2nd November, 2007: Tea Benefits Touted by USA Today
An October 8th USA Today article explores research linking tea and health. Tea has been associated with health benefits for thousands of years and yet, scientists have only begun to recognize and investigate these benefits over the past thirty years. In a recent study, reported in the July issue of the journal Life Sciences, green tea and black tea when substituted for drinking water, inhibited the growth of human prostate cancer cells implanted in mice. In addition, topical application and ingestion of green tea polyphenols, compounds with the antioxidant activity, protected against skin cancer in mice.
One of the most fascinating things about tea, according to co-author of the study, Hasan Mukhtar, vice chair of dermatology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is that “there is no other product known that has such diversified effects.” Green tea seems to have more health prestige than black tea, perhaps because it has been the focus of more research. Although not as well studied as green tea, black tea may be, in fact, as beneficial, says Mukhtar, who drinks two cups of black tea and two cups of green tea a day.
Furthermore, human clinical trials, conducted by Iman Hakim, a professor the Arizona Cancer Center at the University of Arizona, found that compounds in green tea had a positive affect on genes involved in cancer susceptibility and DNA repair. In addition, an ongoing clinical trial of current and former smokers with chronic pulmonary disease, demonstrated that those who were given green tea instead of a placebo drink experienced a significant improvement in HDL (good cholesterol) levels.
The article also examines work done by John Foxe, professor of neuroscience, biology and psychology at City College of the City University of New York. Foxe is investigating theanine, which unlike the polyphenols found in tea, can cross the blood/brain barrier. According to Foxe, people who drank a solution with theanine equivalent to 10 cups of tea were able to focus better than those who drank the placebo solution.
Now that’s some three bodies of research worth talking about…
Posted by Julie at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
4th September, 2007: No more Filing Cabinets!
Who doesn’t like that 5 or 6 drawer file cabinet? I like the wooden two drawers but the metal tall ones store the most paper. It really does not matter which type you use or like for both are able to store a ton of information.
One of the problems we have here is it seems like file cabinets multiply like rabbits. You never really get rid of the old information and you always have more information and paper to store so that means more file cabinets taking up more space and more places to look for that information you need.
We evaluated the space they took up, the time it took to find the information you wanted, and tried to improve on this situation. The solution we are utilizing is scanning the documents into an electronic repository that can be accessed by anyone at Bigelow Tea at any of our locations. We worked with the consulting group SOURCECORP to implement Digitech Systems ImageSilo for our needs but there are others out there that can provide similar solutions.
The electronic copies have eliminated making paper copies to share with colleagues, reduced file cabinet space and have improved our ability to find information in a timely fashion. Now file cabinets are still nice to have around for plant stands, picture hanging, and to fill in that empty spot in the corner but for storing documents we have found a better way.
Dean
Posted by Dean at 6:00 am | Comments (2)
27th August, 2007: Bigelow Iced Tea Contest Winners
And the winner is…1st Prize in the Bigelow Iced Tea Recipe Contest goes to Tyna of Lincoln, CA for her ingenious blend of Bigelow Constant Comment and Plantation Mint teas. Tyna will receive an Olympia Iced Beverage Pitcher and 8 goblets. 2nd prize goes to Stephanie of Elmira Heights, NY. Stephanie created an iced tea with a delicious combination of Bigelow Sweet Dreams, I Love Lemon & C and Berri-Good Herbal teas. Stephanie will receive a Wooden Chest with Flavored and Herbal teas. And 3rd prize goes to Dorinda of Covington, GA. Dorinda’s prize winning iced tea recipe pairs Bigelow Perfect Peach Herbal Tea with Spiced Chai Tea. These contestants got it right! Thank you to everyone who sent us their special recipes, we had fun testing them out!!
Posted by Julie at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
23rd July, 2007: Bigelow Tea joins Facebook
Yes, it is true, Bigelow Tea has joined Facebook, a social network that unites people with friends, and others who work, study and live around them. We believe that an online conversation is very valuable to our consumers. We have experienced this with our blog where we have provided facts about tea, tea history, fun tea celebrity moments and more so we are extending our efforts to Facebook where we can interface with others who are passionate about tea in addition to answering questions for those who are new to the joy of drinking tea.
