The Benefits of Green Tea

Green came from China, and the leaves are from Camellia Sinensis. Though it originates from Asia, it has become more widespread in West.

According to the researches of the University of Maryland Medical Center, green tea is the second widely consumed beverage after only water.
The research shows that green tea drinkers may have a lower risk of developing heart disease and some types of cancer.

The content of flavonoids of green tea is higher than in the same content of another food or drink items, however, the content of flavonoids may vary highly.

The legendary origins of the consumption have begun more than 4.000 years ago. In most of Asia, including Japan, China, Thailand and Vietnam green tea has been used as both  a medicine and beverage to help from controlling bleeding, healing wounds, regulating blood sugar, body temperature, and promoting digestion.

There are several main types of green tea: Chinese (Jasmine tea, Mao Feng), Japanese (Gyokuro, Sencha), green tea from Ceylon and Kahwah.

A variety of enzymes, caffeine, carotenoids, amino acids, carbohydrates, sterols, lipids,  vitamins,  polyphenols, dietary minerals and phytochemicals are contained in green tea. There are many claims for the health benefits of green tea. According to a 2012 systematic review,  there is an evidence that green tea can prevent cancer, but the review was called ‘’inadequate and inconclusive’’ nevertheless there are several types of cancer (breast, ovarian, endometrial, prostate) for which green tea is helpful.

There is a variety of ways of processing and growing green tea. Maximum amounts of antioxidants and polyphenols are retained due to these methods and accordingly they give maximum green tea benefits.

1000s of studies have shown tea’s benefits in the last 20 years. Here is a list of some benefits of green tea about which you may not have been aware of.

•    Weight Loss. Metabolism is increased due to the green tea. Green tea contains polyphenol that helps to intensify the rate at which food is turned into calories and levels of fat oxidation.

•    Diabetes. Glucose levels are regulated with the help of green tea slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. High insulin spikes can be prevented by green tea, which results in fat storage.

•    Heart Diseases. Scientifically it is proved that green tea helps to keep the lining of blood vessels stay relaxed and be better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. Green tea is the perfect solution against formation of clots, which is the primary cause of heart attacks.

•    Esophageal cancer. The possible risk of esophageal cancer can be reduced due to the green tea. And it is thought to kill cancer cells without damaging the healthy tissue around them.

•    Cholesterol. Bad cholesterol in the blood is reduced, and the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol is improved by green tea.

•    Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It is believed that the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s is delayed due to the green tea.

•    Tooth Decay. Studies reveal that the chemical antioxidant ‘’catechin’’ contained in tea can destroy viruses and bacteria which cause dental caries, throat infections and other dental conditions.

•    Blood Pressure. It is thought that regular consumption of green tea reduces the risk of high blood pressure.

•    Depression. It is thought that theanine found in tea leaves provides a tranquilizing and relaxing effect and gives a great benefit to tea drinkers.

•    Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial. Being strong antibacterial and antiviral agents, tea catechins are effective for influenza to cancer.

•    Skincare. Green tea helps with wrinkles and the signs of aging due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Green tea can reduce sun damage which is demonstrated by both animal and human studies.

These are some of the many benefits of green tea, but a cup of tea will not give you all the abundant gains. Another thing to mention is that a cup of green tea is your limit if you are sensitive to caffeine.

As for me, I am a green tea drinker for the love of the taste. I prefer flavored Jasmine tea (it is one of the most popular teas in the world). Cheap Jasmine tea, the kind you get at some Chinese restaurants or markets, is often made with artificial flavors and low-grade teas and tastes like a bad perfume. Good quality Jasmine green teas have been naturally scented with real jasmine flowers and have a delicious sweet floral flavor that many people love. Green tea has the best taste prepared with nearly boiling water. Too hot water can cause bitterness.