Health benefits of Ceylon Tea

fresh tea leaves at halpe tea

Pure Ceylon tea hailing from within the abundant soil of tropical Sri Lanka is famed for its rich aroma and taste, but little may be known of its health benefits. The tea grown in Sri Lanka formerly known as Ceylon come black, green and white varieties, similar to the tea produced elsewhere, but carries subtle differences in taste in comparison. Ceylon black tea is the most widely produced and is uniquely characterized by its citrus overtones. Ceylon green tea however is stronger in flavor than green teas produced world over and is best suited for the ones with an acquired taste for such strong leafy flavor. Ceylon white tea is cherished world over and carries sweet overtones of honey.

Not only are Ceylon teas preferred in the world for superior quality and flavor but they also carry bountiful health benefits as well. In the mid-nineties, Ceylon tea was rated by the European Tea Technical Committee as the cleanest of the teas due to its lack of pesticide residues. Over time, exciting implications have been surfacing from scientific research surrounding the health-related benefits of tea. Tea has become a favorite subject of research for scientists these days seemingly for a good reason.

The Health Benefits of Ceylon Black Tea

Ceylon black tea has slightly different qualities to green and white teas, as it is fermented (oxidized) in the preparation process. Black tea is found to be an excellent defense against cancer, as it contains theaflavins and thearubigins; powerful antioxidants that help to fight harmful free radicals which damage human DNA causing cancer. These antioxidants are also known to lower the risks of heart disease and reduce the size of tumors.

Ceylon black tea has been found to be able to keep viruses and bacteria at bay. Drinking black tea could reduce one’s chance of catching influenza, as well as boost the immune system. It is said to have an effect on the stress hormones in the body, aiding faster recovery from stressful situations. Hence, curling up to the warmth of a good cup of black tea may probably be the best way to retract after a hard day at work. Ceylon black tea may also increase alpha-wave activity in the brain, allowing the brain to be more alert. So if you foresee long nights of studying ahead, you might want to give the coffee a break and switch to Ceylon black tea for enhanced brain power and attentiveness you’d require.

The Health Benefits of Ceylon Green / White tea

Green and white teas are very similar in composition, although white tea is known to have stronger anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities. Green and white Ceylon teas have shown signs of accelerating weight loss through speeding up the metabolism slightly and aiding in fat burning. Scientists from the department of Research and Development, Special Skincare, in Hamburg, Germany, described white tea as “an ideal natural source to induce anti-obesity effects,” based on the results of a 2009 study they conducted. They have also found that extracts of white tea had a stimulating effect on lipolysis-activity, contributing to processing fat instead of storing it in the body.

White and Green teas also are believed to carry anti-inflammatory qualities that can help reduce the risk of developing arthritis. Green and white teas have many of the same benefits as black tea otherwise, but contain different antioxidants that are no less effective at fighting cancer causing agents.

Ceylon white teas have also been revealed to be beneficial in fighting signs of aging, such as sagging skin and wrinkles, by slowing the loss of collagen. White tea surpasses green tea in its antibacterial and antiviral qualities, according to an article in the May 28, 2004 edition of “Science Daily.” Furthermore, studies of white tea have showed dramatic results in its ability to completely destroy penicillium spores and saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells.

Tea might also be useful in dental hygiene as it can help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth, leading to fewer cavities and controlling bad breath. Drinking tea is said to reduce the chances of dementia as well as lowering the rate of depression in those who drink it frequently.

Tea contains caffeine which has both good and bad qualities. It can help with mental alertness and with athletic performance, but can also contribute to insomnia, as well as lead to mild addiction and withdrawal symptoms. However, claims of caffeine found in tea and coffee causing dehydration have been exaggerated, according to public health nutritionist Dr. Carrie Ruxton of Kings College London, in Great Britain. A study, cited in a November 2006 article in Britain’s ‘The Times’, conducted during a climbing expedition on Mt.Everest has shown contradictory results; where the climbers who drank tea received the same fluid benefits as those drinking a placebo.

Generally, tea has few drawbacks and many health benefits. Ceylon tea is of particularly high quality and so is more pleasant to drink frequently, allowing you to reap the health benefits of tea every day.