Polyphenols are the most interesting elements and the ones which do the greatest good for human health. Isolated from tea, polyphenols act as antioxidants, which are known to be cancer-fighting agents. Through an anti-mutant factor, the polyphenols aid cell DNA to reproduce accurately rather than mutate, which may lead to cancer. Polyphenols have been found to increase white blood cells which fight infection in the body. Medicines made with polyphenols from tea extracts have become part of the treatment for nephritis, chronic hepatitis, and leukemia in China.
Tea also works against heart attacks and strokes.
Through its role as a gentle stimulant to the heart and circulatory system, it strengthens and keeps the blood vessel walls soft. The polyphenols in tea inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the digestive tract and the bloodstream, and decrease the blood's tendency to form unwanted clots. In a book, Chinese Herbal Remedies, Dr. Albert Y. Leung indicates that researchers claim that tea contains germicidal elements which help prevent food poisoning and diseases like cholera, typhoid and dysentery. Washing with tea is thought to prevent breaking out on the face, and is a home remedy for cuts, sunburn, and insect bites. The flouride in tea can strengthen bones to help ward off osteoporosis as it strengthens dental enamel.