Steepedteablog.com

Good News for Women who drink Green Tea

So many women suffer the discomfort and inconvenience of uterine fibroids - an American study shows promise as researchers look at a connection between green tea and fibroids. Nashville Researchers Find Green Tea Could Treat Uterine Fibroids

Tuesday, 26 January 2010

by WTN Staff According to a report released this week, green tea extract shows promise for the treatment of uterine fibroids. The report summarized research done at the Center for Women's Health Research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Meharry Medical College in Nashville. The January 2009 issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology published the findings. The team of researchers tested the effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on fibroid tumors (leiomyoma) in rat cells and in nude mice, in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Diseased cells were introduced into the cells and mice, which were then fed doses of EGCG in the form of green tea extract in their drinking water. An inhibitory effect in the growth of the diseased cells was noted after 24 hours of treatment. According to an abstract of the report, the EGCG treatment "dramatically reduced the volume and weight of tumors at 4 and 8 weeks after the treatment." The team concluded that "EGCG effectively inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in rat ELT3 uterine leiomyoma cells in vitro and in vivo." The researchers, who have focused on finding treatments for uterine fibroids, were encouraged by the results. A statement released this week noted that 40 percent of reproductive age women suffer from the disease, which can be extremely painful, even debilitating. “If we can prove this compound is effective, millions of women can start self treatment and self management,” Dr. Ayman Al-Hendy, who led the study, said in the statement.

Green Tea and Antioxidants

With so much study and news about green tea, it can be confusing sometimes to separate truth from fiction. Some of it can seem pretty hyped up. The World Tea News recently published news of a study in Italy that confirms that the antioxidants in green tea are readily available and absorbed by the human body after consumption. This is good news - although some things found in nature may be high in antioxidants, if they are in a form that our body won't absorb, they don't do us any good. Here's what the study found:

New Study Clarifies Tea Catechins' Bioavailability

Tuesday, 02 February 2010

by Heidi Kyser A team of researchers in Itlay has provided what it describes as the clearest evidence yet that antioxidants in green tea are absorbed by the human body after consumption. Researchers from the Universities of Parma and Torina, and from the Research and Development Center in Alba, all in Italy, conducted the study, titled "Bioavailability and catabolism of green tea flavan-3-ols in humans." The results are published in the current edition of the medical journal Nutrition (click here for an abstract). The team set out to determine the "absolute bioavailability" of green tea flavan-3-ols(sometimes referred to as flavanols, and including catechins); in other words, what percentage of the antioxidants in green tea stay in the body after being ingested. As the researchers noted in their report, previous studies have sought to answer this question; however, their results were limited by small sample groups, the inability to account for the activities of microflora in the intestines, and/or insufficient technology for measuring compounds that are either absorbed by the body or pass through it. In this case, the team used a very high-tech method of analysis: high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry on the urine and plasma of human subjects. Twenty volunteers, all healthy, took 400 milliliters of RTD green tea. Soremartec Italia of Alba, Italy, supplied the tea, which was brewed from tea leaves grown in Sri Lanka. According to Furio Brighenti, professor in the department of public health at the University of Parma, and one of the lead researchers in the study, the RTD consisted of an infusion of the leaves, plus sugar, dextrose, lemon juice, ascorbic acid and flavoring. After four and 24 hours, the researchers collected fluid samples from the volunteers and performed the measurements. They discovered that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (commonly called EGCG) was the only un-metabolized compound and the highest in absolute concentration, compared with the other flavan-3-ols measured. Overall, "on average (in 20 healthy volunteers) and with all the possible errors due to analytical constraints, almost 40 percent of green tea flavan-3-ols were absorbed by the human body," said Brighenti. He summarized the significance of the findings as follows: "To justify the benefits associated to the consumption of green tea, the ability of the human body to absorb its peculiar polyphenolic fraction should be demonstrated. With this study, we have shown that these molecules are efficiently absorbed in healthy volunteers and that they remain within the body for more than 24 hours after tea intake."

Do the Men in Your Life Drink Tea?

Here's a recent article that outlines a study done in Kingston, ON at Queen's University about a health benefit of tea for men! Maybe it would be good to give him some tea along with the chocolates this Valentines! The article appeared originally on Web MD.Don't forget about our blog giveaway for some of our new savory products. Leave us a comment here to enter.

