September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and Bigelow Tea continues to learn and share more about this potentially deadly disease which is of particular concern to men over 40. We’ve all heard the statistics; the Prostate Cancer Foundation tells us that it’s the most common non-skin cancer in America, and it’s the second leading cause of cancer death in American men (second to lung cancer). The American Cancer Society estimates that about 240,890 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year and that about 33,720 men will die of prostate cancer in 2011.

These are distressing statistics, but scientists are also discovering good news about early prevention and treatment of this disease. Much of the scientific research has revolved around elements found in tea that may provide a positive effect on prostate cancer. For instance,  studies have shown that antioxidants that naturally occur in green tea (and also found in blueberries and pomegranates,  some of the ingredients in tea blends we’ve created at Bigelow Tea!) are reported to help neutralize the free radicals that are linked to the development of cancer.

These potent antioxidants provide medicinal powers that boast an array of health-promoting properties. Antioxidants can destroy certain bacteria and viruses, enhance our immune system, and combat several cancers – including prostate cancer, providing substantial free radical scavenging activity. They may even protect cells from DNA damage.

The steady stream of good news and potential benefits is hard to ignore. So this September Bigelow Tea takes a positive outlook, encouraging all our tea drinking fans to step up their awareness in combating this disease. And also a friendly reminder too: men, see you doctor for that check-up!

Image by Like_the_Grand_ Canyon, via Flickr.com

As you may have surmised by now, green tea is one of our favorite tea varieties here at Bigelow Tea. Not only does green tea contain healthy antioxidants and an average of only 25-50 mg caffeine per serving, but at Bigelow Tea it comes in so many delightfully delicious flavors like Mango and Constant Comment! That’s why we couldn’t stop smiling when we read recently that the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported: “drinking green can lower serum levels of total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.”

The researchers found that green tea consumption was associated with “significant[ly] lower mean (average) concentrations of total and LDL cholesterol, respectively, compared with controls.” A total of 1136 individuals were included in the study, and follow-up periods ranged from 3 weeks to 3 months. The study also stated: “These results suggest that green tea may be incorporated into a targeted dietary program as part of public health policy to improve [cardiovascular] health.”

Many of us struggle with high cholesterol, and it’s exciting to see studies finding that the elements in green tea could have an impact on this serious health concern—and on cardiovascular health in general. We hope you’ll make green tea a part of your healthy lifestyle too. So, what are you waiting for? Brew up a cup of your favorite flavor and enjoy it with a low-fat breakfast before your morning walk. Your body will thank you!

Image by sigusr0 via Flickr.com

There is a tea for every taste, but if you’re most interested in tea’s reported health benefits, remember that you can alwaysgo for the green! And it’s a bonus that Bigelow Tea’s many green tea varieties taste so delicious, too!

The latest research suggests that it’s the high levels of naturally occurring polyphenols in green tea that make it such a great choice for your health. Here at Bigelow Tea, you know that we’ve been avid followers of polyphenols studies on our blog. Scientists are interested in polyphenols because they act as antioxidants in the body, scavenging for free radicals that can damage cells. Researchers at the University of Maryland say free radicals are linked to heart disease and general aging of the body.

Although polyphenols are also present in black tea and Oolong tea, green tea has the highest concentration. And green tea contains a type of polyphenols called catechins; scientists at the University of Geneva have found a link between catechins and raised fat oxidation in the body – meaning that green tea polyphenols may temporarily increase metabolism of body fat!

But back to the flavor… if you’ve never tasted our green tea, give it a try! Bigelow Tea’s green tea has distinctive toasty notes that set it apart from all others. Some people prefer the delicate flavor as is, but it pairs wonderfully with other flavors, such as Mint, Pomegranate, Mango or Wild Blueberry & Acai. Or try your favorite Bigelow Tea classics – like Constant Comment or Earl Grey – in their green tea versions.

Go ahead, your body and your taste buds will thank you!

At Bigelow Tea we welcome any tips on how to sustain better health, and when it comes to a beautiful smile … we’re all ears! Since we love to smile (the bigger, the better!) we were thrilled to learn of a study that indicates that the catechins found in green tea may have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to maintain healthy gums!

A beautiful smile goes a long way.  But if your gums need a little TLC, smiling can be problematic. Gum disease is a common issue, whether it’s a case of mild gingivitis or more worrisome periodontitis. It’s a well-known fact that we should brush and floss regularly—when we wake up, after meals, and before we go to sleep—because oral health has a direct impact on overall physical health. It’s like a domino effect to the heart, blood circulation and, even, the brain. So keep brushing, flossing … and drinking that green tea!

Although we didn’t really need an excuse to sip our Bigelow® Green Tea concoctions, this study, published in The Journal of Periodontology has certainly brought a smile to our faces!

So, do sip your favorite flavor of Bigelow® Green Tea … and bare those pearly whites, surrounded by healthy, pink gums! As Dale Carnegie once said:

“A smile is nature’s best antidote for discouragement.
It brings rest to the weary,
sunshine to those who are frowning,
and hope to those who are hopeless and defeated.

A smile is so valuable
that it can’t be bought, begged, borrowed, or taken away against your will.
You have to be willing to give a smile away
before it can do anyone else any good.”

Images via benefitsdrinkinggreentea.com and Bestdentistnews.com

Bigelow Tea wants to share some interesting news on the important subject of hydration and weight control. Research suggests that daily consumption of green tea can significantly increase the metabolic rate, raising the body’s ability to burn off fat, otherwise called fat oxidation. This metabolic boost occurs as the concentration of catechin polyphenols (found in green tea) kick in.

