Green tea – panacea in a cup

Legend has it that in ancient times, a Chinese emperor was drinking some hot water when leaves from a nearby tea shrub (Camellia sinensis) dropped into his cup. He liked the soothing drink that resulted from this chance event. And so began what is today a worldwide love affair with tea. Many Chinese people have been drinking green tea for centuries for all the positive aspects that it brings to your health. This has spread to people worldwide and green tea is now the second most popular beverage in the world.

Interestingly, research studies in recent years have confirmed the presence of various healing substances that provide the therapeutic properties long ascribed to the ubiquitous tea leaf. Of particular importance are potent antioxidant chemicals called polyphenols that help guard against many kinds of basic cell damage.

There are three types of tea: Black, Oolong, and Green tea. The difference between the Green tea and the others is that green tea is not fermented, thus keeping in the powerful antioxidants lost in the fermenting process.

Green tea is well established as a potent source of healing antioxidants–the same beneficial compounds found in fruits and vegetables, and even in red wine. The leaf also boasts the presence of a superstar antioxidant called EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate) as well as other notable healing substances, including fluoride, catechins, and tannins.

For example, ongoing research suggests that thanks to its numerous and varied antioxidant compounds, sipping green tea regularly may help to prevent various types of cancer, guard against heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure. It also promotes longevity, staves off tooth decay (the tea contains the cavity fighter, fluoride), help heal gum infections, and provide a number of other benefits.

Researchers have found that only about 10 ounces of green tea will significantly increase the body’s antioxidant capacity for at least two hours. These increases are similar to those reported after drinking 10 ounces of red wine, another famed source of antioxidants; however, wine should be limited as a health drink because of its alcoholic content.

Because it contains astringent tannin compounds, green tea in moderation can ease indigestion, diaorrhea, and other forms of stomach upset. Swiss researchers even have preliminary evidence that green tea accelerates the burning of fat calories in people who are overweight. A small but interesting 1999 study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation in men who took a green tea extract as opposed to a placebo or caffeine alone.

There is now good evidence that green tea catechins are related to reductions in body fat. but a balanced diet and exercise, lots of it, are of paramount importance to any weight reduction program. High-grade green teas contain more polyphenols than ordinary teas. They are also delicious! Unfermented green tea leaves are the least processed form of tea. Drinking green tea from 100% quality tea leaves is the most natural way to gain these health benefits

How to prepare Green tea:

Put a cup of water to boil. Just before boiling point is reached, discontinue heating and immediately add 1 teaspoon of the green tea leaves. Cover the lid and allow to infuse for a couple of minutes. Strain and consume the water with sugar to taste (optional). Feel the vitality flow in.

Frequency:

• Consume as often as required. Ideally 8-10 cups of tea (or bout 1200ml.) per day would be ideal for good health and slowing the aging process. A person should start his day by drinking 2-3 cups till breakfast.

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