Drinking Tea May Trim Men's Waistlines

Men Who Drink Tea Have Smaller Waistlines Than Those Who Don't

By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Jan. 29, 2010 -- Could tea be the secret to a trim waistline? For men, the answer may be yes, or at least it couldn't hurt.

A new study shows that men who drink more than two cups of tea a day have trimmer waistlines than men who drink coffee or nothing at all. But the same doesn't hold true for women.

Researchers say previous studies have looked at coffee and tea drinking habits and obesity in general, but little is known about how these habits affect abdominal obesity. Abdominal obesity, or excess fat around the midsection, has been linked to a number of health risks, including heart disease and diabetes.

The study, presented this week at the First International Congress on Abdominal Obesity, looked at the relationship between coffee and tea drinking and abdominal obesity in 3,823 adults who participated in the 2003-2004 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

"The potential association between coffee/tea and abdominal obesity is not trivial considering that more than 60% of the adult population drinks coffee/tea,that these beverages can be consumed as frequently as 10 times per day, and that a high percentage of coffee and tea drinkers use additives in these beverages," write researcher D. R. Bouchard and colleagues at the school of kinesiology and health studies at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario.

Tea Drinking=Trim Waistline?

The results showed that coffee consumption wasn't related to abdominal obesity in men and women after adjusting for other risk factors.

The use of sugar vs. artificial sweeteners did seem to play a role in abdominal obesity.

In men, the use of sugar in tea was associated with a nearly 1-inch smaller waist measurement, but the use of artificial sweeteners was linked to a nearly 2-inch larger waistline.

Among women, the use of milk in tea was associated with a two-thirds-of-an-inch smaller waistline. But women who used artificial sweeteners had an average of nearly an inch larger waistline.

Researchers say the role between tea drinking and a trim waistline in men and women merits further study.

Tea and Pregnancy

We are often asked about tea and pregnancy - is it safe for mom and baby to drink tea when mom is pregnant?

Our first response is to always follow the advice/directions of your doctor or midwife as they know your particular health profile and medical history. Some health practitioners recommend pregnant women ease off all caffeine, including coffee and tea, and others say a minimal amount, 2-3 cups per day is OK. Remember caffeine hides in colas, chocolate, and some medications, as well.

So what follows, is general advice. Again, we emphasize that if you have any concerns, you should ask your health practitioner.

Pregnancy & Green  Tea - from a UK website

I am eight weeks pregnant. Can I drink green tea?

Written for BabyCentre UK

Fiona Ford answers:

It is safe to drink green tea during pregnancy, in moderation. About three or four cups of green tea a day would probably be a sensible limit.

Green tea has been thought to be a health-promoting drink since ancient times. However, recent research has cast doubts over its benefits during pregnancy and has even raised some concerns about its safety. This is just one reason why it is wise to be cautious.

Claims for the benefits of green tea are based on the fact that it is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are chemical compounds that can help to prevent cell damage in our bodies. Research suggests that green tea may help protect you against a number of diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure and some forms of cancer.

Other studies have shown that drinking green tea may be good for oral health, bone strength your ability to fight bacterial and viral infections.

However, the research for these claims is not strong so it is hard to draw any firm conclusions from it.

Some doctors are concerned that green tea may affect the body's folic acid (also called folate) levels. Folic acid is an important nutrient during pregnancy. One study linked neural tube defects in babies, such as spina bifida, to women drinking a large amount of green tea at around the time of conception. Spina bifida is a serious condition, which occurs when the tube around the central nervous system - the neural tube - fails to close completely. Neural tube defects such as spina bifida are usually associated with folic acid deficiency.

The data for this study is very weak so it is too soon to say that avoiding green tea during pregnancy will reduce the risk of neural tube defects, but more research is needed.

Remember that green tea, like other teas, contains some caffeine, which should be limited in pregnancy. Although green tea is relatively low in caffeine it would be unwise to drink vast quantities of it during pregnancy.

Finally, green tea, like other teas and coffee can also make it difficult for our bodies to absorb iron from food, which is another reason why it should be drunk in moderation.

Herbal Teas & Pregnancy

Certain herbal teas can be very beneficial in pregnancy and may help to alleviate some of the symptoms of pregnancy. Many women find that small amounts of ginger tea can help with morning sickness, while peppermint tea can ease heartburn and indigestion. Slippery elm or meadowsweet tea may also aid digestion. However, it is always a good idea to drink herbal teas in moderation.

