FREE RADICALS

A scientific explanation: In essence, a free radical is any molecular species capable of independent existence, that contains one or more unpaired electrons not contributing to intermolecular bonding, and is, in that sense, "free". They are produced by oxidation/reduction reactions, in which there is a transfer of only one electron at a time, or when a covalent bond is broken and one electron from each pair remains with each atom. Thus, a free radical has an unpaired electron.

Many free radicals are highly reactive, owing to the tendency of electrons to pair; that is, to pair by the receipt of an electron from an appropriate donor or to donate an electron to an appropriate acceptor. Whenever a free radical reacts with a non-radical, a chain reaction is initiated until two free radicals react and then terminate the propagation with a 2-electron bond, with each radical contributing its single unpaired electron. The free radicals of special interest in aging are the oxygen free radicals (OH., H., O2.-). These free radicals often take an electron away from a "target" molecule to pair with their single free electron; this is what is commonly termed “oxidation.?The term "reactive oxygen species" is used to refer to these oxidants and the oxygen free radicals.

In the human body, oxidized free radicals are believed to cause tissue damage at the cellular level, causing damage to our DNA, mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell), and cell membrane, and have often been referred to as one of the causes attributed to aging, cancer, heart disease, and other human ailments. While the production of free radicals is a normal part of metabolism at the cellular level, things such as excessive alcohol intake, smoking, and various chemical exposures only serve to increase the amount of free radicals present in the body. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system of antioxidants.

ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged (as in Vitamin C), or seek out and scavenge free radicals (as in Vitamin E). This is where it can be noted that research has indicated that one of the main antioxidants found in green tea (epigalloctechin 3-gallate a.k.a. EGCG) has been found to be much more powerful than both Vitamins C and E. Compared to other known antioxidants, EGCG was found to be 100 times more effective than vitamin C, 25 times more effective than Vitamin E and twice as powerful as resveratrol at neutralizing free radicals.

There is no such thing as a "miracle" weight loss food or drug - however there are many indications that Green Tea brings a number of benefits to those trying lose weight:

Studies have also shown green tea extracts are capable of reducing fat digestion by inhibiting digestive enzymes. Others have shown thermogenic properties of green tea (probably brought on by the interaction between its caffeine content, and catechin polyphenols)Thermogenesis is the process of the body burning fuel (fat) without making chemical energy (the calories are released as heat).

However if you are overweight or obese - and change nothing else in your life except to start drinking green tea - you are not going to have an instant weight loss miracle! But the benefits to your health are not to be sniffed at.

Combined with other weight loss techniques, Green Tea (drink or extract) is an excellent addition to your diet.

Follow these five easy steps to brew your favorite Chinese tea.

	Step 1: Place one tea spoon of your favorite tea into teapot.
	Step 2: Rinse your tea by pouring 1/2 cup of hot water over the leaves then immediately pouring it out of the pot.
	Step 3: Add appropriate amount of water according to the suggested temperature as above Tea Brewing Table.
	Step 4: Allow tea to brew for the suggested infusion time as above Tea Brewing Table.
	Step 5: Enjoy your tea.

Remember:

Use bottled, filtered or purified water for best result of tea. Chinese Tea is good for multiple infusions, meaning that you can use the same leaves while refilling your pot with hot water 3 or 4 times at the same sitting.

Tea Brewing Table:

Tea Type White Green Oolong Black Floral Water Temp (degree celcius) 75-85 65-80 80-95 90-100 75-85 Infusion Time (min) 2-3 1-3 3-5 3-5 2-3

Tea was already mentioned in Chinese Literature as far back as 2700BC.
500 AD Buddhist Monks took leaf tea to Japan. 621 AD Buddhism was declared the major religion and green tea became the nation’s drink. In the 17th Century, tea reached the European landmarks via the famous Dutch East Indian Line. Following that, the English established their East Indian Line and created a tea monopoly for many years.

