Residents Learn About Benefits of Green Tea

Jane Coggins, a registered dietician who serves as Nutrition Manager with Community Renewal Team, Inc. of Middletown, recently visited the Durham Activity Center to highlight the benefits of drinking green tea.

Tea is the second most consumed beverage behind only water Coggins told residents gathered to listen to the presentation.

Green tea is the least processed of all teas and contains the most antioxidants she said.

Some of the suggested benefits of drinking green tea include:

• lower risk of developing certain types of cancer
• lower risk of developing heart disease and stroke
• lower blood pressure
• lower LDL cholesterol
• prevents tooth decay
• slows age-related declines in brain function (including dementia and Alzheimer's)
• calming effect
• weight loss

Coggins said there are benefits to drinking one cup of green tea every day, but that many studies suggest drinking between 2-10 cups to receive the maximum benefit.

However, green tea also appears to reduce the absorption of iron if you drink more than two cups per day. Coggins suggested that anyone taking medication consult with a doctor before committing to drinking green tea on a regular basis.

While more research is needed, studies have shown that adding milk to tea reduces some of the benefits for the heart and blood pressure.

Coggins said that because of its shelf -life, iced tea does not provide the same benefits as hot tea.