Join us and become our friend on Facebook, enjoy our videos and more fun tea facts as we reach out to the tea drinkers around the world!
Posted by Valorie at 7:37 am | Comment (0)
6th June, 2007: June is Iced Tea Month and Bigelow Tea is Celebrating
Go to www.BigelowTea.com and enter our Iced Tea Recipe Contest using 2 different Bigelow Teas. Fun prizes to be won for the best original and unpublished recipes.
Enjoy Iced Tea Month!!
Posted by Valorie at 10:43 am | Comment (0)
5th June, 2007: Investing for the future!
Each year, Bigelow Tea reinvests money into the company to make it run more efficiently and to maintain/improve the operation. Different divisions evaluate what (and how) they are doing and submit proposals for capital projects they feel are appropriate for the upcoming year. Since our fiscal year runs July to June we are in the middle of reviewing what capital projects will be approved.
For our new year, the company is reinvesting around $2 million into improvements for the operation. This is impressive when compared to some companies that are just focusing on making more money today vs. making sure the company and products will be here for the future.
Dean
Posted by Dean at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
27th April, 2007: Bigelow Tea Spring Catalog is Here!
Yes, the Spring catalog is here. Tea gifts, tea chests, tea accessories, gift baskets and more.
If you want to give the gift of tea, this is where it begins!
To order tea or for more fun tea facts and information, go to the Bigelow Tea Website!
Have a great weekend!
Posted by Valorie at 6:00 am | Comment (1)
24th April, 2007: The Perfect Spot of Tea
Posted by Valorie at 6:00 am | Comments (2)
11th April, 2007: Cindi of Bigelow Tea Responds
To say this has been a difficult time is an understatement. The media has been relentless, the 1000’s of emails coming from opposing positions has been overwhelming-furious at us because we advertise and furious at us because we are considering not-I have not seen anything like this…anyway I want to make sure I try to do the best I can to explain our position. The media has now been saying we have “pulled” our advertising campaign. I need to emphasize that this is an incorrect statement. As I stated before, we are seriously reviewing it. But how can I not recognize or acknowledge what I am seeing come out of this whole thing? I believe Don Imus is showing great humility, I believe that we are seeing an amazing grace from the Rutgers team in their willingness to meet him. Why can’t this be something that takes us all to a higher place? And yes, based on what I am seeing, we have not made a decision.
I hope and pray this world still does allow for redemption. I realize that I (probably like Pollyanna) think Don is truly sorry for his words, that he made a terrible, terrible, terrible statement that he will actually learn from. I hope and pray the world can be a better place if we look at what we truly do wrong and reflect on how that can be “our teacher”. Yes, we will review our plan for next year. But I have to say, my heart now not only hurts for the Rutgers team, it hurts for the divisiveness that has been created in this country.
The harsh emails I am receiving does not make me think that any one side is wrong, it just makes me think we have lost touch with the word “love”- that is my inner light that is my compass during difficult times.
I know there will be people who disagree with my thoughts, but I am trying the best I can to share with you what is running through my soul.
I appreciate all of your opinions, and I appreciate you allowing me to share mine with you.
Cindi
Cindi Bigelow
Co-President
Posted by Cindi at 6:06 pm | Comments (54)
10th April, 2007: Bigelow Tea Responds to Imus
While Bigelow Tea has been an advertiser on the ‘Imus in the Morning Show,’ our company does not condone or support in any way the unacceptable comments made by Imus with regard to the Rutgers University women’s basketball team.
Bigelow Tea is a family company that prides itself on honoring and respecting all individuals.
We do support the good work and efforts Don Imus has done over the years for children with cancer or terminal illnesses, the battle against SIDS, Tomorrows Children’s Fund at Hackensack Hospital and so much more.
We are deeply saddened by Imus’ remarks. His comments in no way represent the views of our family or the Bigelow Tea Company.
This unfortunate incident has put our future sponsorship in jeopardy.
Cindi Bigelow, Co-President Bigelow Tea
Posted by Valorie at 1:29 pm | Comments (139)
