Truth about Tea
Tea – not so nanna
Not so long ago, you heard ‘tea’ and instantly thought doilies and lavender-scented hankies. Then the buzz began about some of tea’s health benefits. In particular, antioxidants. So nanna knew all along.
In tea, they’re called flavonoids, a large family of plant nutrients, also known as polyphenols. They’re different to the ones in fruit and veg, although similar ones can be found in apples, onions and cocoa.
Flavonoids have been linked to long-term health in some studies, but it’s still not clear how they may help with well-being. Although there have been many reports about the positive impact tea may have on our health, more research needs to be done before the scientific world will put a definite stamp on it.
The main flavonoids found in white and green tea are called catechins. During the fermentation process from green to black tea the catechins will be converted to another group of flavonoids called theaflavins and thearubigins.
Once again, moderation is the key, as most teas contain caffeine (Spring Valley Rosehip and Hibiscus Ice Tea doesn’t). Ice tea is a more diluted version and while it provides some of the polyphenols found in tea, it also provides added sugars.
Links Nutrition Australia: http://www.nutritionaustralia.org/Food_Facts/FAQ/tea_and_heart_disease_faq.asp
DAA: http://www.daa.asn.au/index.asp?PageID=2145834453
The Beverage Guidance Panel: http://www.beverageguidancepanel.org
Apple & Pomegranate