Generally speaking, any herb which is considered fine for food use is presumed to be safe for teas as well. Look on packaging labels for contents that may normally be part of your diet (such as mint, lemon or orange extracts). All herbal preparations which are bought as tea bags from the supermarket are thought to be safe for use in pregnancy. You can also buy herbal tea blends specifically made for drinking when you are pregnant.

It is important to steer clear of unfamiliar ingredients (such as black cohosh, pennyroyal, and mugwort, all best avoided during pregnancy). Other herbs to avoid in pregnancy include celery, parsley and sage (the latter should also be avoided if you are breastfeeding, as it may reduce milk supply). Never make a tea from any plant in your own garden, unless you're 100 per cent sure what it is and that you can safely take it while you're pregnant.

Babycentre.ca has charts of safe and moderately safe herbs for pregnancy and labour. You can view the page here.

I've heard that raspberry leaf tea in pregnancy can help to make labour easier. If so, when should I start taking it and how much should I take?

Written for Canada

Wisty Hoyland answers:

In a study carried out in Sydney, Australia, 192 first-time moms were given at random either a 1.2g raspberry leaf tablet or a placebo twice a day from 32 weeks of pregnancy. The herb had no harmful effects on mother or baby, and those women who had taken raspberry leaf tablets were found to have a shorter second stage of labour and a lower rate of forceps delivery(19.3% versus 30.4%). However, far more research is needed to confirm these results.

It is very important not to use raspberry leaves until the last two months of pregnancy because of their stimulating effect on the uterus. Start with one cup of tea a day or one tablet and build up gradually to a maximum of four cups of tea or tablets daily. The tea can be sipped freely during labour, too.

You can buy raspberry leaf tablets from health food stores. However many women prefer to make a tea from the dried herb, which is available from Steeped Tea.  The tea, or infusion, can be made as follows: put 25g/1oz of the dried herb in a pot and pour on 600ml/1 pint of boiling water. Cover and infuse for 15 minutes. Alternatively, add 1 teaspoonful of the dried herb to a cup of boiling water.

Can I drink Rooibos tea while pregnant?

Rooibos and Honeybush teas are considered decaffeinated herbal teas. Although Rooibos is called a "tea," it is actually an herb from South Africa and differs greatly from tea (camellia sinensis). Anemia, or low iron, is a common problem during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Many teas prevent your body from absorbing iron due to an ingredient called tannin. Both Rooibos and Honeybush teas contain low levels of tannin, so they are less likely to interfere with iron absorption. Research by Japanese scientists has shown Rooibos tea to have beneficial effects relating to constipation, liver function, blood sugar levels, skin diseases, depression and anxiety. This tea may also have other stomach and indigestion benefits, possibly relieving nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. However, some variations of Rooibos tea (such as the Energizer Rooibos Herbal Tea) contain the herb rosemary, which should be avoided during pregnancy because it may cause uterine contractions. Be sure to read the label to make sure that there are no additional herbs added to either Rooibos or Honeybush teas. If it is the pure tea, it should be a wonderful addition to your pregnancy and lactation diet.

White Tea Matcha Health Benefits #3

Another Science Daily article, this one outlining a study that asociated the benefits of white tea when it comes to cancer, arthritis and wrinkles.

ScienceDaily (Aug. 14, 2009) — Next time you’re making a cuppa, new research shows it might be wise to opt for a white tea if you want to reduce your risk of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or even just age-associated wrinkles. Researchers from Kingston University teamed up with Neal’s Yard Remedies to test the health properties of 21 plant and herb extracts. They discovered all of the plants tested had some potential benefits, but were intrigued to find white tea considerably outperformed all of them.

Professor Declan Naughton, from the School of Life Sciences at Kingston University in South West London, said the research showed white tea had anti-ageing potential and high levels of anti-oxidants which could prevent cancer and heart disease. “We’ve carried out tests to identify plant extracts that protected the structural proteins of the skin, specifically elastin and collagen,” he explained. “Elastin supports the body’s natural elasticity which helps lungs, arteries, ligaments and skin to function. It also helps body tissue to repair when you suffer wounds and stops skin from sagging.” Collagen is a protein found in connective tissues in the body and is important for skin, strength and elasticity, he added.

