Some Sayings About China Green Tea

I’ve never been much of a CHINA GREEN TEA drinker. To me, the flavor is reminiscent of twigs soaked in warm dishwater. I don’t mean to disparage the tea enthusiasts who “ooh” over their oolong and cherish every drop of their chai. Quite the opposite, in fact. I’m as green as Japanese sencha every time another study emerges, steeped with praise about the health benefits of the beverage I’m not drinking.

This month my envy was particularly strong, when The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition featured not one, but 11 new studies highlighting the many ways in which tea can supposedly improve our well-being. The research was originally presented at an entire symposium devoted to Tea and Human Health, held in Washington, DC.

A few of the highlights:

Tea drinking appears to lower the risk for heart disease and stroke.
Natural compounds called polyphenols in green tea might protect against several cancers, including those of the prostate, GI tract, lungs, breast, and skin.
Caffeine and antioxidants called catechins found in green, oolong, and white teas may increase metabolism and promote weight loss.
Tea polyphenols are thought to strengthen bones and protect against fractures.
People who drink tea could see improvements in mood, concentration, and performance.