Brassica Tea

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What happens in our bodies that creates a need for antioxidants?

Highly reactive charged particles of oxygen called free radicals form naturally as extra electrons attach themselves to about 5 percent of inhaled oxygen. In research that became widely known two decades ago, oxidation caused by free radicals was implicated in many diseases, including cancer and heart disease, and in the aging process itself.

These suggestive findings led many people to hope that large doses of supplements, especially vitamin C and E and beta-carotene, could retard aging and prevent disease.

The American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association, however, warn that not enough is yet known about which forms and dosages of supplements may be effective.

Antioxidant free radical scavengers form naturally in the well-nourished body, many authorities point out, and suggest that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and perhaps a daily vitamin supplement probably provide enough antioxidants without the risks that large doses of some vitamins pose.

"Value of Antioxidants" is by C. Claiborne Ray, The New York Times, March 15, 2005

What is the value of Antioxidants?

A: Oxidation is a chemical reaction involving the element oxygen. To simplify, exposure to charged particles of oxygen theoretically leads to the deterioration of human cells and DNA somewhat in the way that an apple slice turns brown. But as cooks know, brushing the apple slice with lemon juice, which contains acidic antioxidants, will retard the process.

What are the organic Red Bush and Red Bush Tea with Lemongrass?

Red Bush or rooibos tea (pronounced "roy-boss") from South Africa are herbal teas (from a different plant than black or green tea) that is thought to have some particular healthful properties. It contains antioxidants, Vitamin C, iron, potassium, calcium, copper, zinc, other minerals and fluoride. Rich and red-colored, these are high-quality, delicious herbal teas with SGS added.

Can I just put broccoli seeds or broccoli sprouts in tea? What if I grind up broccoli seed?

A: Unfortunately this is not a good idea... most commercially available broccoli seed for growing broccoli plants is treated with pesticides to prevent damage from insects, so you would not want to eat them.

In addition, broccoli seeds taste bitter and contain a great deal of oil.

Finally and most important: only certain seeds have good levels of SGS in them. We carefully identify the seeds and ensure that we only put extract rich in SGS, in measured amounts, in our teas.

Can I drink this instead of, or in addition to, eating sprouts?

We believe that Brassica teas should be considered another source of SGS in your diet and not a substitute. We feel that it is important to continue to eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits that would include cruciferous vegetables and BroccoSprouts®.

What other benefits are available from tea?

The antioxidants, flavonoids and other polyphenols found in green and black teas may offer protection from cancer, heart disease, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis. Many animal studies suggest that tea may specifically protect against a variety of cancers, including skin, lung, esophageal, stomach and colon. Preliminary studies have also shown that tea may also strengthen the cardiovascular system by promoting healthy arteries, veins and reducing blood clotting, and therefore reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Black tea offers similar levels of health benefits as green tea. Red Bush Tea is studied for its anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and gastric health properties. However, at the present time, the FDA does not allow a meaningful health claim on tea.

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