My Life With Tea
Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 3:49PM
I have written about the health benefits of green tea for more than 30 years, and it is possible that in some small way I have helped this wonderful beverage become popular in the United States. I hope so, because today, thousands of scientific studies confirm what the ancient Chinese knew through simple observation - green tea is perhaps the most healthful beverage human beings can consume. Studies either strongly suggest or confirm that the antioxidants in green tea can reduce LDL cholesterol, promote fat burning, reduce the risk of several forms of cancer, and alleviate depression.
But tea is much more than the healthful compounds in it. It is an experience, and for me, a personal story of discovery that continues to this day.
Here is the whole story from my site, DrWeil.com in two parts: Part One and Part Two.
Reader Comments (5)
Well green tea has many health and disease-prevention benefits. Green tea contains compounds known as flavonoids which are also found in broccoli, grapes, and red wine, and which are known cancer fighters.The information you have given here is very helpful for all.I will share this information with others also.
Dr. Weil is responsible for the addition of green tea to our family's diet. My husband takes a thermos of organic green tea to the office everyday! (Tip: Be sure to remove the leaves after steeping or the tea will turn bitter.) Tea is also a source of minerals, such as manganes, in addition to all of the other benefits--known and unknown.
Dr. Weil,
I would like to thank you for introducing matcha to me. I begin most mornings with a bowl of this tonic, which I have come to appreciate both for its health benefits and for its taste. I have also delved into other Japanese greens which you have mentioned in the past, and have found each to be an enjoyable addition to my diet. I attribute green tea, along with your recommendations for an anti-imflammatory diet and stress reduction, to have made a positive difference in my overall health. Thanks for all you do to educate and encourage healthy life choices!
Dear David: On behalf of Dr. Weil thank you so much!
We are delighted to hear his work and suggestions have helped you!
My story of life with tea: After my dad retired as a teacher, he started having afternoon tea. That was fifteen years ago after he had worked devotedly for 36 years. It turned into a family ritual. He would ask us all if we would like to have a cup of tea, usually between 3 and 4 pm. Even though we live in the hot tropics, we'd all be compelled to say yes. He would boil the kettle, set up the four tea cups, (white ceramic, slender with a cute orange and grey floral square) ensuring that he and my mom had their favorite cup and not caring too much about which cup he selected for my sister and myself. He would select the tea bag - usually Lipton Green Tea and Mint or Lipton Green Tea with Orange Blossoms, Passion Fruit and Jasmine. With one bag, he would make four cups of tea, no sugar added. It's not that we can't afford one bag per person - this was just how he did it. All four cups would end up in the patio or TV room with strict instructions from dad - "it's hot, be careful". No matter how hot and humid it was, we'd all enjoy the hot tea and especially the jasmine or mint aroma wafting from the cups. Now I'm 33 and when I go home to visit, it's still the same question from dad at 3pm...