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Author: Andrea Mendez There
are several legends about the origins of tea. The Japanese and Hindus say it was
brought by a Buddhist monk called Bodhidharma. But the most widely accepted legend
is the one that says that tea was discovered in China by Emperor Shen Nung. Legend
has it that one day the emperor was resting under a tree. Previously, Shen Nung
had imposed rules of hygiene that included boiling water before drinking. That
day the emperor was waiting for his water to cool when some leaves from the tree
fell in it. Immediately, the water changed color. When Shen Nung drank the water,
he was surprised of the delicious flavor. Well, this tree was the now famous "tea
tree." Although
we do not know the exact origin of tea, the fact is that it has been propagated
throughout the world. Today there are different varieties of tea. Black
tea: This tea is the most popular variety in the West and in the world with
78% of the population drinking black tea. Its flavor is strong, its effect is
exhilarating and astringent. Green
tea: This variety is unfermented tea. It is made by leaving the leaves to
dry. In the meantime the leaves are kept in the heat so that they do not decompose
or lose their natural oils and antioxidants. Green tea is considered a preventive
of cancer and heart and liver disease. Red
Tea: Also known as Pu-erh. It is not known for sure how this tea is made.
Only the Chinese know this secret but it is believed that this is green tea that
is subjected to many years of aging. It is a good detoxifyer of the body. It helps
lose weight, control cholesterol, and strengthen the immune system. Oolong:
This is a semi-fermented tea. Its flavor is similar to that of black tea. It is
a regulator of the circulatory system, reduces cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
White
tea: This is the most delicious and healthy tea. But also the most expensive.
It is obtained from the tender shoots that arise after the winter. This is the
tea that contains less caffeine and the more powerful antioxidant that is known. 
Components
of tea: Polyphenols:
These have antioxidant properties. The main polyphenols are the flavonoids and
tannins which are responsible for the bitter taste and astringent properties.
It is because of the polyphenols that tea is good to prevent and reduce heart
disease and cancer, and for delaying the aging process. Caffeine:
The caffeine in tea is different from the one in coffee since it is absorbed more
slowly because of the polyphenols. So the heart does not accelerate and the stimulatory
effects are more lasting. Mineral
salts: Tea contains potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, calcium
and sulfur. Fluoride:
For its fluoride content, tea is effective in preventing tooth decay and gum care.
Vitamins
A, B, C in fermented teas, and Vitamin E in India and Ceylon teas. Other ingredients:
amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, organic acids, enzymes, proteins, fiber, and
essential oil. Benefits
of tea: *Stimulates
blood circulation *Anti-bacterial
*Improves
dental health *Improves
attention and concentration *Helps
the immune system *Prevents
gastrointestinal infections *Improves
digestion *Prevents
heart disease *Stimulates
blood circulation *Prevents
some types of cancers *Helps
the body to eliminate toxins and prevents the absorption of fat *Diuretic *Reduces
the formation of blood clots *Helps
lose weight *Relieves
diarrhea *Relieves
migraines *It
is a bronchodilator Some
disadvantages: It
is also important to discuss some disadvantages that tea has. *It
prevents the absorption of vitamin B1. A deficiency of this vitamin brings nervous
problems. *The
caffeine it contains can cause insomnia or interfere with some medications. *It
is not recommended that pregnant women drink tea during the first trimester of
pregnancy. *It
may cause constipation. The
use of tea in home remedies: *To
calm sore nipples when the mother is breastfeeding. Make an infusion of black
tea leaves and put the leaves on your nipples after breastfeeding the baby. *To
renew parquet flooring. In a liter of water, empty and boil 2 previously used
tea bags. Cool and strain. Add 4 liters of water and use this solution to mop
the floor. Let it dry for two hours, apply wax, and after two more hours polish
with a wool rag. *To
care for the plants. Add used tea leaves to the water with which you will irrigate
plants. This is a very nourishing and moisturizing bath for your plants. *When
you have a tooth extracted, apply a tea bag in the affected area to relieve pain
and inflammation. This
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