Indian Black C02 Decaf. Tea, Cert Organic 1 lb: K

The phrase 'Black Tea' is also used as a generic name for all Camelia sinensis teas. The major Black Tea types, from the traditional black tea evergeen (Camellia sinensis), classified according to processing method, include: fermented, or black, tea, producing an amber-coloured, full-flavoured beverage without bitterness; semi-fermented, or oolong, producing a slightly bitter, light brownish-green liquid; and unfermented, or green, tea, resulting in a mild, slightly bitter, pale greenish-yellow beverage. The critical difference between green and black tea is that green tea leaves are not allowed to ferment. Green tea is, instead, steamed, rolled and fired. Green tea is the natural dried leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. Black tea is oxidized green tea. Tea contains only four calories per cup when consumed without added ingredients but is a source of several B-complex vitamins, including B2 and nicotinic acid. Caffeine is responsible for tea's stimulating effect. Flavor is produced by volatile oils, and astringency and color by tannin. Black teas are classified by geographical origin and the size of the processed leaf. Traditional operations result in larger leafy grades and smaller broken grades. The leafy grades are flowery pekoe (FP), orange pekoe (OP), pekoe (P), pekoe souchong (PS), and souchong (S). Both green and black teas are bioflavonoid-rich, proven useful for fighting free radical damage in the human body. It has a high content of polyphenols, which are a class of bioflavonoids. Tea's best studied polyphenol is Epigallocatechin Gallate. Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), protects against digestive and respiratory infections. A solution of 1 mcg per ml of EGCG heavily inhibited influenza virus in vitro. Tea is beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease as it exerts antioxidant activity, lowers cholesterol and reduces platelet aggregation (stickiness). Green tea extract is very good for the arteries and heart. Additional studies have demonstrated enhanced liver function and immune system function secondary to these polyphenols. EGCG helps block the cancer-promoting actions of carcinogens, ultraviolet light, and metastasis from an original site in the skin, stomach, small intestine, liver or lung. Higher quantities (0.5% to 1% of diet) were protective against high total and LDL-cholesterol levels on a cholesterol promoting diet in rats. EGCG also reduces platelet aggregation about as much as aspirin or Ginkgo Biloba extract.