Benefits of Drinking Tea

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Note: this page only deals with the effects of tea which is made from the plant Camellia sinensis (i.e. black tea, oolong tea, green tea and white tea). This page does not deal with the effects of other teas.

The health benefits of tea have been touted for infusions made from the plant Camellia sinensis for over 4700 years; ever since its discovery was attributed to the legendary emperor, Shennong. The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing claimed its taste and stimulative properties were useful for treating tumors, abscesses, bladder ailments, lethargy, among other conditions. The possible beneficial health effects of tea consumption have been suggested and supported by some studies, but others have found no beneficial effects. The studies contrast other claims, including antinutritional effects such as preventing absorption of iron and protein, usually attributed to tannin. The vast majority of studies have been of Green tea, however some studies have been made of the other types of tea derived from Camellia sinensis such as White tea, Oolong tea, and Black tea. Green tea has been claimed to be helpful for atherosclerosis, LDL cholesterol, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, liver disease, weight loss, cognitive impairment, and even halitosis.