So - if you can do the math, everyone who entered the giveaway for The Italian Lover won a copy of the book and a $5.00 Gift Certificate for tea at The Ivy Keep. All but one of the winners has contacted me with thier address information, so I have sent that information on to our Contest Sponsor. Congratulations to our CONFIRMED WINNERS:

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How Tea Can Make Your Mouth Healthy

Throughout history, teas have been used to aid in the relief of ailments and as a medicinal treatment. Recently, though, research has shown that certain teas may also help your teeth and gums.

The Findings

There are two different types of tea that can make your mouth healthy.

Researchers at the Vivekanada Institute of Medical Sciences in Kolkata, India have found that drinking black tea may prevent oral cancer due to chemicals called polyphenols that reverse cancer-causing changes to the DNA of cells in the mouth. Some scientists also believe that compounds in black tea may attack harmful bacteria in the mouth, helping to prevent cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.

Research has found that this is true of green teas, as well. The antioxidants in the green tea fight off oral plaque and bacteria (Horiba N et al 1991; Otake S et al 1991; Rasheed A et al 1998). Other research has found that green tea prevents the breaking down and decay of teeth and their bone support. Dead bacteria also mean fresher breath.

What You Should Do

To get these healthy mouth benefits you simply need to drink tea. It is suggested that you drink 2 to 5 cups of tea a day to get the full benefits.

Other Sources:

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_9_32/ai_94639442

http://www.lef.org/protocols/dental/gingivitis_01.htm

http://worldental.org/nutrition/is-tea-a-good-drink-for-teeth/

http://www.scidev.net/en/news/drinking-black-tea-reduces-risk-of-mouth-cancer.html

http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0300571200000543

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How to Relieve Stress with Tea

For centuries, teas have been used as stress relievers. Today, there is medical research to back up those claims and many commercially produced teas that promote relaxation.

The Research

Recently, a study by the University College in London, published in the October issue of the medical journal Psychopharmacology, found that the participants that drank black tea were 20% less stressed than those who didn’t. This is good news for those looking to ease stress with an inexpensive cup of tea.

What Teas Reduce Stress?

The best teas for reducing stress contain little caffeine. Caffeine can cause jitters, which are not conductive to stress relief.

Teas made from comforting herbs such as lavender, chamomile, basil, dill, and/or orange peel are all good choices.

Green teas are also a good choice because they contain amino acids, which have been found to calm the body.

Teas made from infused passionflower are recognized by the Commission E of the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices as a treatment for nervousness. It is believed that passionflower is such a good tea for those suffering from stress because it may contain naturally occurring serotonin.

It may take trial and error to find the tea that works best for you, but once you find the right one, you can say good-bye to stress.

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