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For anyone who has ever had a relative that has suffered from Alzheimers, you know it is a devastating disease.  It is impossibly difficult to watch your loved one suffer.  My grandmother and my grandmother in law both suffered from Alzheimers.  Knowing that genetics can play a part in risk factors, I want to do all I can to decrease the risk for my family.  That is why when I found some great information on Alzheimers and tea, I just had to share it here.  The study is below.  It turns out that tea drinkers fared much better with cognitive decline.  Thankfully there are many flavors to choose from, and I will be sharing a cup of tea with my family every day!

Alzheimer's Association Report on 2010 International Conference:

"The researchers found that people who consumed tea at a variety of levels had significantly less cognitive decline (17-37 percent) than non-tea drinkers. More specifically, study participants who drank tea 5-10 times/year, 1-3 times/month, 1-4 times/week, and 5+ times/week had average annual rates of decline 17 percent, 32 percent, 37 percent, and 26 percent lower, respectively, than non-tea drinkers.

According to the scientists, coffee consumption did not show any effect except at the very highest level of consumption – where it was associated with significantly decreased decline of 20 percent.

"The suggestion of a positive effect of tea consumption in slowing cognitive decline requires further investigation," Arab said. "Interestingly, the observed associations are unlikely to be related to caffeine, which is present in coffee at levels 2-3 times higher than in tea."

USA TODAY for July 12, 2010 reports on studies presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Honolulu. 

In a study by UCLA of “more than 4800 men and women ages 65 and older, participants were followed for up to 14 years. Tea drinkers had less mental decline than non tea drinkers. Those who drank tea one to four times a week had an average annual rate of decline 37% lower than people who didn’t drink tea. Coffee didn’t show any influence except at the highest levels of consumption...the observed associations are unlikely to be related to caffeine, which is present in coffee at levels two to three times higher than in tea.”

       Close your eyes.  Lift up your cup of tea, and inhale the aroma.  How do you feel?  Does the scent of your tea trigger a memory for you?  Is it a fond one?  Scientists have found that scents, can in fact trigger memory.  Scent is actually the strongest sense that triggers memory.   So it's no wonder that every time I have a cup of the Jasmine Pearls from CTH, I am overwhelmed with peacefulness.   

      Twelve long years ago, I was pregnant with my first child.  I was due anytime, and helping out in my parents cafe back home.  As pregnant as I was, I spent a lot of time sitting in an old white rocking chair, in front of the bay windows in the cafe.  I loved to sit there, watching the people go by, the snow drifting in the air.  Sitting in the chair, my hand on my abundant belly,  feeling hope, pride and nervous excitement. I can remember what I was wearing and what the cars looked like outside.  As I sat there contemplating the wonders of my first child, the sun came out.  It was snowing like a blizzard, and the sun gloriously illuminated every single snowflake.  I remember thinking, this is something I haven't seen before!  An immense sense of ease, and elation overwhelmed me, bringing tears to my eyes.  In that moment, that magical frame of time, I was able to capture almost every detail.  

      Why is this all possible?  It's not because I have photographic memory, or above average memory.  It's because it was the very first time I had, or smelled Jasmine tea.  The aroma helped my brain bookmark the scent and the memory.   It is a relatively complicated process,  that involves the olfactory bulb ( our emotional brain ) and conditioned responses.   None the less, the ability to pair emotions or memories with scents, can be a wonderful thing.  The next time you have an important event, or special day coming up, why not try a new tea from California Tea House?  A new tea, with a wonderful aroma may help you capture a wonderful memory, that will last a lifetime.

Tea with scones or biscuits, a cup of tea at night or in the morning?  These are all the typical ways we think of enjoying our tea.  I have to admit that a cup of tea is something I didn't really think of enjoying outside of my daily routine.  That was until I started reading the great articles on here,  written by Ani.  The recipes of delicious cuisines made with the finest California Tea House Teas were delicious to read about.  Then it hit me!  Everyone has heard of the everyday ways to enjoy tea.  How about something a little adventurous?  So I started researching.  How can I incorporate tea into other times?  We often pair wine with food,  why not tea?

There are many different ways to enjoy your tea not only with dessert, but DURING your meal, as you would a fine wine.  So if you are feeling adventurous, or want to step outside the figurative box, try these tips at your next dinner party.

First, when considering what to pair teas with, consider the where the tea originates from.  What kinds of cuisine are typical for these areas?  Green teas like California Tea Houses Daughter Ring Green Tea tend to pair very nicely with seafoods, sushi and lighter dishes like chicken or salads.  However, due to their ability to assist with digestion, they are also good with deep fried food.  Think along the lines of white wine pairings, and you should be good.  Don't forget, this is an adventure, be daring!  

When you are feeling a little more spicy, try a nice black tea.  These go well with spicy foods like mexican, curry or steak dishes.  Think red wine pairings here.  Chinese food isn't just for Oolong anymore either.  Next time brew up some Yunnan Golden Buds and try that.  Full bodied black teas are also ideal for rich desserts.  Try a nice cup of CTH's Bird Nest Pu-Erh, which has fabulous flavor, and assists with digestion after a heavy meal, with some chocolate cake, or custard.  

The most important thing to remember when trying out a food pairing, is to have fun, and let your senses be your guide. Be daring!  If you do find a tea and food pairing you just have to brag about, don't forget to post it here on our forum, so we can all try it out!