Camellia sinensis, the common tea plant, was first cultivated in the 4th century CE, after wild specimens were brought to China from India. Actually an evergreen tree which may grow up to 50 feet, the domesticated plant is pruned to a bush like state and kept at a height of five feet. After three to five years of growth, its leaves may be harvested to make tea. Today, women constitute the majority of pickers, and there is no machine that can exceed the 60 to 70 pounds of leaves per day that an experienced worker can collect. 60 to 70 pounds of fresh leaves can be produced app. 20 pounds of dry tea, or 2800 cups of tea.

All classes of tea, apart from the Rooibos tea, which grows in South Africa, come from the same plant. Different classes of tea (e.g. Black tea, Green tea) are the result of differences in the tea manufacturing process, and not due to different types of tea plants. However, from experience, tea manufacturers have discovered that certain varieties, locations and seasons tend to produce tea plants, which produce better qualities of certain classes of tea.

Unlike coffee and soft drinks, tea is positively impacting us through better health and increased vitality.

Not only is tea soothing and delicious, but it is healthy too. Here are some benefits derived from the increase in consumption of teas:

• The antioxidants in tea help prevent cancers of the mouth, stomach, pancreas, lungs, esophagus, colon, breast and prostate.
• The antioxidants in a single cup of tea equal those in one serving of vegetables.
• Scientific information from the USDA points out that drinking one cup of tea could make a significant contribution to daily antioxidant intake, equivalent to approximately one serving of vegetables.
• Polyphenols, chemical components of tea, prevent both the growth of bacteria responsible for bad breath and the bacteria"s production of malodorous compounds.
• Studies have shown that black tea suppresses the growth of bacteria in dental plaque and that rinsing with black tea reduces plaque formation and the production of acids that cause tooth decay.
• In an experiment, people who drank five to six small cups of black tea daily for two weeks were better able to fight off bacterial infections, report the researchers in the early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.
• EGCG is one of the most abundant and biologically active antioxidants found in tea. It is believed to be responsible for tea"s beneficial health effects. The compound is found in higher concentrations in green tea, the least processed of teas, than in black and oolong varieties.
• Eating well Magazine named tea "Beverage of the Year" for its health benefits and mass appeal to consumers searching for an alternative to soft drinks and coffee.

Did you know?

Tea:
- Contains one-third the caffeine of coffee and cola
- Helps reduce fatigue and maintains mental alertness - Stabilizes fluid levels
- Is fat free and calorie free
- Flavanoids in tea help prevent heart disease by reducing blood clotting, lowering blood pressure, and lowering cholesterol

With ever-increasing scientific evidence about the health benefits of tea, this humble beverage is destined to become the elixir of the future.

My Cup of Tea will be attending at the Montreal Gift Show from March 7 to March 10. We will be located in booth number 4683 and will be introducing our 2 new product line: Sakura and Santhé Tea bags.

Come visit us and we will inform you more on those great upcoming tea!

Anita Lee, famous MC & actress in Toronto, presents the modern tea ceremony on Ming Pao, a major newspaper for the Chinese community in Canada.

My Cup of Tea has created a special giftset that is dedicated to the Year of Tiger:

- 1 x GungFu Teapot
- 2 x Mini Teacups
- 1 x Testube of Jasmine pearl

This giftset is a limited edition and will be available starting in February, 2010

My Cup of Tea will participate in the Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair 2010

- Date: February 10 to 14, 2010
- Location: Aberdeen Centre
- Address: 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond, BC

The booth will be located along the Food & Confections Hallway, Booth # 41




Emily (left side) and Cherry (right side)  will be presenting My Cup of Tea's products during the event.

The new Lychee Bloom was presented as a gift for the guess at a seminar organised by Professionals’ Fund Group.

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MCOT staff attended at la Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDP) to give out a brief tea tasting session for the staff members. Our staff diplayed a great variety of new products that was well suited for office tea drinkers and also introduced some great gift ideas for the holiday season.