Green tea may also help contribute to fat loss by decreasing cholesterol levels – more specifically your total cholesterol and LDL (LDL is the bad cholesterol).  For people dealing with cholesterol issues, this is seriously good news.

Bigelow Tea doesn’t want anyone to wince when stepping on the scale!  When our body balance is off-kilter, we can try to get back on track with nutritious foods, reasonable portions, exercise (no, this doesn’t have to mean two hours of calisthenics every day!) and keeping well hydrated. Help maintain that all-important hydration with some of flavorful and aromatic Bigelow Green Tea.

Indeed, green tea seems to be the gift that keeps on giving. Drink it as part of your routine for living a happy, healthy life, balancing work with play, spiritual and intellectual, physical exercise and quiet time. We have a tea for every mood, every season and every palate, so enjoy. When we feel better and look better…we are better!

(Note: You should always consult your physician before beginning any weight loss regimen or cholesterol reduction plan, whether it includes green tea consumption or not).

Images via Lost100pounds.wordpress.com, and Thebeginwithinblogcom,

Nasty pathogens are constantly testing our body’s immune system – our first line of defense against illness and disease. So the more we can do to naturally strengthen our response to foreign invaders, the better. Research suggests that one way to bolster your immune system’s arsenal is by drinking green, black or oolong tea!

Here at Bigelow Tea, we closely follow studies on the health benefits of tea,  and are always happy to share still more reasons to enjoy your daily brew! Researchers at the Linus Paulding Institute at Oregon State University found that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that is the primary polyphenol found in green tea, may enhance immune functions and suppress autoimmune diseases. This helps prevent the body from attacking itself, and is reported to occur with multiple disorders, ranging from simple allergies to juvenile diabetes and terminal illnesses such as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Along with green tea – black tea and oolong tea have also been found to bolster the immune systems.  One study concluded that people who drank five to six small cups of black tea per day were better equipped to fight infection; the focus of this research was on L-theanine, an amino acid that is present in high concentrations in black, green and oolong tea.

No wonder tea tastes particularly soothing when we’re feeling stressed or rundown! So savor your daily tea ritual, and put forth your best efforts to help your immune system!

At Bigelow Tea we take our beverages seriously and our tradition of producing high-quality teas is a source of family pride. Since Ruth Campbell Bigelow created Constant Comment in her kitchen in 1945, we have introduced many new teas to the Bigelow Tea lineup; but now in the summer of 2011, Bigelow Tea is thrilled about its newest tea creation that’s making waves: Coconut Water! We’ve combined the natural hydrating benefits of coconut water with the refreshing taste and healthful qualities of green tea to make Coconut Water with Green Tea Mix Sticks. They come in three amazing flavors: Green Tea, Mango Green Tea and Pomegranate Acai Green Tea and while they may not be in every store yet, you can certainly buy them online at www.bigelowtea.com!

Not only are these mixes delicious and convenient—add to a bottle of water on the run or blend into a drink at home—but they’re also healthy, hydrating and all natural! Kids will love them too.  Want to know more? Cindi Bigelow created this short video to share with you all the information and benefits of Bigelow Coconut Water with Green Tea! Have fun watching!

At Bigelow Tea we often associate sipping tea with relaxation. Well, now there’s more evidence that drinking tea really can be a calming experience! A recent study published in the Journal of Functional Foods observed that an amino acid found in tea leaves, L-theanine, may boost attention for people with anxiety. The study, which took place in Japan, showed that highly anxious subjects receiving L-theanine displayed a slowing of their heart rate, improved attention and better reaction times to assigned tasks. Interestingly, no significant benefits were observed in the subjects with minimal anxiety.

L-theanine has been the subject of various studies and has been found, among other things, to increase the body’s defenses against infection, to reduce mental fatigue, and to positively enhance one’s mood. It’s all good!

And while tea drinking is certainly a relaxing and pleasant experience, it’s important to note that L-theanine is found in tea leaves in low concentrations (less than 2 percent), and dosage levels administered in this study included supplements. Nevertheless, we heartily recommend enjoying a cup of tea, like traditional Earl Grey, the next time you’re studying for a test or preparing for a big presentation. Not only will taste great, but it’s likely to help you relax and focus a bit too! Enjoy!

Image by liza31337, via Flickr.com

The wonderful thing about summer is that it’s nature’s way of giving us an energy boost. The sun’s out, the weather’s warm, and suddenly we all want to spend more time outdoors, which is a good thing. But Bigelow Tea wants to remind you that there’s something we all need to keep in mind, especially when the heat rises above 85° F:  hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate some more! It’s very easy to get heat stroke or faint from dehydration, so make sure you keep your favorite libation close at hand (and remember that alcohol actually dehydrates the body).

We’ve all been told that water is the best thirst quencher, and Bigelow Tea certainly loves water…. because without water, we can’t make tea! However, another interesting study has come to light, indicating that tea appears to hydrate the body just as much as water!  Sponsored by the UK Tea Advisory Panel, the study surveyed 21 volunteers who drank volumes of either tea or equal amounts of plain water.  When their hydration levels were tested, it was noted that there was no discernable difference.  The research findings are purported to dispel the notion that the caffeine content in tea causes dehydration. That’s music to our ears!

But that’s not all. Did you know that drinking hot tea in the summertime is also reported to cool you down?  In the sage words of former British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1898), “If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are too heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you.”

On that note, happy summer and enjoy your favorite cup of hot, flavorful Bigelow Tea!

Image by Daily Mail cartoonist Jonathan Pugh via Dailymail.co.uk