Memory Enhancer - New Study Results

The Journal of Medicinal Foods published the results of a Korean study which showed memory improvement in those study participants given green tea extract. 91 people suffering from cognitive impairment were either given a placebo or extract. Those that were given extract had increased mental alertness, a significant increase in written-word recall, and showed memory improvement. Just another reason to drink green tea!

More Trouble With Tea From Japan

The tea industry continues to be impacted by the disaster in Japan. The World Tea News reported that French officials seized a tea shipment from Shizuoka city (in Japan) as a result of radiation levels that tested at twice the legal limit. Tests are now being conducted at tea processing plants in Shizuoka city, and of June 21st five tea processing facilities were shut down due to illegal levels of cesium found in tea. Consumers will eventually be impacted since Shizuoka produces over 39% of Japan's annual tea product. It is estimated that the radiation release in Japan was between 20%-40% of the 1986 nuclear disaster in Chernobyl.

Update on Contaminated Tea from Japan

Most people involved in the tea industry have been closely monitoring reports about the tea crops in Japan. World Tea News reported that radiation leaks far exceeded initial reports and contamination in four regions is creating local tea shortages. A Tokoyo tea mail order house found tea leaves from the Warashina district of Shizuoka City exceed cesium limits despite safety assurances.

By World Tea News:
Radiation released in March from stricken reactors in Fukushima far exceeded initial reports. Last week Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare greatly expanded restrictions on tea shipments adding portions of three northern prefectures to the leaf ban following additional tests. The decision already has created local shortages but impact on exports is small.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration is Rejecting Japanese Food Imports Including Tea

Tea imports (along will all other food products) from the four prefectures nearest the Fukushima reactors have been banned by the U.S. and several nations in the European Union. Experts continue to remind consumers that there will not be a significant impact to the Japanese tea industry as the major growing areas are a minimum of 500 kilometers south of the disaster zone in Northern Japan. Read more:
http://www.worldteanews.com/page.cfm/action=Archive/ContentID=184/EntryID=101/nocache=true

Disaster in Japan & Tea

Hi! I have been recieving emails asking how the recent disaster in Japan is impacting the tea crops. According to the World Tea News the tea crops have not been directly damaged but lack of power and transportation will surely cause a distribution issue for retailers around the world.

http://www.worldteanews.com/Content/World-News/3/

Lupus and Green Tea

In the past week I have had five people reprimand me (very politely) about not updating my blog. I figured I better get on the ball! I have been busy experimenting with tea- and finishing my PhD. About 18 months ago I was diagnosed with lupus, an auto-immune disease with inflammation symptoms. Researchers have found that incidents of lupus are lower in countries that consume green tea as a primary beverage. Numerous studies have concluded that green tea helps reduce inflammation. One study conducted by the University of Michigan, and presented at the Experimental Biology 2007 conference in Washington, D.C., revealed that green tea can help people with rheumatoid arthritis prevent joint damage and inflammation. Specifically they discovered that EGCG blocked two important molecules which cause the bone breakdown in rheumatoid arthritis-affected joints. Experts agree that at least four 8-oz cups of green tea must be consumed per day to alleviate inflammation. I have been drinking at least five cups of green tea each day and have even replaced my daily chai with green tea. Here is a recipe for green tea chai that may even convert black tea lovers- plus, it is vegan!

For one 16-oz cup:

1 Tablespoon strong green tea (Gunpowder Green is best)
1 Clove (whole)
1 Tablespoon honey
Dash of cinnamon
12 oz water
4 oz coconut milk
* Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan, except honey, and bring to a slow simmer on medium-high heat. Right before the mixture boils remove from the heat. Pour the chai, using a strainer, into a mug. Stir in the honey.

Caffeine Study Results are Surprising

Study results released on May 12th suggested that caffeine consumption helped workers improve on the job performance and also prevented errors. In addition, caffeine seemed to enhance attention, memory and perception.

The great thing about tea is that you get some caffeine without the "buzz" typically experienced from coffee. The amino acid L-Theanine, which promotes physical relaxation without drowsiness, is found in tea and counterbalances the caffeine. L-Theanine also supports cardiovascular heath and provides important antioxidant properties (Polyphenolic antioxidants) that combat a wide array of neurological diseases. The amount of caffeine in tea can be influenced by numerous factors such as the amount of time the tea is steeped or the quantity of tea used per cup but in general a cup of tea has about half the amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. If you don't want that caffeine but cannot find your favorite tea in decaffeinated form you may want to try this natural caffeine reducer:

1. Brew/steep your tea as usual or based upon the instructions that accompany the tea.
2. After brewing the tea discard it. Yes, pour it down the drain. Most of the caffeine in the tea will be released in the first brewing of the tea.
3. Brew the tea a second time- this is the tea you will drink.

Caffeine Content of Tea and Coffee per 8 ounce cup(source: Linus Pauling Institute)
Green Tea: 9-50 mg of caffeine
Black Tea: 42-72 mg of caffeine
Coffee: 72-130 mg of caffeine