Tea History
Is tea from india?
Another legend in tea history places the discovery of tea in India in the 6th century AD. Bodhidharma was a Buddhist monk who believed that extended periods of sleeplessness were necessary for meditation. He chewed tea leaves to keep himself awake and brought the practice with him when he traveled to China. Did Bodhidharma bring tea to China? We can chalk that story up to fanciful mythology since tea history refers to Chinese writings as early as 500 BC. There is some confusion about these early texts, however, because the Chinese character for tea (cha) was not developed until the third century AD. Previous to that, the character ¡°tu¡± was used, not only for tea, but for infusions from several different plants, much as we use the term ¡°herbal tea¡± or ¡°tisane¡± today. The first records of tea history indicate its value as a medicinal plant, and although this aspect of tea remains important to the present day, it wasn¡¯t until the Tang Dynasty (618 - 906 AD) that tea was established as refreshment rather than a medicine. It was during the Tang Dynasty that Lu Yu wrote his famous work ¡°Cha Ching¡± or ¡°Classic of Tea.¡± This is the first book entirely about tea and covered tea history, tea cultivation, tea brewing, and drinking of tea.
Tea Comes to Japan
Lu Yu wrote the Cha Ching in the late eight century, and shortly afterwards Japanese monks studying in China returned to their homeland with tea plants as well as the tea culture that was expounded in Lu Yu¡¯s famous book. The tea brewing methods described by Lu Yu became the basis of the Japanese tea ceremony.
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Tea benefits
Black tea
- Black Tea Saves arteries. Drinking black tea helps prevent deadly clogging of arteries and reverses poor arterial functioning that can trigger heart attacks and strokes.
- Black Tea Inhibits cancer growth. Tea has long been tied to a lower risk of stomach, colon and breast cancer, although the connection is not proven. Now lab studies find that black tea chemicals actually may stop cancer growth.
- Black Tea Wipes out viruses. Previous tests prove black tea can neutralize germs, including some that cause diarrhea, pneumonia, cystitis and skin infections.
Ooling Tea
- Oolong Tea may help reduce cholesterolbuild-up in the bloodstream.
- Oolong Tea may help burn fat and thus, may contribute to slimming.
- Oolong Tea can help prevent heart ailments.
- Oolong Tea can be used for treatment of digestive disorders.
- Oolong Tea can promote longevity by stimulating bodily functions and strengthening the immune system.
- Oolong Tea may promote healthier and stronger bones, protecting people from such diseases as osteoporosis.
- Oolong Tea can also fight against tooth decay
Green Ttea
Green Tea Lowers the Risk of Cancer.
- Many studies have shown that people who drink green tea have significantly lower risk of cancer. Green Teapolyphenols are potent antioxidants, especially in the brain. Some studies show that the polyphenols most prevalent in green tea, the catechins, are far more potent in suppressing free radicals than vitamins C or E.
- The ability of green tea to prevent cancer is so well established that new studies are testing green tea as a potential cancer therapy. Green tea may be especially protective against lung cancer in former and current cigarette smokers.
- Green tea has been shown to counteract both the initiation and promotion of carcinogenesis. Some studies have shown that green tea blocks the formation of certain tumors. If green tea's only benefit were to reduce the risk of cancer, it would be well worth taking as a beverage or supplement.
Green Tea Lowers Cholesterol and Thus, The Risk of Stroke and Heart Diseases.
- Green Tea has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels. The potent antioxidant effects of green tea inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the arteries. It plays a major contributory role in the formation of atherosclerosis.
Green Tea Lowers Blood Pressure.
- Green Tea blocks the effects of angiotension-converting enzyme (ACE), an enzyme secreted by the kidneys, which is a significant cause of hypertension. By blocking the effects of ACE, blood pressure is reduced significantly, and with it, the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Published studies have shown lowered blood pressure in animals and humans that are given green tea extracts. If you will be using green tea to treat hypertension, do so only under the supervision of a competent medical professional. Regular testing of your blood pressure is mandatory.
Green Tea Prevents Tooth Decay.
- The formation of dental plaque, bacterial colonies that form on tooth surfaces causing tooth decay, has been shown to be inhibited by catechins. Tea has been shown to inhibit Streptococcus mutans, a major bacteria involved with decay. A reduction of the bacterial cell membrane fluidity, induced by the catechins, results in the antiplaque activity. Tea also has been shown to have a positive effect in fighting gum disease.
Green Tea Inhibits Viruses.
- Green tea has been known to lower blood sugar levels. It can also kill certain bacterias and is effective against staph. Green tea inhibits several viruses including viral hepatitis. Green tea, via catechins and theaflavins and its gallates, have shown antibacterial properties.
PU erh Tea
- Pu erh tea is known to help lower blood cholesterol levels.
- Pu erh tea may help boost the flow of blood and help enhance circulation.
- Pu erh tea may help inhibit the formation and growth of cancer cells.
- Pu erh tea aids in the proper digestion of food.
- Pu erh tea may help invigorate the spleen.
- Pu erh tea is known to help break down and thus reduce fat in the system.
- Pu erh tea may help remove toxins.
- Pu erh tea may help heal aches and pains.
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