TEA AND; TANNINS (Tannic Acid)
What are tannins? Tannins are astringent, bitter plant polyphenols, (the anti-oxidant part of TEA), that either bind and precipitate or shrink proteins. You know that taste and feeling that causes that “puckery” feeling or slight bitter taste in your mouth when drinking wine, TEA in your The astringency from tannins is what causes the dry and puckery feeling in the mouth following the consumption of red wine, strong tea, or an ripened fruit.
What are common uses for tannins in regards to health and wellness?The anti-inflammatory effect of tannins help control all indications of gastritis, esophagitis, enteritis, and irritating bowel disorders. Diarrhea is also treated with an effective astringent medicine that does not stop the flow of the disturbing substance in the stomach; rather, it controls the irritation in the small intestine.
Tannins not only heal burns and stop bleeding, but they also stop infection while they continue to heal the wound internally. The ability of tannins to form a protective layer over the exposed tissue keeps the wound from being infected even more. Tannins are also beneficial when applied to the mucosal lining of the mouth.
Tannins can also be effective in protecting the kidneys. Tannins have been used for immediate relief of sore throats, diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhaging, fatigue, skin ulcers and as a cicatrizant on gangrenous wounds. Tannins can cause regression of tumors that are already present in tissue, but if used excessively over time, they can cause tumors in healthy tissue. Tannins are used indirectly as molluscicides to interrupt the transmission cycle of schistosomiasis. They have also reported to have anti-viral affects. When incubated with red grape juice and red wines with a high content of condensed tannins, the poliovirus, herpes simplex virus, and various enteric viruses are inactivated.
Tannins can also be used to pull out poisons from poison oak or from bee stings, causing instant relief. The tannins help draw out all irritants from the skin because tannin is an astringent that tightens pores and pulls out liquids.
What do tannins mean to TEA drinkers?
TEA may be used to help with swelling, blood clotting, skin irritation and acne, as well as a foot soak to help prevent blisters. Not to mention many of the other ailments and problems noted above!
Here is how it works according to Harold McGee, author of On Food and Cooking:
"In the plant, tannins are defensive compounds that counteract bacteria and fungi by interfering with their surface proteins. They also deter herbivores by virtue of their astringent effect on the mouth and their interference with digestion. The sensation of astringency is caused by the ‘tanning’ of the proteins in the saliva and mucous membranes of the mouth; lubrication is reduced and the surface tissues actually contract."
What kind of TEA can be used?
This is a result of the oxidation process. After TEA leaves are hand picked, they are withered in fresh air or in a dryer, then rolled to crush the cells and mix various natural chemical components. Then they are fermented for one to three hours at about 80°F, during which time colorless and flavorless substances in the leaves are transformed into colorful and astringent tannins. Without the development of the tannins, the TEA would lack color and its characteristic full-bodied flavor.
Quick reference list of food that contain tannins:
Wine
Pomegranates
Persimmons
Berries (Cranberries, Strawberries, Blueberries)
Smoked Foods (wood of Mesquite, Cherry, Oak)
Apple Juice, Grape Juice and Berry Juices
Spices (Cloves, Tarragon, Cumin, Thyme, Vanilla, and Cinnamon)
Legumes (specifically Red-colored beans)
Chocolate
…AND….TEA!
To your health!
~ THE TEA TEMPTRESS ~
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