From the moment it was discovered in Asia, tea was considered to posses curative properties. Even the oldest historical writings speak of its beneficial influence on the human body, and it is a known fact that it was initially used in treating rheumatism.
The emperor Shen Nung, father of Chineese medicine and agriculture, in his work ’’Discussion of Planets’’ claims that tea:
-reduces fatigue
-strengthens will
-amuses the soul
-revives sight
Research of tea’s benefitial attributes have confirmed that tannins or polyphenols –phytochemicals found in tea, act as a powerful antioxidant, as well as posses other biochemical properties that play a key role in prevention of potential illnesses or their mitigation.
Tea also contains nutrients such as: catechins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, vitamins, zink, selenium, Magnan, beta-carotene, coffein, fluorine, that are beleived to enable it to act in a way of:
• Refreshing and invigorating the body, as it contains no solt, little protein and corbohydrates, vitamin C (particularly green tea), vitamins B1 and B2, and iron (Fe – rooibush tea in particular)
• Providing the body with minerals and neccessary, soft(boiled) water, that accesses the intercellular space quicker, and detoxifies the body more thoroughly
• ’Hunting’ free radicals, that is, protecting the body’s cells, as it contains polyphenoles, pigments and essential oils that reduce the harmful influence of peroxides
• Boosting the immune system against bacteria and viruses such as the ones that cause flue and herpes simplex as well as regulating the function of the thyroid gland and liver. According to some data, flavonoids found in tea have a 120% stronger effect on carcinogenic matter than vitamine C
• Preventing blood clotting, and are beleived to help in prevention of degenerative diseases of the brain, such as Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease(catehins in tea)
• Benefiting the cardio-vascular system of the body, by regulating holesterol and lowering blood pressure
• Reducing the level of glucose in the blood(teas that contain cinnamon)
• Participating in generation of collagen(polyphenols in tea), protecting the skin from harmful effects of UV radiation, enhancing blood circulation and regeneration of skin
• Positively effecting fertility(vitamin E)
• Increasing the elasticity of capillaries and blood vessels, reducing the symptoms of astma, and speeding up the metabolism(flavonoids, most common in green and oolong teas)
• Playnig a role in preventing tooth cavities(as it contains flourine), which is why it is recommended for children as well(specifically herbal tea, as it contains no coffeine, i.e. rooibush)