Results showed white tea prevented the activities of the enzymes which breakdown elastin and collagen which can lead to wrinkles that accompany ageing. These enzymes, along with oxidants, are associated with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Professor Naughton said: “These enzymes and oxidants are key components of normal body processes. However, in inflammatory conditions, suppressing the activities of these excess components has been the subject of decades of research. We were surprised to find such high activity for the white tea extracts in all five tests that were conducted.”

The researchers were blown away by exactly how well the white tea had performed. “We were testing very small amounts far less than you would find in a drink,” Professor Naughton, one of the country’s leading specialists on inflammation, said. “The early indicators are that white tea reduces the risk of inflammation which is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers as well as wrinkles.”

Eight of the other plants and herbs analysed also helped protect against the breakdown of both elastin and collagen. After white tea, bladderwrack performed well followed by extracts of cleavers, rose, green tea, angelica, anise and pomegranate.

White Tea Matcha Health Benefits #2

Below appears an article from Science Daily outlining a recent study on White Tea Extract and its effect on obesity.

White Tea: Solution To Obesity Epidemic?

ScienceDaily (May 7, 2009) — Possible anti-obesity effects of white tea have been demonstrated in a series of experiments on human fat cells (adipocytes). Researchers have now shown that an extract of the herbal brew effectively inhibits the generation of new adipocytes and stimulates fat mobilization from mature fat cells.

Marc Winnefeld led a team of researchers from Beiersdorf AG, Germany, who studied the biological effects of an extract of white tea – the least processed version of the tea plant Camellia sinensis. He said, "In the industrialized countries, the rising incidence of obesity-associated disorders including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes constitutes a growing problem. We've shown that white tea may be an ideal natural source of slimming substances".

After treating lab-cultured human pre-adipocytes with the tea extract, the authors found that fat incorporation during the genesis of new adipocytes was reduced. According to Winnefeld, "The extract solution induced a decrease in the expression of genes associated with the growth of new fat cells, while also prompting existing adipocytes to break down the fat they contain".

White tea is made from the buds and first leaves of the plant used to make green tea and the black tea most commonly drunk in Western countries. It is less processed than the other teas and contains more of the ingredients thought to be active on human cells, such as methylxanthines (like caffeine) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) – which the authors believe to be responsible for many of the anti-adipogenic effects demonstrated in their study.

White Tea Matcha Health Benefits #1

The following comes from a 2004 article in Science Daily. The article is talking about the health benefits of White Tea Extract - hmmm.... could that be White Matcha? Seems like White Matcha would be a very good thing to have around during cold and flu season! With its prophylactic properties, it could help you avoid that next bug altogether.

White Tea Beats Green Tea In Fighting Germs

ScienceDaily (May 28, 2004) — NEW ORLEANS – May 25, 2004 -- New studies conducted at Pace University have indicated that White Tea Extract (WTE) may have prophylactic applications in retarding growth of bacteria that cause Staphylococcus infections, Streptococcus infections, pneumonia and dental caries. Researchers present their findings today at the 104th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.

"Past studies have shown that green tea stimulates the immune system to fight disease," says Milton Schiffenbauer, Ph.D., a microbiologist and professor in the Department of Biology at Pace University's Dyson College of Arts & Sciences and primary author of the research. "Our research shows White Tea Extract can actually destroy in vitro the organisms that cause disease. Study after study with tea extract proves that it has many healing properties. This is not an old wives tale, it's a fact."

White tea was more effective than green tea at inactivating bacterial viruses. Results obtained with the bacterial virus, a model system; suggest that WTE may have an anti-viral effect on human pathogenic viruses. The addition of White Tea Extract to various toothpastes enhanced the anti-microbial effect of these oral agents.

Studies have also indicated that WTE has an anti-fungal effect on Penicillium chrysogenum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In the presence of WTE, Penicillium spores and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells were totally inactivated. It is suggested that WTE may have an anti-fungal effect on pathogenic fungi.

Several findings in the new study are of particular interest:

* The anti-viral and anti-bacterial effect of white tea (2 brands were tested and studied) is greater than that of green tea.

* The anti-viral and anti-bacterial effect of several toothpastes including Aim, Aquafresh, Colgate, Crest and Orajel was enhanced by the addition of white tea extract.

* White tea extract exhibited an anti-fungal effect on both Penicillium chrysogenum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

* White tea extract may have application in the inactivation of pathogenic human microbes, i.e., bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

So if cops are into donuts and coffee, what are firefighters into?

Watch this and see!!!

