and China and protection provided by the Czar more Russians began the enjoy the heart-warming wonders of a cup of hot brew. At the end of the 18th century, Russia was importing 3 million pounds of tea by camel caravans from China, enough to elevate it to the status of a "national beverage."

In the 19th and 20th centuries the camel caravans were replaced by trains and ships but the Russian love affair with tea continued unabated. Today tea is grown in native Russian plantations around the great summer resort of Sochi, located on the shores of the Black Sea.

What is "Organic and Fair Trade" Tea?

Organic and Fair Trade teas are grown by methods that respect and preserve the nature as well as the social communities where the cultivation takes place.
Teas that carry the "USA Organic" as well as the "Fair Trade Certified" labels are in a sense "products with conscience," i.e., they are tea varieties brought to your table by paying fair wages for the individual growers and by employing farming techniques that preserve the natural health and balance of the land.

These are the products grown without using harsh chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides. Thus sometimes they might be a little more expensive than their non-organic competitors but they are worth it.

The "fair trade" concept aims to eliminate the exploitation of tea and coffee growers in the developing countries, including women and children. Percentage of women engaged in non-agricultural fair trade production went up from 70% to 76% between 2004 and 2008.
"Fair trade" tries to increase the trade volume with the developing countries while monitoring and reforming the business practices of those companies that try to maximize profits at the expense of the local communities.

The amount of "fair trade" sales in 2007 was $2.6 billion, according to the International Fair Trade Association. In 2006, fair trade in tea has increased by 41%, according to the Fairtrade Labelling Organization.
Here are some sobering facts provided by the Fair Trade Federation:
A coffee farmer in a developing country typically receives 2 cents for each $3 (or 300 cents) cup of coffee latte, according to Transfair USA figures.
If the share of the African countries in the world exports could be increased by a mere 1%, that would add up to an extra revenue of $70 billion, which is five times what the continent receives in aid - according to Oxfam International's Make Trade Fair Report.
So how does this "Fair Trade" policy is implemented by U.S. importers exactly?
For every kilo of Fair Trade Certified tea purchased, the U.S. importer pays a Fair Trade premium to an elected association of workers and management, called a Joint Body, at each tea estate.

"The Joint Body allocates the premium to areas of greatest need, which is determined democratically and used for projects that benefit the entire community," according to TransFair USA.

"In the case of small-scale producer groups, this elected body is comprised of fellow farmers. Fair Trade premiums have financed new computer learning centers and educational endowments, and healthcare programs that include nutrition, family planning, special medical needs, clean drinking water and toilets for every household."
Tea is one of the "fastest growing Fair Trade Certified product categories, with Fair Trade Certified tea imports increasing an unprecedented 187% in 2005." 70 tea growing estates and producer groups in 11 countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America are now "Fair Trade" certified and the number is growing every year.

The "fair trade" concept recognizes the fact that we are riding all together in this earth-ship and what hurts some of us in the short run will hurt us all in the long run in terms of a degrading environment on the one hand, and social unrest and poverty leading to global instability and strife on the other.

That's why I also support tea products that are both organically grown and cultivated according to fair trade practices.

How to make your own bath tea bags

There are some excellent ready-to-use bath tea bags offered by special vendors. But did you know that you can make your own bath bags as well? It's fun and something you can share to educate your children as well.
Follow these simple steps to make your own bath tea bags:
  1. Take a cotton, muslin or cheesecloth bag as big as your hand (measuring 4 or 5 inches on each side). It could be square or rectangular in shape. It does not matter. If it's sturdy enough, you can use this bag as a washcloth as well.
  1. Fill the bag with a mixture of the following: green tea, lavender, rosemary, goldenseal, marigold (calendula), chamomile, dried rose petals, juniper leaves, jasmine flowers, dried milk (for a milk bath), rock salt, red clover, quick-cooking oats, orange or lemon peel, citrus rind, honey powder. As long as you’re not allergic to it, you can try any other herbs or dried flowers you like. 
    1. Sew or use a rubber band or pull in the drawstrings of the bag (if any) to close the mouth of the bag tight.
    1. Float or dangle your bag into the water from the faucet and enjoy! Another way to release the full fragrance of the bag is to hold it under the hot running water when you’re filling up your tub.
    Some people run the oatmeal through the food processor before adding it to the bag in order to get a creamy texture and easier infusion into the bath water.

    You can also try the same ingredients by stuffing them into a large tea ball and then dangling the ball into the bath water.


    Try and experiment with different ingredients to come up with your own unique blends. Turn your bath time an exciting and pleasant occasion to relax with the soothing aromas and ingredients of green tea and herbs.

    What is a Bath Tea Bag?

    A Bath Tea Bag is a large size (about 4" by 4", or as big as your hand) aromatic herbal tea bag designed to be added to your bath water. The herbal aromas released by a bath tea bag can turn your bath experience into a relaxing soothing affair.

    Herbs like lavender, comfrey, rosemary, goldenseal, marigold, chamomile and tea tree oil are used to help you get rid of the tensions of the day while soaking in a warm tub of water.

    When you use a bath bag instead of directly adding the herbs into the bath water you'll have no mess to clean up afterwards. When you're done with your bath, all you need to do is to throw away the bag and you’re left with clean bath tub with no debris in it.

    We recommend you try the Food Bath Tea varieties as well to soften any calluses and rejuvenate your tired feet.

    Also see: How to make your own bath tea bags

    What is Irish Breakfast tea?

    Irish Breakfast tea is a strong blend of black tea, mainly made up of Assam (India) variety. The tea grown in Assam is so special that it is considered a sub-specie of the tea plant and has its own name: Camellia sinensis assamica.

