The difference between green, black, and oolong tea is in the processing. Green tea is made from unfermented leaves and contains the highest concentration of polyphenols, such as cathecin. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants. They neutralize free radicals in the body that contribute to the aging process, as well as the development of cancer and heart disease.

Now, a study has looked at the process of brewing green tea to get the best antioxidant effect.

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Researchers from Tufts University in Boston reported during the American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions in New Orleans that drinking 3 cups of hibiscus tea daily for 6 weeks lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP) by about 7 mmHg in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive subjects. (more…)

The World Health Organization has predicted a 39% rise in the worldwide prevalence of diabetes by 2030. And an article in The Lancet indicates this might be an underestimation.

Since November is Diabetes Month, here’s a round-up of CAM options for people with diabetes from 2006 through March 2007.
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 Green tea is made from the dried leaves of Camellia sinensis.

Here’s what we know about its use to prevent cancer. (more…)

 Drinking more might lower the risk of liver disease, according to researcher from Zhejiang University in China.

But what about all that caffeine? (more…)

 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking legal action against companies making deceptive claims that their products cure or treat cancer while offering either no proof, or quoting false clinical evidence.

The products affected include essiac teas and other herbal mixtures, laetrile, black salve (a corrosive ointment), and mushroom extracts.

Here’s a list of the companies and their bogus products. (more…)

There appear to be beneficial effects on the skeleton. (more…)

Both beverages have antioxidant properties, and coffee may improve insulin sensitivity.

OK, but is there an association between coffee and tea consumption with the risk of stroke? (more…)

A couple of PharmDs from Ohio have published a review of 16 weight loss supplements (and 1 drug) used to help shed excess girth.

I’ll give just the bottom line on each supplement here. (more…)

The UC Berkeley Wellness Letter tells us, “There’s some evidence that tea drinking is associated with a reduced risk of heart attack. But it’s too soon to recommend tea as a way to prevent heart attacks.”

OK, but researchers from the UK have identified 2 possible protective mechanisms. The results are interesting because they go beyond simply stating that tea has “antioxidant” effects. (more…)