Pu-ehr and your Liver

A medical study conducted in Taiwan indicates that pu-ehr tea may have a role in preventing damage to the liver caused by oxidative stress.

Researchers induced oxidative damage in rat livers both in vitro and in vivo, then treated them with water extract of puer tea to measure the effect. They found that the puer extract lowered levels of harmful proteins in the blood and preventing damage caused by certain free radicals.

"Taken together, these results demonstrate that water extract of puer tea is able to protect against hepatic damage in vitro and in vivo, suggestion that the drinking of puer tea may protect liver tissue from oxidative damage," the team concluded.

The research took place at the department of food science and technology at Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science in Tainan Hsien, Taiwan. Results will be published in a upcoming issue of Food Chemistry, but an abstract is available online now.

In addition to the results of this recent study, pu-ehr has other noted health benefits, including:

- contains vitamin B1, B2, C and E and β Carotene
- good for preventing high blood pressure, cancer and constipation
-  reduces cholesterol
- good for ladies who always have cold legs and hands 
- increases metabolic rate

If you've never tried pu-ehr, Steeped offers a nicely flavoured one - Toffee Caramel Pu-Ehr, which is a gentle introduction to this distinctly flavoured tea.

Today is the Day!

Our new Steeped Tea product catalogue starts today! Click on the link to the right to view the new catalogue online. What new items will become YOUR new favourites? Will it be our Lemon Drop Rooibos soap? Delicious new buttery cookies like Maple Pecan? New teas like Raspberry Cream black, Canadian Breakfast eh black, Gunpowder green, Toffee Dream white (to name a few)?  Or how about our new coffee? Yes, we are introducing coffee with this new catalogue - but not just any coffee. We hear at our tea parties that some tea lovers still love to start their day with a coffee and then switch to tea, or know or live with a die-hard coffee drinker. When we decided to introduce coffee to our product line, we searched hard for what we believe to be the best coffee available - for your health, for the people producing the coffee, and for the taste.  Check out the amazing story about our exclusive coffee products:

History of a Great Cause 
In 2005 in response to the devastation of Hurricane Stan,  a relief effort was mounted and Canadian Volunteers journeyed to Central America to assist.  While in the most mountainous regions where the destruction and loss of life was greatest, the Volunteers realized that there was a longer term project that needed to be addressed.  Living in extreme poverty coffee farmers resorted to selling their coffee berries for as little as 10 cents a pound with no other options or resources in these remote locations.  Every pound of coffee Steeped Tea sells helps the Volunteers organize farming cooperatives by providing funding for facilities needed.  Educational programs are also being established which aid the farmers by giving them the ability to move past the oppression.  Steeped Tea Coffee is Fair Trade Plus, as we exceed the prices paid to farmers that have been established by the TransFair Certification Organization.

Environmentally Sustainable and Responsible
Much of the world’s coffee is “sun grown”, which means forests are mowed down, birds and animals are displaced, and chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used.  All to maximize the yield per acre and the number of crops that can be harvested per year.  All coffee supplied by Steeped Tea is shade grown in a bird and animal friendly environment, and is completely chemical free.  Our coffee plants coexist with other flora and fauna in a natural jungle setting and our farmers forage into the forest and harvest every coffee berry by hand.  This method of farming has little or no impact on the environment and also helps make our coffee the healthiest you can possibly drink.

Healthy for You
All coffee supplied by Steeped Tea is grown at high altitude on mountainous volcanic regions.  Plants grown on volcanic soil are low in acid and abundant with properties that promote great health.  Many believe that volcanic soils are rich in rare monatomic elements essential to life.  Coffee from Steeped Tea also has anti-oxidant properties because of the special way we roast and deliver it to you immediately.  Many individuals that love coffee but do not drink it because of gastro-intestinal issues now enjoy our coffee and its healthy effects.

Great Taste
Great Taste is the greatest factor that impresses people who try Coffee from Steeped Tea, and will keep them coming back for more.  We roast in small batches and deliver it to you immediately, so encourage your buyers to start brewing as soon as they get it, to get the maximum impact of the freshness, taste and health benefits.  Great Coffee is like baking cookies, they have a shelf life of several months, but they taste best right after they leave the oven.

Overview
Great Cause, Environmentally Responsible, Healthy for You and Great Taste.  All of these factors help make Coffee from Steeped Tea the Worlds Best Coffee!