The leaves of Camellia sinensis are the source of both green and black teas (such as 5 Roses). Green tea leaves are steamed and dried or just dried, and black tea is dried and then oxidised by roasting. Only the youngest 2 leaves and a bud are used for green tea and slightly older leaves can be used for black tea. The bushes grow best in warm areas with good rainfall but can be grown in greenhouses or pots that can be moved to sheltered areas in places with very cold winters. Green tea has more polyphenols and is rich in antioxidant properties, while black tea contains more caffeine. Research has been conducted confirming an important role in fighting cancer, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, hair loss, arthritis, bacterial and viral infections, and neurodegenerative conditions. Green tea has been successfully used to treat diarrhoea and typhoid since ancient times. It also inhibits the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is a common cause of stomach ulcers and gastritis. Studies indicate that tea may protect against Parkinson’s, Alzheimer's, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Caffeine has also been proven to improve aspects of brain function. Tea has also been associated with increasing bone mineral density. It strengthens the immune system by protecting against oxidants and radicals, and has antiinflammatory properties. Animal and test tube studies suggest that green tea compounds may reduce cancer risk, particularly breast, prostate, colorectal, bladder, ovarian, oesophageal, lung, skin, and stomach cancers. An American Heart Association study also concluded that green tea may reduce stroke risk. Data from human studies shows that consuming green tea and its extracts may help reduce body weight and body fat and increase metabolic rate, and because of this, many fat-burning products contain green tea extracts. Several studies suggest that green tea has a positive impact on skin diseases. Green tea polyphenol (GTP) can block the damaging effects of UV, reducing sunburn and skin cancer risk. GTP provides protection when applied to the skin and could have an increased future role in cosmetics and sunscreen. In type 2 diabetes, evidence suggests that tea improves insulin sensitivity and can reduce blood sugar levels. Seven studies with a total of 286 701 participants revealed an 18% reduction in diabetes risk. Due to the caffeine content, consuming too much tea might harm the liver. Most teas contains five sixth’s the amount of caffeine that coffee has. Most people benefit from good quality teas, but like all things, moderation is key. In fact, certain people actually need to stay away from caffeine, in any form, even in tea. If you have high blood pressure, anxiety, thyroid problems or suffer from restless sleep, you should steer clear form all caffeinated beverages. Although considered to prevent cardiovascular problems, patients with heart problems should not take high amounts. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit their daily intake to 2 cups. Aluminium from the soil is present in tea leaves, but this does not seem to have a negative health impact, either because the concentration is low or because other chemicals in tea such as Ltheanine protect us from the adverse effects of aluminium.
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