1. What are antioxidants?

The human body constantly produces unstable molecules called oxidants, also commonly referred to as free radicals. To become stable, oxidants steal electrons from other molecules and, in process, damage cell proteins and genetic material. This damage may leave cell vulnerable to cancer. Antioxidants are substances that allow human body to scavenge and seize oxidants. Like other antioxidants, catechins found in tea selectively inhibit specific enzyme activities that lead to cancer. They may also target and repair DNA aberrations caused by oxidants (1).

2. What is level of antioxidants found in tea?

All varieties of tea come from leaves of a single evergreen plant, Camellia sinensis. All tea leaves are picked, rolled, dried, and heated. With additional process of allowing leaves to ferment and oxidize, black tea is produced. Possibly because it is less processed, green tea contains higher levels of antioxidants than black tea.

Although tea is consumed in a variety of ways and varies in its chemical makeup, one study showed steeping either green or black tea for about five minutes released over 80 percent of its catechins. Instant iced tea, on other hand, contains negligible amounts of catechins (1).

3. What are laboratory findings?

“The fda is responsible for protecting public health by assuring safety, efficacy and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products …, our Nations food supply …”

“The fda is also responsible for … helping public get accurate, science based information they need to use medicines and foods to improve their health.”

With that mission statement in mind, let’s take a look at this tragic situation:

As reported by Associated Press on February 14th, 2005 –

Canada has ordered removal of a drug for adhd – Adderall XR, Because of links to 20 sudden deaths and 12 strokes from people taking this drug. 14 of these deaths were children and 2 of 12 strokes were children who were taking drug.

None of these deaths or strokes took place in Canada and none of reactions were from misuse or abuse of drug. The reactions were from normal consumption of drug.

Canada is also asking makers of similar drugs for treating this condition, “to provide a thorough review of their worldwide safety data.”

In stark contrast to Canadian reaction, here is statement from United States fda –

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, however, said it had evaluated same reports on Adderall XR and doesn’t think data warrants similar action in United States.”