IX. Uses and benefits of tea

Abstract

Lifestyles all over the world are changing, especially in Japan. Convenience foods and beverages are increasing in popularity as social pressures limit time for preparation of meals. With the decrease in consumption of rice and traditional Japanese foods, there is a decrease in consumption of green tea and an increase in popularity of coffee and black and other fermented teas. The vending machine market for soft drinks has increased greatly, and the production of canned black, oolong, and green teas was 170 million cases in 1993. Instant tea is also gaining in popularity. The technology of producing canned and instant teas is briefly described. Health aspects of producing canned teas without bacterial contamination are discussed, as well as low‐caloric tea drinks. The continued popularity of tea for many centuries is partly attributed to its contribution to human well‐being. Some of the therapeutic properties of tea are discussed, especially with respect to its antioxidant properties and the tumor inhibition activity of polyphenols found in tea.