- See also Green tea at Wikipedia.
Green tea is made from the unfermented leaves of Camellia sinensis by quick drying, and thus has limited amounts of tannin. It is produced in China, Japan, Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and elsewhere.
There are various flavours and types of green tea: some commercial firms produce lemon, mint and Earl Grey Tea flavoured green teas.
Green tea has several health benefits, partly because of the fluoride element in the tea leaves. Green tea is one of the most widely consumed teas in the entire world. It was initially used as a medicine for thousands of years in China and is now widely used all over Asia. It is made using the leaves of Chinese Camellia sinensis plant that are quickly heated after picking either by steaming or by dry cooking to minimize oxidation. Besides being a tasty beverage, green tea has a unique set of natural chemicals that provide a host of health benefits. It can also be used as a mouthwash. It is used in some sweets.
Varieties[]
Benefits[]
- Green tea’s health benefits stems from its powerful antioxidants known as catechins. Regular consumption of green tea will kill free radicals and prevent skin damage and wrinkling. ECGC is 200 times more powerful than Vitamin E at destroying skin damaging free radicals. Green tea contains potent antioxidants that have a positive impact on many skin cells. Polyphenols and flavonoids found in green tea boosts our immune system and make us healthy and strong.
- Green tea has a very strong and positive impact on cancer cells and has been proven to provide life changing benefits. ECGC is also known to prevent lung, prostrate, esophageal, bladder and stomach cancer by suppressing cancer growing cells. It also inhibits colorectal cancer. Catechins in green tea deactivate certain carcinogen and reduce the formation and growth of growth of tumors. Drinking green tea before and after cancer surgery significantly lowers the risk of its re occurrence.
- Green tea improves lipid and glucose metabolism and prevents sharp increase in blood sugar level. ECGC improves the usage of insulin in the body and prevents blood sugar rise that can result in fatigue, irritability and craving for unhealthy foods; thus it balances blood sugar level in the body.
- Green tea is well known for promoting weight loss and for helping to fight obesity. Green tea contains an important plant nutrient known as epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG. This EGGC present in green tea increase that rate of fat burning in our body which particularly aims to burn the fat of the abdomen area by 77 percent. The polyphenols found in green tea is also useful in dissolving triglycerides which is mainly made of sugar and fat. Catechins found in green tea produce heat within the body which helps to burn calories. At 3 cups of green tea is recommended to raise the body’s metabolic rate.
- Green tea is also helpful in easing the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis fractures. It helps to diminish bone loss through its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The polyphenol antioxidants present in green tea reduces the intensity and severity of arthritis and reduces joint swelling and pain. Many doctor recommend green tea as a legitimate remedy for treating arthritis.
- Enzymes found in green lower the risk of causing damage to brain cells. ECGC prevents the chemical reactions that can lead to nerve damage and further lead to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Polyphenols in green tea maintain the parts of the brain that regulate learning and memory. (image 3)
- Green tea also helps to ward of infections and allergies like watery eyes and running nose by blocking cell receptors like histamine and immunologic, the two compounds that are involved in producing allergic reactions. So if you have allergies, do consider drinking green tea.
- The antibacterial and natural fluoride found in green tea kill the bacteria that causes tooth decay, bad cavities and gum diseases. But adding sweeteners like sugar or honey will negate these benefits.
- Green tea lowers and stabilizes cholesterol level in the body by reducing its absorption in the digestive tract and increases the level of its secretion. It also prevents the conversion of LDL cholesterol into Oxidized LDL, the more dangerous and oxidized form of cholesterol. Green tea also keeps the arteries clean.
- Green tea also prevents high blood pressure by repressing angiotensin which leads to high blood pressure.
- Drinking green tea reduces the risk of developing stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Studies have revealed that people who drink more than 5 cups of green tea have 16% less chance of death due to cardiovascular disease. The antioxidant present in Green tea is particularly beneficial in preventing strokes due to blocked arteries.
- Theanine, an amino acid, found in green tea provides a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and soothes the senses. It is also a great stress reliever.