We have learned that black tea helps with type 2 diabetes. Now, in results from a Medical College of Georgia study, they have found that EGCG in green tea may prevent or delay the onset of type 1 diabetes. The study was published in the October 24 issue of Life Sciences per today’s source.
It started with a study focusing on Sjogren’s Syndrome. The scientist wanted to learn if EGCG, the antioxidant in green tea, had any effect. Sjogren’s Syndrome attacks the moisture producing glands, such as the salivary gland, causing dry mouth and eyes. There is no known cure for the syndrome which is also an autoimmune disease like diabetes.
Using mice that have genetic defects rather than injecting a chemical to kill the insulin-producing cells as in previous experiments is one thing that makes this experiment different. The test group which got water with EGCG added turned out at 16 weeks to be “6.1 times more likely to be diabetes-free … and 4.2 times more likely at 22 weeks”. It also did reduce the “severity and delayed onset of salivary gland damage associated with Sjogren’s syndrome”.
Source: http://www.techjournalsouth.com/news/article.html?item_id=6335
Filed under Health Benefits of Tea by on Oct 28th, 2008. 
This will be a quick post with something a little different. If you are a tea towel collector, you might be interested in this site I found with a collection of tea towels, among other fabric items. Some are vintage such as can be found on this page: Tea Towels. I simply did a search on tea towels to come up with that listing.
Also available are some knock outs from FlowerPress here: Russian Tea Towels. A couple have very vivid colors and could make a great addition to the tea lover’s kitchen.
For a change of taste, meaning those who want to try teas, check out the Obama and McCain teas available from Pearl Fine Teas. Our source of information on this is the Tea Guy and his post about the Obama & McCain Tea Blends.
Filed under Tea Art, Tea Wares by on Oct 31st, 2008.