Teas and herbal infusions

Is tea an herbal infusion?

No. Tea as we commonly know it, derivates singly from a tea plant. Yet, many times tea is confused with herbal infusions and tisanes.
These last ones are slightly different from the actual tea, deriving mainly from herbs, roots, flowers, bark and seeds.

How many Teas exist worldwide?

There are several different types of teas worldwide, and the most common are: the Black, Green, White and Oolong tea.

Interesting enough, Chinese tea is normally divided between Green and Black tea or Bohea. And independently from its coloration, all tea comes from the leaves of the same tree or bush, the "Camellia Sinensis".

However, white tea is considered the rarest type of all teas, having a very limited production worldwide. All other teas, differ from each other only in terms of their processing for consumption e.g. unfermented (White tea), dried leaves (Black, Oolong and Green tea).

Why are Teas and Herbal infusions so beneficial for our health?

According to several scientific studies, tea is very rich in antioxidants. These are very important for our body, defending and preventing cell damage, aging by the so-called free radicals. Teas and infusions can also help reduce cancer and heart disease risks.
Many researchers still believe, that tea and infusions contain chemical substances called alkylamine antigens, that are able to fight tumour cells, fungi, bacteria and even parasites.

And according to recent studies, both conducted in Norway and Israel, tea has the capacity to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and strengthen the enamel of teeth (due to its high levels of fluoride).
Besides, tea helps reducing normal teeth problems, caries and plaque formation. Tea is also important in preventing the body from dehydrating.
After water, tea is considered the best drink to consume, and the second most consumed drink worldwide.

Both tea and herbal infusions, are very rich in minerals, phyto-nutrients and vitamins, helping to protect the body organs e.g. lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach, colon etc. Additionally, they can promote a strong immune system, able to fight practically any infection.
Finally, researchers also say, that specially Green, Black and White tea are some of the best drinks to protect our body from disease.

Why are Teas and Herbal infusions so popular?

Simply because Teas and herbal infusions are:

Delicious and exist in many different flavours;
They can be drank in the winter, warm or as ice tea in the summer;
They are calorie, fat and sugar free;
They help treating many body ailments (e.g. flu, colds, respiratory, digestive problems etc);
They are healthier than other drinks e.g. coffee, juices;
They bring healthy nutrients to the body and restore its liquids, specially when people hardly drink water;
They help to sleep better and are healthy for pregnant women;
They are safe to drink and easy to prepare;
They are affordable and easy to buy;
They can be bough all over the world;
etc

Categorising herbal infusions

Herbal infusions are often split by categories:

Single-herb infusions (made from a single herb);
Herb blends (mixes of herbs with possible flavouring);
Crossover blends (mixes of teas with herbal infusions and herbs);
Flavoured (infusions with flower or fruits flavours);
Functional mixes or blends for health purposes (fortified with vitamins, minerals and calcium).

Why are Teas and Herbal infusions a booming business?

This business is booming and consumption increasing, mainly because teas and herbal infusions can be easily purchased all over the world.
And in 1994, only Americans drank about 2.25 billion gallons of tea (iced, hot, flavoured, spiced, with lemon, honey, sugar etc).

Interesting enough, the U.S.A. tea and herbal infusion market is growing at a fast pace, with sales expected to reach 550 million USD in 2006.

Another trend in the American and European markets, is that coffee drinkers are slowly shifting from coffee to tea and herbal infusions. Fruit teas and infusions, are gradually gaining ground, specially close to younger generations.

Another reason why this trade is viewed as a booming business, is because tea beverages are now perceived as a very healthy drink, and a good substitute to coffee. Besides, caffeine has became an increasing concern for many people in America and Europe.

Interesting enough, some Teas also contain theophylline, theobromine and caffeine, but in very low percentages (about 40 milligrams). This is less than half of what normal coffee contains. Yet, some types of tea may have higher percentages of caffeine, depending on the blend and mixes.

Likewise, coffee is proven to be a body inhibit in what relates to the absorption of water, iron, calcium and vitamins, lowering the body resistance to illness. Besides, caffeine is also known by its addictive and diuretic effect in the body (it increases blood pressure, promoting acid secretions, affecting breathing and heart rhythm).

Meanwhile, recent scientific studies point out, that tea and herbal infusions may be beneficial to combat diseases like atherosclerosis, cancers and heart problems (due to its levels of polyphenols).

Is it safe to drink teas and herbal infusions?

Yes. Teas and herbal infusions are perceived by most consumers as being safe to drink, healthy and a great substitute to other less healthy drinks.
Presently, many studies are being conducted by the scientific community to their unique therapeutic properties and importance to our wellbeing.
Finally, Teas are largely accepted by all societies, groups, religions, races and nationalities.

NB:
Despite their flavour and diversity, teas and herbal infusions cannot replace water. And like any other drinks, if not taken with moderation may cause health problems such as:
Discoloration of the teeth (specially Asian tea)
Diabetes (drinking tea with too much sugar or honey is not beneficial to the health)
Nervous tension (tea has low levels of caffeine, but nervous people should avoid it);
etc

Ready-to-drink teas

Currently, there are many new varieties of ready-to-drink teas, that can be very damaging for people's health.
Although a fast growing business, these teas contain high levels of sugar and chemicals, that can cause more harm than good to our health.
Finally, these teas do not replace in any way natural teas, freshly boiled and directly harvested from nature.

The hidden dangers of canned teas

Canned teas are getting increasingly popular, specially among young American and European. Hot summers, changing tastes, appealing TV spots and smart marketing campaigns, are causing people to drink less water and more sodas and canned drinks.

Interesting enough, many dentists are reporting that canned teas in particular, are more harmful for ones health than canned juices, registering in many tests higher levels of acidity and sugar.

Additionally, they are reported to be exceedingly sweet and artificial-coloured processed drinks. Reason why, its important to leave here a word of warning regarding the consumption of canned teas.
On the long run, their consumption may pose a risk to peoples health e.g. to the teeth enamel, for pregnant women, leading to diabetes and obesity.

Although some people think that canned teas are not harmful, or a healthy alternative to coffee and other drinks, their health benefits are very reduced or practically inexistent. Thus, parents need to get more aware about these risks, preventing their children from exceedingly consuming these artificial beverages.