Encyclopedia of Tea

INGREDIENTS & NUTRITION

Q - What is L-theanine and is there a health benefit?
A - L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea plants, is responsible for the unique flavor of green tea. This compound is said to promote relaxation and modify the stimulating effects of the caffeine present in green tea. Some research has suggested that L-theanine has calming effects. In one study, young women were given either water, 50 mg of L-theanine or 200 mg of L-theanine once a week. Afterward, their brain waves were measured. Those who received the highest dose (200 mg) produced more alpha waves, an indication of increased relaxation, about 40 minutes after getting the L-theanine. Results of this study were published in the June 1999 issue of Trends in Food Science & Technology. However, more research will be needed to confirm the findings. Other studies, including animal studies, have suggested that L-theanine has an anticancer effect, may enhance learning in animals and lowers blood pressure in hypertensive rats. But none of these benefits has been demonstrated in humans, at least not yet. For the calming and relaxing benefits of L-theanine, I recommend drinking green tea in moderation rather than taking a supplement. If you find the tea too stimulating, look for a decaffeinated form. Source: www.drweil.com - published 03/11/2004

Q - What is Stevia?
A - Stevia is a small perennial shrub that belongs to the Chrysanthemum family of plants and is native to Paraguay. Stevia's inordinate ability to sweeten, offers a safe, all natural, alternative to artificial sweeteners. In its herb natural herb form Stevia is approximately 10 to 15 times sweeter than the common table sugar. The levels of the plant are rated 70 to 400 times sweeter than sugar. Because the human body does not metabolize the sweet glycosides (they pass right through normal elimination channels) from the leaf or any of its processed forms, it does not adversely affect blood glucose levels and the body obtains no calories. For people with blood sugar, blood pressure or weight problems, Stevia is the ideal sweetener. Stevia is a key ingredient in our Hibiscus Raspberry Frenzy Iced Tea.

Q - Which tea has more caffeine, green or black?
A - It really depends upon how you steep the tea. All teas are lower in caffeine than coffee or soft drinks. Green tea is widely thought to have less caffeine than black, though brewing methods certainly affect the amount of caffeine that ends up in the finished liquor.

Q - What is the flavor used to make Earl Grey tea?
A - It is Oil of Bergamot.- an essential oil that comes from the rind of a fruit called Citrus Bergamia. The tree is cultivated in southern Calabria (Italy), where the entire supply of bergamot oil is made.

Q - If you are allergic to a particular fruit, will you be sensitive to the fruit-flavored tea?
A - No. Allergies to fruits are actually allergies to fruit proteins. Our flavorings contain no fruit proteins.

Q - Does herbal tea have caffeine?
A - Herbal teas are not tea in the traditional sense, because they do not come from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Herbal teas, or tisanes, are made from herbs, flowers, spices, seeds, etc. Because they do not have any "real tea" in them they normally do not have the caffeine that comes from tea.

Q - How does the caffeine in tea differ from the caffeine in coffee?
A - It is the same caffeine, however, as tea has no component buffers (and coffee has several) the caffeine in teas enters and exits the bloodstream more quickly than that found in coffee. This makes tea a great stimulant for athletes.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF TEA

As scientific research continues to pour in, people are discovering why tea is among the healthiest beverages. From black to green, tea has been touted for its favorable results in overall health, lowering blood pressure, weight loss, dental hygiene and reducing the risk of stroke, certain cancers and heart disease. Perhaps one of the easiest moves towards better health may be to drink more tea year-round, and there's no time like the present to pour yourself a cup of this healthful beverage.

For more information on the many health benefits of drinking tea visit the following resources:
The Tea Association of the USA
The Tea Council of the United Kingdom
Dr. Weil

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