Your Healthy Beverages Choice – Tea

After water, tea is the next common beverage choice throughout the world.  All type of non-herbal tea comes from Camellia sinensis plant. The type of tea depends on the processing method and degree of oxidation that give the different color and taste.

 

What about rooibos tea?

It is not a tea, but an herbal brew made from South Africa plant.

Tea contains flavonoid that acts as antioxidant to protect the body cell from damage by free radicals.  With adequate consumption of tea (4 – 6 cups a day), flavonoid in black and green tea may protect against heart disease and stroke. In addition, tea may help to fight cavities by reducing plaque formation; yet, you still need to brush and floss. Some studies suggest that it may reduce risk of certain cancers too.

Can tea reduce weight?

There are evidences to support that tea aids in weight loss but majority of the studies used tea extract instead of brewed tea. Thus, the effect of brewed tea consumed in normal amount is not promised. However, a study that used oolong tea among the elderly obese people concluded that tea could improve fat metabolism and thereafter reduce body fat and weight.

Healthier ways to enjoy tea:

• Steep for at least 3 minutes to bring out the most flavonoids.
• Enjoy it without added sugar or honey.
• Add slice of lemon/lime, fresh ginger, or fresh mint leaves. Vitamin C in lime can counteract some action of the flavonoids that inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron.
• Be aware of bottled teas. Many canned ice tea drinks are high in added sugar and calories, as much as in regular soft drinks. Read the label before buying.

Guest Columnist
Lai Huey Qin
Dietitian
B. Sc Dietetics, UPM