Food Processing - Food Handling

The key component that has been linked to a host of benefits is called catechins. Found in green, black and oolong teas, catechins are a potent type of antioxidant that some scientists believe may be ten times as effective at producing health benefits as those antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. Scientists have studied the health benefits of teas for decades, but a recent spate of research targeting the catechins in teas has resulted in several new findings.

For example, Japanese researchers recently completed a study on the effects of Green Tea Extracts (GTE), concentrated form of green tea, on physical endurance. During the ten-week in vivo (mouse) study, endurance was increased by up to 24% in the group that took the GTE, as opposed to the control group. In addition, the GTE was also responsible for a higher, more efficient use of energy, the study found. What’s more, the researchers are certain that the beneficial effects came from the catechins in the tea extracts, not from the traces of caffeine. (Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2005 Mar;288(3):R708-15)

According to Judson Kleinman, president of Corporate Essentials – a beverage service firm servicing professional businesses in the NY-metro area – the fact that tea can boost energy and performance beyond simply providing a “caffeine kick” is good news for employers and workers alike. “We’ve known for some time that drinking tea can lead to certain health benefits,” Kleinman notes. “But the fact that tea drinkers can benefit from a healthy dose of added stamina and energy is a great reason for companies to encourage those afternoon tea breaks – and for workers to indulge in them,” Kleinman adds.

And many are indulging. Americans drink approximately 2.2 billion gallons of tea each year – a number that has climbed considerably since 1990. In fact, between 1990 and 2000, the tea industry went from $1.8 billion in U.S. sales to nearly $4.6 billion, according to the Tea Association of America. “Tea’s appeal has risen over the past 15 years, thanks in large part to the marketing of more exotic oolong and green teas, along with the introduction of more upscale varieties,” Kleinman says. “Of course, the health news on tea has been a boon to sales, too, as consumers have become more health-conscious over the past decade.”

In addition to boasting immediate health benefits, tea drinking can improve the long-term health of employees as well. Another team of Japanese researchers recently found that drinking tea could lead to a loss of visceral fat and a reduction of triglycerides in the blood. Having a high level of visceral, or abdominal, fat has been linked to an increased risk of developing certain cancers, and having high triglyceride levels in the bloodstream has been associated with cardiovascular disease. Again, the catechins in the tea were credited with these positive effects.

“With the cost of healthcare skyrocketing every day, businesses are beginning to take a real interest in helping to preserve the long-term health of their employees,” Kleinman explains. “Whether it’s an on-site gym for lunchtime workouts, low fat foods in the cafeteria, or a healthy array of teas, juices and snacks for break time, these are investments that companies are making in the current and future health of their workforce,” he adds. “Those investments are likely to result in both short-term rewards, as employees are more energized and focused for the work at hand…as well as long-term benefits, as workers achieve and maintain better health for the future,” he adds.

Bio:

Judson Kleinman has more than 25 years of experience in positioning and promoting refreshment services to professional services companies including law firms, advertising agencies and accounting companies. Mr. Kleinman has been at the forefront of the recent trend by employers to offer their employee’s gourmet coffees and refreshment services as a perk to improve job satisfaction and productivity. From his position as a reseller, Mr. Kleinman has a broad view of the many makers of coffees, teas, waters and snacks and is on the cutting edge of the beverage brewing technology and trends. As the founder and president at Corporate Essentials, a New Jersey business to business beverages and refreshment services firm, Mr. Kleinman oversees purchasing, sales and servicing. Mr. Kleinman has been quoted on numerous occasions on the subjects of coffees, teas, waters, and on a variety of topics involving running a small business, customer services and sales management. Mr. Kleinman holds a business degree from State University College at Oneonta.