    It's a strong robust dark-red or dark-brown tea that has a smooth malty taste and tastes great either straight or with milk and sugar. You can use lemon with this blend as well.

    Make sure the Irish Breakfast is not overbrewed since it can turn bitter, unlike the green tea.

    CONSUMER TIP: When in Ireland please do not order any "Irish Breakfast tea" since Irish, one of the most enthusiastic tea-drinking nations in the world, refer to this blend simply as the "tea."

    Suggestion: Organic Irish Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea

    Also see: English Breakfast Tea

    What is English Breakfast tea?

    English Breakfast tea is a blend that is very popular in England. It's a strong and robust blend of black tea with rich red color and it accommodates milk, cream and sugar very well. It can also be served with lemon and used for iced tea.

    The most common ingredients of the blend are black tea varieties like Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Assam, Ceylon and African (Kenyan). Keemun tea is also used for the higher-grade gourmet blends.

    Make sure the British Breakfast is not overbrewed since it can turn bitter, unlike the green tea.

    Suggestions: Ashby's Breakfast Blend, and Organic English Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea

    Also see: Irish Breakfast tea

    TEA PHOTO: "Tea Plantation Worker in Tanzania" by Martin Benjamin



    (Send us your favorite tea-related photo and we'll publish it here for you... )

    STUDY: Tea Reduces Stroke Risk

    Drinking green or oolong tea consistently is linked to a significantly lower risk of Ischaemic stroke due to reduced blood flow to the brain.

    Ischaemic stroke occurs when oxygen-delivering arteries in the brain become partially or completely blocked reducing the blood flow to the brain. Previous research has suggested that tea or its components might reduce high blood pressure and other risk factors.

    To ascertain the relationship between drinking tea and risk of ischaemic stroke, researchers studied the tea drinking habits of 838 Chinese men and women, aged around 70 years. Information on frequency and duration of tea drinking, quantity of dried tea leaves, and types of tea consumed, together with habitual diet and lifestyle characteristics, was obtained from participants using a questionnaire.

    A slice of brain from the autopsy of a person who suffered an acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke (Wikipedia)

    Of all, 374 participants had a medically confirmed ischaemic stroke, and 464 (the "control" group) had no history of cardiovascular disease or medical conditions that raised their risk of stroke. The stroke group had a higher occurrence of elevated blood pressure, diabetes and smoking. The control group reported higher fruit and vegetable intake and a longer duration of tea drinking.

    The researchers also took into account gender, body mass, level of education, lifelong physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake, the presence of high blood pressure, cholesterol level, diabetes, and diet.

    Those who reported drinking at least one cup of tea per week for more than 30 years had a 60 percent lower risk of ischaemic stroke. Those who drank more than 2 cups of tea daily had about a 40 percent lower risk of such strokes. The risks were even lower in those who drank green or oolong tea, a traditional Chinese tea. Those who drank green or oolong tea had 72 and 79 percent lower risk for ischaemic stroke, respectively. Using more tea leaves was associated with a 73 percent reduced risk of stroke.

    The above findings are consistent with previous research from Japan that drinking tea cuts stroke risk. However, further investigations are needed to ascertain whether tea consumption can enhance survival of stroke patients.

    Tea Accessories

    Tea Cozy -- Tea cozy is a protective cover that slips over a tea pot to keep it warm. Especially if you are living in a cold climate, a tea cozy is a must to enjoy a pot of warm tea over a lengthy period of time. Make sure the cozy is washable as it gets musty and dirty quickly if you brew tea on a daily basis. Check out this gorgeous collection of colorful tea cozies.

    Tea Infuser – is a metal mesh or filter that allows tea leaves to steep inside hot water. It is used interchangeably with a Tea Ball or Tea Strainer. Sometimes the pot, carafe or the tea cup that comes with a built-in infuser is called a "tea infuser" as well. Tea infusers come in all shapes and sizes.

    Tea Ball -- A tea ball is a mesh sphere to hold loose tea leaves inside a pot of hot water for steeping. Tea balls usually have a hinge on one side, a chain and a hook to attach them to the edge of the pot. Make sure your tea ball has enough room in it to allow for the expansion of the moist tea leaves. Tea balls need to be made of stainless steel to prevent any rusting.Here is a good collection of tea balls.

    Tea Strainer – A strainer is a filter that filters out the tea leaves and allows only the brewed liquid into the cup. There are cup-sized strainers that you place on top of your cup as you pour tea over it. Some pots have built-in strainers that automatically filter the tea leaves. Here are a few varieties of tea strainers.

    Tea Storage Tins – You need to keep your tea leaves away from heat, light, air and moisture to preserve their freshness. But did you know that, contrary to coffee, you do not need to keep your tea leaves in a refrigerator? Tea can be kept at room temperature for up to a year without loosing its flavor if you have the right storage device. A well-made tea storage tin will do the job. Tins come in all sizes and they're made of bamboo, bark, wood, metal, glass, or porcelain. Here is a classy way to store your precious tea leaves and bags.

    Teapot Trivets – A trivet is a must to protect your table or desk from the hot tea pots or kettles. The best are made from cast iron, wood, or porcelain. A cast iron Japanese Trivet, for example, will last a lifetime with proper care. These beautiful tea trivets will save both your teapots and your kitchen and table surfaces.

    Tea CupsWhat good is it to have a pot of hot tea if you do not have a set of attractive cups to enjoy it with? There are many different kinds of tea cups used in different countries around the world. Some look similar to coffee mugs. Yet others have no handles at all and require a special skill to drink from without burning your lips (like the Turkish tea cup). Others are exquisite sculpted pieces made from the finest porcelain and are sought after by collectors. Your good tea deserves an exquisite tea cup.