20th August, 2008: Is Green Tea Heart Healthy?
A recent Time article poses the question ‘Does Green Tea Help the Heart?’ Something many new and long-time tea aficionados are interested in knowing in light of the flurry of recent health claims. Dr. Nikolaos Alexopoulos of the Athens Medical School in Greece and his team answer with a new study. “The study…was a randomized trial involving the diameter measurement (dilatation) of the brachial artery of healthy volunteers on three separate occasions - after taking green tea, caffeine, and hot water (for a placebo effect). The measurements were taken at 30, 90, and 120 minutes after consumption. Dilatation of the brachial artery as a result of increased blood flow (following a brief period of ischaemia of the upper limb) is related to endothelial function and is known to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk.
“Results showed that endothelium-dependent brachial artery dilatation increased significantly after drinking green tea, with a peak increase of 3.9 per cent 30 minutes after consumption. The effect of caffeine consumption (or hot water) was not significant.”
More simply, arteries were kept flexible and relaxed allowing better blood flow and providing protection against changes in blood pressure.
“The American Heart Association does not yet include the beverage in its dietary recommendations, however, more studies like this one” and other insights provided by experts, like the information previously presented in this Bigelow® post or this Bigelow® post with videos may change that. But why wait? Be proactive. Think tea, drink green.
Posted by Ruth at 6:00 am | Comments (2)
13th August, 2008: Raise a Cup or Seven to Green Tea, Health, and Hope
It is a certain thing that everyone knows about Jerry’s Kids. After all, Mr. Lewis has devoted himself to a lifetime of raising the public’s awareness of Muscular Dystrophy; offering information and support through the auspices of MDA, to the families who live with it in their midst each day.
The optimism and the research never stop. A recent study suggests that a high intake of green tea might protect against muscle cell death in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Researchers have found that an intake equivalent to seven cups of green tea per day decreased muscle wasting in one type of leg muscle in dystrophic laboratory mice.
There is an increase in oxidative damage when dystrophin is abnormal, and it has been suggested that the tea acts as an antioxidant and helps to combat oxidative stress. This result has not been tested in humans but green tea is generally safe for individuals with neuromuscular conditions to drink.
So, even though more research is required to back up these initial findings, you can raise a cup of green tea to hope and health.
Posted by Ruth at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
6th August, 2008: Green Tea Extracts Might Put Obstructive Sleep Apnea to Rest
Is obstructive sleep apnea a nightmare for you? If it is, you are not alone. This disorder affects more than 12 million people in the United States, but there is some suggestion that green tea extracts might allow sufferers to rest easier.
ScienceDaily reports— “Chemicals found in green tea may be able to stave off the cognitive deficits that occur with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a new study published in the second issue for May of the American Thoracic Society’s American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.” The study, conducted on 106 male Sprague-Dawley rats, suggests that Oral supplements of green tea–derived polyphenols reduces the neural susceptibility to intermittent hypoxia during sleep.
The researchers divided the rats into two groups that then underwent intermittent oxygen depletion during the 12-hour “night” cycle for 14 days. One group received drinking water treated with GTP; the other received plain drinking water. Afterwards, researchers tested the two groups for markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as for performance in spatial learning and memory tasks — namely a water “maze” in which the rats had to memorize the location of a hidden platform. The IH-rats that received the green tea-treated water performed significantly better in the water maze than the rats that drank plain water. “GTP-treated rats exposed to IH displayed significantly greater spatial bias for the previous hidden platform position, indicating that GTPs are capable of attenuating IH-induced spatial learning deficits,” Dr. Gozal wrote, adding that GTPs “may represent a potential interventional strategy for patients” with sleep-disordered breathing.
Perhaps a cup of green tea may be worth a try if restful sleep is eluding you…
Posted by Ruth at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
7th July, 2008: Reese Witherspoon’s Tokyo Tea Ceremony
The New Zealand Herald reports that Reese Witherspoon, Avon’s Honorary Chairman visited Japan last month to raise breast cancer awareness. She participated in a traditional tea ceremony held in Kochuan, Tokyo to honor a small group of breast cancer survivors. The “Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu 茶の湯, lit.” tea hot-water”; also called chadō or sadō, 茶道, “the way of tea”) is a multifaceted traditional activity strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism, in which powdered green tea, or matcha (抹茶) is ceremonially prepared and served to others.” On this occasion it was used to create an open forum to discuss breast cancer issues and needs in Japan. In addition to the tea ceremony, Ms. Witherspoon met with Avon Representatives and introduced the region to Avon’s first-ever global fundraising product, the Women’s Empowerment Bracelet. More images of Reese in Japan can be viewed here.
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2nd July, 2008: Tea Shows Promise in Fighting Diabetes
Scottish scientists say that drinking tea might help combat diabetes. Pre-clinical research conducted at the University of Dundee indicates that ingredients in black tea “mimic insulin action.”
A team lead by Dr. Graham Rena of the university’s Neurosciences Institute has been working diligently to identify agents that might substitute for insulin in Type 2 diabetes. Thus far the group’s research has revealed that black tea ingredients known as theaflavins and thearubigins mimic insulin action.
Dr. Rena has been quoted in a Scottish news site as saying, “What we have found is that these constituents can mimic insulin action on proteins known as FOXOs … The task now is to see whether we can translate these findings into something useful for human health.” Rena added, “There is definitely something interesting in the way these naturally occurring components of black tea may have a beneficial effect, both in terms of diabetes and our wider health.”
