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By Wong Mei Ling
Green tea
One of the purest grades of tea because it does not go through the process of fermentation. It is very high in antioxidants that boost the immune system, improve metabolism and may help to reduce the risk of lung, colon and skin cancer.
A joint United States-China study on the health effects of green tea done in China published in the International Journal Of Cancer, 2001, found that people who drank one to three cups of green tea daily had a 30 per cent lower rate of stomach cancer, whilst those who drank more than three cups had a 61 per cent lower rate of the disease.
Drinking green tea can also help prevent arthritis. According to the Journal Of Chinese Medicine, researchers at the University of Sheffield in Britain found that naturally occurring compounds in green tea can help prevent osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis caused by the breakdown of cartilage. It blocks the enzyme that destroys the cartilage.
In addition, green tea is said to help regulate blood sugar levels and prevents cavities and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).
White Tea
The least fermented grade of tea which is why it is very high in antioxidants.
It is said to have 10 times the antioxidant power of vitamin E and contain high concentrations of polyphenols and catechins.
This helps fight the ravages of ageing caused by free radicals in the body, reduces the risk of lung, colon and skin cancer, and strengthens the immune system.
The Journal Of Chinese Medicine also said that research carried out at the Linus Pauling Institute in Oregon in the United States showed that white tea is able to prevent mutations of DNA two to five times more efficiently than green or black tea, thus giving it greater potential in preventing cancer.
Yellow tea
Similar to green tea but it is left to ferment till it is a yellowish colour.
Little research has been done on the health benefits of yellow tea, but according to Tea Chapter's tea trainers (specialists who conduct courses on tea appreciation), it helps reduce heat in the body, which is why it is recommended as a summer tea. It is also said to contain bacteria-killing fluoride, which prevents tooth decay.
Websites on the health benefits of tea like the Yellow Tea Guide also claim that the antioxidants in yellow tea prevent and ease cardiovascular diseases, promote longevity and improve mental agility.
Oolong tea
Renowned as the 'diet tea', oolong is semi-fermented and famous for its weight loss properties.
Health reports by Chinese pharmacologists on the website, www.oolongtea.org, said that polyphenols in tea activate the enzyme that is responsible for dissolving fats in the body, which results in weight loss.
Tea Chapter's tea trainers also said that the tea lowers the intake of fat from high-cholesterol meals and increases metabolism rates, while the tannic acid in oolong helps to lower cholesterol levels.
Red and black tea
These two types of tea are fully fermented tea leaves which contributes to their darker shade and stronger flavour.
According to the Journal Of Chinese Medicine, a study of 3,430 adults in Saudi Arabia published in 2002 found that those who drank more than six cups of black tea (also known as pu er tea) a day had a more than 50per cent lower risk of coronary heart disease compared to those who do not drink tea, even after considering other factors such as smoking, diet and obesity.
Red and black tea are also said to lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease and strokes, which is why tea specialists recommend them to people above the age of 40.
'However, too much will lead to stomach aches,' said Mr Kelvin Wo, spokesman for Tea Chapter.
Floral and fruit tea
They are considered modern fusions of Chinese tea and are not part of the six main grades of Chinese tea. These are a combination of tea and dried flowers or preserved fruits.
Floral tea is said to be good for the eyes and skin and helps you feel relaxed.
'Chrysanthemum tea clears your mind and gives better eyesight,' said Mr Chin Chew Seng, a traditional Chinese medicine physician.
Fruit tea, rich in vitamin C, is good for digestion and the complexion, sharpens eyesight and clears the tastebuds, said Mr Wo.
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