49 woman this month | October 2011 | products, but there may actually be some truth to the rumours. In 1999, for example, a journal of clinical nutrition published the results from a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers discovered that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned far more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo. It has even been shown that green tea can help to prevent tooth decay. Just as its bacteria-fighting properties can help to prevent infection and food poisoning, it can also destroy the bacteria that causes dental plaque. What about herbal tea? Contrary to popular belief, herbal tea and green tea are not the same thing. Herbal tea is not derived from the leaves of the camellia plant and so it doesn’t have quite the same health-promoting properties. In fact, most herbal teas on the market are not actually tea at all. They are infusions made with herbs, flowers, roots, spices or other parts of plants. However, although these herbal teas, or “tisane” as they are correctly named, do not contain polyphenols or EGCG does not mean that they don’t have their own health properties. Different herbal teas, it is thought, can offer you a range of different benefits. The only thing worth mentioning, is that there is not nearly the same scientific evidence to support these claims. Here is a little look at some of the proposed benefits: Ginger Tea This is supposed to be a good digestive aid. Ginger has been known to speed up the metabolism, so it helps your body to process food faster. Drinking it after eating is best. It can also be used to curb nausea, vomiting or an upset stomach. Chamomile Tea This tea is a calming sedative, made from flowers. It can help to cure insomnia and also helps to settle the mind when it is affected by nerves or depression. Some also recommend chamomile in cases of a cough or bronchitis. Rooibos Tea This is high in vitamin C, as well as other minerals. It has antioxidants which can help ward off disease, as we have discussed. It has also been used to treat certain skin complaints, such as eczema. Lemon Balm Tea This tea is helpful for lifting the spirits and can also help to improve concentration. It has also been rumoured to help ward off bad dreams. Rosehip Tea This is one of the best sources of vitamin C among the teas. This vitamin is important for the immune system, skin and tissue health and adrenal function. Milk Thistle or Dandelion Tea Milk thistle and dandelion are gentle liver cleansers. They help the liver to regenerate and function at a higher capacity and they can also help in the production of bile — which is essential to the digestive process.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==