The beneficial effects of tea
Fine teas combine palatable pleasure with a variety of beneficial aspects. Buds and leaf shoots are necessary for the finest quality tea and contain most of the active elements which determine these effects.

Caffeine / Teine
All the tea families (Green, Oolong, Black and P’uh-erh) contain teine (caffeine). However, its effect on the human body is different from that of caffeine found in coffee. The caffeine present in coffee takes rapid effect upon the body, stimulating the heart and circulatory system. The caffeine (teine) present in tea (non-fermented, Green Tea in particular) is bound to phenolic compounds, resulting in a steadier release, stimulating the brain and central nervous system. It is therefore best to differentiate the effects of caffeine following the sort of beverage consumed.

The calming effect of tea
The quantity of teine can depend upon the type of tea being used. For example, Green Tea contains less teine than Black Tea. The method of preparation may also make a difference. With quality whole-leaf tea, teine can be reduced by throwing away the water of the first infusion after 45 seconds and reinfusing normally afterwards. This method allows a reduction of the teine without too much loss of flavour. Polyphenols are dissolved more slowly. Their beneficial and calming effects are also preserved.

Cholesterol
Tea is both curative and preventative against atherosclerosis. All kinds of tea help reduce the « harmful » cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) and raise the « healthful » (high density lipoprotein).

Fermentation / Oxidization
Fermentation involves the chemical transformation of polyphenols and certain other substances. There are therefore several healthful effects attributable to Green tea.

Iron
Tea restrains the absorption of iron. It should therefore generally be avoided by those having iron deficiency. For such people however, tea can still be enjoyed outside mealtimes.

Complimentary effects of Green Tea
Merited with an abundance of virtuous qualities, Green tea contains vitamins C, A, B and P as well as oligo-elements and polyphenols. It helps to raise levels of concentration and physical capacity, improves circulation and protects teeth (due to the presence of fluoride). Other properties include its effects as an anti-inflammatory, as a digestive, an anti-depressant and even as an aid to the regeneration of skin. Several recent studies have suggested that Green tea may help prevent certain cancers (particularly cancers of the stomach and colon and perhaps also the lungs). Scientists have studied the principal active compound of Green tea, GEGC (Gallate Epigallocatecol). GEGC has been found to be more effective than vitamin E against free radicals, the toxic molecules which occur in cellular aging. Such acclaimed benefits are confirmed by populations of regular Green tea drinkers.

Complimentary effects of P’uh-her Tea
P’uh-ehr is a tea which has been well- known and appreciated by the Chinese for centuries. It helps to provide relief against indigestion and diarrhoea. It soothes a sore throat and aids recovery from flu-like symptoms. It is known also to be effective against headaches.