Dr. Graham Rena notes that his team’s research into tea compounds is at an experimental phase and that further testing is needed. In the meantime, diabetics are advised to continue to take medications as directed by their doctors.
Posted by Brenda at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
12th June, 2008: Bigelow Tea Joins KC 101 and the “Beach Patrol”
Bigelow Tea has done it again; they’ve teamed up with Arizona to bring you a sensational new taste treat. If you’ve already tried it and loved it, you will want to come out to help spread the word and, if you haven’t had your sample yet, you are definitely going to want to join Bigelow Chai and the “Beach Patrol” For Summer Fun with KC101!!
There’s Going To Be A Party
Bigelow Tea joins forces with KC 101.3 Radio this summer for “Beach Patrol 2008”, a summer Bigelow Chai weekend sampling tour at the local CT beaches on now and continuing through Labor Day, Monday, September 1st from Noon to 2:00 PM. Visit the Bigelow Intranet/Connecticut Announcements/Beach Patrol 2008 for the Event Calendar.
The KC101 promotional van will feature the Bigelow Tea Logo and will stop at various beaches from Norwalk to Madison and Old Lyme every weekend through Labor Day, passing out samples of the new Bigelow Chai to help us to build product and brand awareness, hand out coupons and help us to “BUILD THE BIGELOW BUZZ”.
So bring your sunblock and your enthusiasm and come on down to a beach near you to show your support and help
“BUILD THE BIGELOW BUZZ”.
Posted by Ruth at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
10th June, 2008: Celebrating Iced Tea
“One drinks tea to forget the world’s noise.” ~ Thomas Sterling1, Tea Expert; and on warm summer days, what better way is there to refresh the body and the spirit, than by enjoying a tall, frosty glass of iced tea. The Tea Association of America states that iced tea, or at least a more commercialized version of it, was possibly invented by Richard Blechynden while he was trying to engage the public’s interest in imported teas during the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair; but, it was so hot and humid that people were passing him by in search of colder fare. Not one to be daunted he decided to cool the tea and after several attempts at getting the temperature and taste just right created the beginnings of the beverage we purchase packaged or bottled to enjoy in all of its wonderful variations
Of course tea made fresh in your own kitchen, sweetened to taste and chilled to perfection is a real treat too. To learn more on the subject, visit a previous Bigelow Blog article that discusses the history of iced tea and some of the ways iced tea was served in the home, commercially and for celebrations from the 1800s through to today and, since the month of June is National Iced Tea Month you will want to celebrate too by indulging in this classic summer-time beverage every day.
Iced Tea on the go from Bigelow Tea.
Source: The History of Iced Tea.
1Thomas Sterling, “A Toast to Tea,” Reader’s Digest (Pleasantville, NY: Readers Digest Association, Inc., March 1979), 61.
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9th June, 2008: Celebrate National Iced Tea Month with Drew Barrymore
Candid shots of Drew carrying a rather large cup, like the recent ones of her displayed at the blog, Flawed Hollywood and interviews from the past where she is described sipping her ice cold drink while speaking with Actor Hugh Grant and Donna Fredykin of USA today reflect her on-going love of iced tea. So go and get one for yourself and celebrate National Iced Tea Month with Drew.
Drew With Her Usual, Iced Tea
Our appreciation goes out to Flawed Hollywood for providing this image.
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21st May, 2008: How Green Tea Helps with Exercise
Could it be true? Emerging evidence seems to suggest that consumption of green tea may provide some benefit related to exercise. Specifically, antioxidants found in the drink may help prevent harmful effects of resistance exercise “by reducing the detrimental effects of oxidative stress,” says Stephen Daniells of FoodNavigator-USA.com, a daily online news service focused on food and beverages.
In a recent article, Daniells notes that “researchers from the Federal University of Santa Catarina, and the Center of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Sports of Santa Catarina State University studied the effects of daily green tea consumption for seven days in athletes undertaking resistance training.” This type of exercise, which includes weight-lifting, “can increase the production of free radicals beyond the tissues’ antioxidant defense capacity … causing oxidative stress.”
Results from the study suggested that consumption of the tea offered significant protection against this oxidative damage, providing benefits both before and after exercise.
If you are physically active, make sure you receive plenty of antioxidants in your diet. And consider green tea in addition to that sports drink!
Posted by Brenda at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
14th May, 2008: May, National Smile Month
Everyone understands that brushing and flossing are essential for a dazzling smile. But did you know that tea can also support dental health? “We all know excellent nutrition helps build an excellent body,” says Paula Shannon Jones, DDS, spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. “So it follows that whatever you eat affects your teeth and gums, too.” Also what you drink!
From May 18 to June 17 — which is National Smile Month in the United States and the U.K. — pay special attention to your diet, and consider what you’re drinking.
An earlier post on the Bigelow Tea blog told of how black and green teas contain antioxidant compounds that keep plaque from adhering to your teeth and help reduce your chances of developing cavities and even gum disease.
“Tea also has potential for reducing bad breath because it inhibits the growth of the bacteria that cause the odor,” according to Christine D. Wu, PhD, who conducts research on oral health.
If you also enjoy acidic beverages, however (such as sodas and sports drinks which can be tough on our teeth’s enamel), try using a straw positioned toward the back of your mouth to limit the liquids’ contact with your teeth.
For more information on smart dental health practices, click here, and for additional details on the largest independent international dental health campaign, stop by the National Smile Month web site.
Posted by Brenda at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
