The three most common types of tea (Camellia Sinensis) enjoyed in the United Kingdom are green, black, and oolong. In Europe and the United States, the black type is the most popular, because of its stronger flavor. Antioxidants abound, and some claim that it may help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL). Oolong tea, of which we seldom hear, is popular in Japan and China and is thought to have weight-reducing effects in addition to providing antioxidants.
However, I’d want to focus on green tea specifically. The green variations are the traditional favorite of Japan, China, and Russia; these nations drink it black or with no milk. However, I must admit that it is becoming more popular among Western health nuts. There’s a good reason for it, by the way. This makes up one of nature’s greatest preventive medicine remedies.
Amazingly, this seemingly innocuous source provides a plethora of health advantages. I can barely scratch the surface here, but its extraordinary abilities are obviously helpful to both animals and people. You will likely learn a lot regarding these great ingredients, since research into the positive aspects of each variety of tea is increasing but is still in its infancy. I drink a lot of tea (most of it black; I prefer tea over coffee for its caffeine content), but as of right now I’ve decided to switch to green tea exclusively. My own health has improved somewhat as a result of writing about the positive effects on animals. I recommend you do the exact same thing, but before you combine tea with any medications or health issues, please read the disclaimer at the bottom of this post.
Before we get into the health advantages, there’s another point I want to mention since it’s what makes the largest difference between the kinds and I wasn’t aware of what it actually meant, so you may not either. Oolong teas fall between the two extremes of green tea, which is not oxidized at all, and the completely oxidized black tea. In order to oxidize the brewed beverage, the leaves are often spread out in troughs or on tables. Enzymes in the leaves undergo oxidation after reacting with air for 30 minutes to two hours at temperatures of about 26 degrees Celsius. During this time, the tealeaf transforms in color from green to a range of shades of brown. After the tea has been oxidized to the appropriate degree—light for a mild liquoring chai and dark brown für a robust one—the leaves are dried (also called “firing the tea”). The scientific part is finally finished.
About 80% of the tea consumed in the United States is black, while 20% is green in color, and the remaining 2% is Oolong.
So, what about the purported benefits to animal health? I doubt this is a complete list, but these are the most common uses I’ve seen it put to.
Bad cholesterol levels
In studies conducted on animals and humans alike, green tea was shown to reduce total cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels. One animal research found that tannins in green tea reduced cholesterol absorption in the intestines and increased cholesterol elimination.
Cancer
Polyphenols, chemicals found in green tea, have shown promise in recent animal and human trials for their potential to aid in cancer prevention. These compounds have strong antioxidant properties. Polyphenols have been linked to a reduction in cancer cell viability and growth, according to the research.
The Breast Cancer
Researchers have shown that the flavonoids in green tea slow the development of cancer cells from breasts in both laboratory dishes and animal models.
Cancer of the esophagus
Green tea polyphenols have been shown to slow the spread of gastrointestinal (throat) cancer in many animal trials. Conflicting findings from human research highlight the need for more investigation into this area. One possible source of contention, however, is the high temperature at which tea made with green tea is often served. Because it can be administered at room temperature, I don’t believe it would have any negative effects on the animals.
Diabetes
Overfeeding may increase the risk of diabetes in certain animals, and we know that. Traditional Chinese medicine prescribes green tea for regulating blood sugar. Green tea has shown promise in animal tests for both preventing and slowing the course of type 1 diabetes. As a result, green tea may aid with glucose regulation.
Liver failure
Green tea has been found to prevent liver cancers in mice in experimental settings. Catechin, one of many polyphenols found in green tea, has shown promise in treating viral hepatitis (liver inflammation) in both animal and human research. In these tests, substantial doses of catechin, extracted from green tea, were employed.
Getting leaner
Although green tea extract has been studied for its potential to increase metabolism and facilitate fat burning, no such research has been conducted on overweight or obese persons. Polyphenols, and more especially catechins, are thought to be responsible for green tea’s fat-burning impact by some studies. Green tea’s ‘weight reduction’ is frequently touted as a perk, and if this is really the case, there’s no reason it wouldn’t work for animals as well.
Now, about those doses
Therein is the rub; it isn’t made evident by the studies I’ve seen, which are all focused on human consumption. It seems that there is no way to accidentally overdose on it, thus it’s best to simply give it to the animal. I’ve found that some horses will drink just about any sort of tea with no problem, while others are much more hesitant. Cold or room temperature is OK, and no sugar is necessary (but a touch of honey to sweeten it won’t hurt). Not only should you be cautious with animals, but people as well. Be sure there will be no negative reactions between the green tea and any other medications the animal may be taking.
At long last, I provide the health warning I promised to the human readers who are probably on their way to partake.
Dosages for adults may take this form. The suggested dose is 300–400 mg of standardized brewed green tea extract daily (extracts should include 80% of polyphenols in total and 55% epigallocatechin), or three cups of organic green tea per night (3 g soaking sections, or 240–320 g polyphenols).
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries as a means of improving health and curing illness. However, the medicinal ingredients in herbs might have unintended consequences, such as the exacerbation of preexisting conditions or drug interactions. These considerations highlight the need for caution while using herbs, whether under the care of a medical professional or a specialist in botanical medicine.
Green tea should be avoided by those who suffer from heart disease, renal disease, stomach ulcers, and mental health issues (especially anxiety). Women who are pregnant or nursing should also avoid drinking green tea. If you suffer from any of these conditions, then you should talk to your doctor or adviser before considering drinking green tea. Because of the potential for negative interactions between herbs and pharmaceuticals, anybody thinking about trying a concentrated product of green tea — or any other herb, for that matter — should first learn about any potential adverse reactions to the extract.