http://articles.gourmetteasandgifts.com/rss.xml A blog about gourmetteasandgifts.com daily 365 1901-01-01T00:00+00:00 http://articles.gourmetteasandgifts.com/?a=35746 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>In 1827 &quot;theine&quot; was discovered. It had close to the same effects as caffeine in coffee and we actually know it as black tea caffeine. As time went on it was discovered that it was actually tantamount to caffeine and so the term has been dropped. <br /><br />By drinking black tea caffeine a person can receive relief from fatigue. It has been shown to be a stimulant, to increase speed in reaction time, increase alertness, and to improve concentration.<br /><br />There are also some physical effects. It stimulates the digestive juices, the kidneys, and the metabolism. This means it could help the body eliminate toxins. It also helps the person have an increase in mental alertness, shortens reaction time, and it improves how efficient our reaction time is. Our muscle action is improved, the heart and respiratory system is stimulated, and more oxygen is brought through the body.<br /><br />A very new study indicates that caffeine can improve brain power performance, reduces the risk of heart disease and many other diseases. Since this is a new study it will need to be confirmed by others before others will jump on its band wagon but for now it looks promising for caffeine. There are still some known bad effects of caffeine if consumed in large quantities. It can lead to heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and insomnia.<br /><br />There is a difference in the caffeine found in black tea as in comparison to the caffeine found in coffee. That is because there is a lesser amount of caffeine found in black tea. There is about a half or a third as much in black tea as there is in the same amount of coffee. In this way then, you are a lot more unlikely to get too much caffeine when drinking black tea as in comparison to coffee.<br /><br />There is a confusing aspect in black tea though. When measured in its dry form coffee actually contains less caffeine than tea. When prepared though, coffee contains more caffeine.<br /><br />The reason for this is somehow related to the processing. It also has something to do with where the tea leaf is grown, the particle size that is used in the tea bag, the way that the tea leaf is cut, and the method and length of brewing or steeping.<br /><br />It has also been shown that the amount of caffeine per leaf has something to do with where the leaf is located on the plant. The lower the leaf is on the plant the more caffeine it contains. This is because the lower the leaf the more mature it is and the more phytochemicals and substances that naturally occur in the plant. <br /><br />Black tea has a higher caffeine level than other teas. It is believed to be caused by the way that it is processed. It undergoes full oxidation which does make it have a stronger taste than other teas as well.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as gourmet tea at <a href="http://www.gourmetteasandgifts.com/">http://www.gourmetteasandgifts.com</a></p> 2006-09-16T15:55-04:00 http://articles.gourmetteasandgifts.com/?a=35745 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>The Chinese have been known for drinking tea, at least in movies and in restaurants. This picture that we have been given is a true picture, they have done this because of its refreshing and soothing effects. Black tea is an Asian tea and it comes from the plant called Camellia Sinensis. The actual difference between teas though comes from how the leaves are processed, not from where they come from.<br /><br />Green tea, black tea, and oolong (black dragon tea) are the three teas that we get from the Chinese. Black tea has a more full taste and actually tastes better with age as in comparison to the other two. It undergoes full oxidation, which gives it its aromatic and rich taste. The leaves of the Camellia Sinensis are first dried and then fermented in order to make black tea. It is not only known for its captivating flavor but it is believed to have health promoting nutrients as well.<br /><br />The benefits of black tea is the result of flavonoids in tea. Originally scientists believed that the process of fermentation changed the flavonoid polyphenol would change the black tea into another form which might change its beneficial aspects but it really didn't change that aspect of it at all. <br /><br />The health benefits of black tea are:<br /><br />Antioxidants: These are also found in vegetables and fruit. Antioxidants have disease fighting abilities. There have been many studies investigating their benefits such as their ability to fight cancer and heart disease.<br /><br />Similarly to how oxygen can make iron rust, the oxygen in our blood can be somewhat destructive. These destructive substances in our blood are called free radicals and they are the reason why our body can have massive cellular damage when we age or undergo degenerative diseases like cancer or heart illness.<br /><br />Antioxidants from black tea and other sources will seek out these free radicals and destroy them. While doing this they help protect your body from aging and the effects of pollution. Antioxidants have been a big deal in the news lately in terms of their importance to our diet. They are included in vitamins as a supplement to the diet.<br /><br />Caffeine: While it may not contain as much caffeine as your morning cup of coffee it still does contain enough to give you that little push you may need in the morning to get you going. You won't have the same side effects that you could have with the cup of coffee though because you will not have the heart palpitations from too much caffeine. An eight ounce cup of coffee contains about one hundred thirty five milligrams of caffeine while black tea contains only about thirty to forty milligrams per cup.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as gourmet teas at <a href="http://www.gourmetteasandgifts.com/">http://www.gourmetteasandgifts.com</a></p> 2006-09-16T15:52-04:00