Archive for January, 2008
More great news about drinking green tea! According to a recent Japanese study published in the online version of the American Journal of Epidemiology, drinking five or more cups of green tea a day could halve the risks of developing advanced prostate cancer.
A research team from Japan’s health ministry surveyed 49,920 men aged 40-69 across the nation in 1990 and 1993 and followed up on their health until 2004, the National Cancer Centre said. During this time, 404 men were newly diagnosed with prostate cancer, of whom 114 had advanced cases, 271 were localised, and 19 were of an undetermined stage.
An analysis found the risks of having advanced prostate cancer was 50 percent lower for men who drink five or more cups of green tea a day compared with those who have less than one cup, the study said.
The incidence of prostate cancer is much lower in Asian than Western populations. The study began on the assumption that this may be linked to the high consumption of green tea in Asian populations.
January 17 2008 | Tea and Health | 1 Comment »
Traditionally, the Fair Trade system operates by rewarding certified producers with a premium that is collected in addition to the wholesale cost of their products. These premiums are then reinvested into the producer’s communities for their social and/or environmental betterment. However, beginning in February of this year, FLO International will (for the first time ever) introduce minimum prices for certain Fair Trade Certified teas.
A Diverse Tea Marketplace
Tea is one of Fair Trade’s most diverse products, with grades and types of tea ranging from the fine-grade mass-market teas that are used in tea-bags to high quality specialty leaf and organic teas (such as those featured by www.ArborTeas.com). Market prices for tea vary tremendously, not just according to grade and type, but also depending on what production methods are used and the geographical origin of the tea.
A Challenging Environment for the Tea Producer
FLO’s decision to introduce minimum prices reflects concerns over downward trends in global market prices for tea over the past five years. Faced with global oversupply of tea, producers in many regions are now selling much of their product at below the cost of production. FLO anticipates that the new pricing system for tea will help tea farmers around the world to meet their costs of production, and to support the sustainable development of their business, even if market prices fall still further.
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January 17 2008 | Fair Trade | No Comments »
According to a recent article in Sri Lanka’s English-language newpaper, The Sunday Times, that country’s Fair Trade Certified tea producers have continued to receive growing demand for their products, particularly in Western Europe. We are very proud to carry an exceptional example of that country’s organic and Fair Trade Certified tea production - our Greenwood Estate Ceylon Black Tea.
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January 17 2008 | Fair Trade | No Comments »
