The Healthiest Bevarage On The Planet – Green Tea
What Is Green Tea ?
Green Tea is a type of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis leaves. Green tea originated in China, but its production has spread to many countries in Asia. Camellia sinensis is a species of evergreen shrub or small tree whose leaves and leaf buds are used to produce tea. Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world behind water. However, 78 percent of the tea consumed worldwide is black and only about 20 percent is green. All types of tea, except herbal tea, are brewed from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis bush. The level of oxidation of the leaves determines the type of tea. Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves and is one of the less processed types of tea (with white tea the least) and therefore contains the most antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols.
Health Benefits Of Green Tea
1. Prevents Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, it has shown that the polyphenols in tea helps to decrease tumor growth. In countries where green tea consumption is high, cancer rates tend to be lower. Studies has shown positive impact on breast cancer, blader cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, stomach cancer etc. The high levels of polyphenols helps to kill the cancer cell and stop the growth.
2. Heart Benefits
Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are the biggest causes of death in the world. It dramatically increases the antioxidant capability of the blood, which protects the LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation, which is one part of the pathway towards heart disease. It also lowers total and LDL cholesterol.
3. Reduces Type 2 Diabetes
This disease involves having elevated blood sugar levels in the context of insulin resistance or an inability to produce insulin. Studies has shown a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes for green tea drinkers than for those who consumed no tea. Green tea can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels.
4. Improve Brain Function
Green tea can make you smarter. The key ingredient is caffeine, which is a known stimulant. Although it doesn’t contain as much as coffee, but enough to produce a response without causing the nervous effects associated with too much caffeine. Caffeine has been intensively studied before and consistently leads to improvements in various aspects of brain function, including improved mood, vigilance, reaction time and memory. Green tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which can work synergistically with caffeine to improve brain function.
5. Improve Dental Health
Studies show that they can kill bacteria and inhibit viruses like the influenza virus, potentially lowering your risk of infections. The catechins in green tea can inhibit the growth of streptococcus mutans. Green tea consumption is associated with improved dental health and a lower risk of caries. The catechins in green tea may inhibit the growth of bacteria and some viruses. This can lower the risk of infections and lead to improvements in dental health, a lower risk of caries and reduced bad breath.
How to Make Green Tea ?
- Take one teaspoon of green tea leaves in a tea strainer.
- Place the tea strainer or sieve into an open mug or cup.
- Pour the heated water into the cup through the tea leaves.
- Steep the tea leaves for 2 – 3 minutes.
- Add honey or other sweeteners for a good taste.
- Serve it hot