Some Benefits of Drinking Green Tea

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Green tea gets its name and character from being fired and prepared before the leaves are oxidized. This creates a milder tea than black or other strong teas. Green tea is essentially 99.9% water, but the 00.1% packs a punch.

Some Green Tea History

The Chinese have considered Green tea a powerful medication for at least 4000 years. According to legend, tea was discovered by a Chinese emperor called Shen Nung. Some tea leaves accidentally fell into boiling water, and he tried it and found it invigorating. Green tea became part of the Chinese diet and many important health benefits were attributed to it. Recent medical studies in both Asia and the west are providing a scientific basis for the claim that drinking green tea has very significant health benefits.

Green tea, like black tea, is made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis. The difference between the three main types of tea is the way that they are produced. Green tea is unfermented tea meaning that the leaves used for green tea are steamed soon after been plucked in order to prevent the oxidation of the leaves. In this way, the leaves remain green and the active substances within the leaves retain their qualities. Black teas, on the other hand, are made from fermented leaves. As a result, black teas have less nutritional and enzyme content than green teas. Thus, green and black teas have different chemical properties.

Green Tea and Health

Modern science has in recent times been able to demonstrate that green tea is beneficial to one’s health. This is mainly due to the fact that tea contains high levels of antioxidants called polyphenols or flavonoids. The antioxidant activity of tea has been compared to that of fruits and vegetables in a number of studies. Antioxidants help your body fight against free radicals which cause damage to cells and tissues in your body. These free radicals are the major contributing factors to aging as well as the ensuing degeneration of cells as a result of it. Scientists have reason to believe that free radicals also play a role in various degenerative diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism, Alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer. Therefore, a diet rich in antioxidants is a great way to protect your health.

Many attribute green tea to health benefits such as:

• Reduced cholesterol
• Weight loss
• Better brain function
• Fighting Cancer

There are still many questions about each of these statements, and the research is too limited to make any definitive assertions. Discuss any health-related claims or actions with your healthcare provider.

Green tea has been a documented health remedy since ancient times in Eastern Medicine. Chinese medical providers used green tea to regulate organs, improve digestion, and heal wounds. While we may not have all of the scientific evidence to back all of these claims, we can agree that drinking a cup of tea (not overloaded with sugar) instead of a sugary soda is likely better for you and may help with overall health.

Remember Moderation

Green tea is filled with antioxidants and has some caffeine, which can help keep your energy up and fight off free radicals in your bloodstream. However, too much of a good thing can be too much. Drinking green tea in large quantities may cause other issues. Be certain to exercise moderation and talk to your healthcare provider to make sure there are no contraindications for you.

Other Ways to Get Your Green Tea

You can still get some of the benefits of green tea without drinking a cup of tea. This may also add some variety to your dishes

Mix tea in your oatmeal- Mix green tea powder into your morning oatmeal for a sweet and flavorful way to start the day.

Make a smoothie- Load your blender with nutritious fruits and veggies and add some green tea to boost your energy.

Make a compound butter- Infuse green tea leaves or powder into fresh butter to use on muffins, breads, or pancakes.

Pour over rice and meat like a soup- Infuse green tea into hot broth or water and pour over a ramen or rice bowl. Add your favorite meats and veggies and you are set.

Ice cream- Green tea ice cream and frozen yogurt are readily available at your grocer.

Cookies- Cookies, cakes, and other baked treats are amazing when flavored with green tea.

Conclusion

Like all tea, green tea is a preference and is as good as any other style of tea. Your personal taste and the effects you want from the choice of tea are all that matter. Play around with different styles of green tea and determine which regions of the world and infusions of flavors you prefer.

Whether you enjoy your green tea hot, iced, or served in a food product, there are unlimited ways to enjoy the effects and the flavor of green tea. Experiment and share your favorite ideas with the ones you love.

Loving Life — The Reboot!

Dominique

This article provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.