It is said that
Tea is the second most widely consumed beverage in the world throughout history,
After water.
In fact,
The addition of a mere 1% , 2%, or 3% of dry tea leaves to water
Transforms and enobles it
In such elegant manner,
Like few other ingredients can.
What is in a tea leaf,
That gives it such heavenly
Aroma and taste
To delight our senses
While nourishing body?
What is in a tea leaf,
That allows it
To do so much?
Summary of Bioactive Components in Tea Leaves
Tea leaves contains the following 7 main categories of bioactive compounds
[Please note that some elements, compounds, and their metabolites may cross over multiple categories] :
- Cultivation methods and growing environments determine the quality and the quantity of each of of these bioactive compounds that are built into the tea leaves. This is the work of the tea farmer.
- Processing techniques cause dynamic changes in these bioactive compounds. Each step in the process seek to transform, stabilize, and preserve the nutrients in the leaves so that they maybe stored and transported safely. This is the work of the tea master.
- Brewing parameters determine the type and amount of nutrients extracted into your cup of tea. This is the work of tea drinkers.
Before the tea plant was discovered
And cultivated,
It thrived in its own environment
In the wild,
Without human intervention.
As the tea plant was discovered
And used as a medicinal plant
For human consumption,
Man began to collaborate with nature
To produce a miraculous food:
A food that can be
Both eaten and drunk.
After tea is consumed,
Its nutrients are digested and transported
Through our digestive
And circulatory systems
To repair and maintain our organs.
We are only beginning to find out
What these tiny tea leaves contains
That allows them to do so much for us.
The question we ask ourselves is
"What can we do
To best help the tea plant help us?"
The answer lies within a journey of delightful discovery
That begins with a delicious cup of tea!
Health Functions Attributed to Consumption of Tea by Humans
