What makes green tea popular? What’s the health benefits and medicinal qualities of green tea?

Green tea has its origin in China. It is prepared from the leaves of Camellia sinensisrich. Green tea has now become a popular health beverage throughout the world.

For thousands of years green tea has been used as a medicine. Recently it is gaining popularity all over the world for its health benefits and medicinal qualities. As the processing of green tea is different from normal tea, it has a high concentration of antioxidants.

Did you know? Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world behind water. Black tea consumption is up to 78% and green tea has its share at 20%.

For the preparation of black tea, leaves are taken through a process called fermentation, whereas green tea processing avoids the fermentation process. Green tea is prepared by steaming fresh leaves at high temperatures. Since green tea is made from un-oxidised leaves (one of the less processed tea), it is rich in antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols. Green tea is considered to be a beverage with zero calorie. Caffeine content of green tea is relatively less when compared with black tea. Due to all these peculiar characteristics green tea is regarded as one of the healthiest drinks in the world.

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 sweetners for a good taste.

Increases your eyesight

Green tea is considered to have a positive effect on increasing the eyesight.  The antioxidants present in green tea is responsible for this property. Antioxidant are capable of being absorbed into the eye tissues. This reduces oxidative stress and helps in improving eye sight. Presence of other nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin can also protect the delicate eye tissues from glaucoma and other eye diseases.

Lowers blood cholesterol

Consumption of more oily food puts you at the risk of high level of cholesterol, leading to cardiovascular diseases. Green tea may help you to keep your cholesterol levels at bay. The presence of high percentage of antioxidants, EGCG (It is a  catechin in tea, a polyphenol which can have a positive effect on health and disease) can inhibit the absorption of cholesterol from the large intestine. Thus reducing the risk for heart-related complications.

Green tea plantations

Makes your skin more resistant against UV rays

The catechins presence in green tea can have a decisive impact on your skin. It can make your skin more resistant to the effects of UV rays. The harmful effects of UV radiations like premature skin aging and skin redness can be reduced with the use of green tea. Exposure to UV radiations from the sun may cause inflammation. Green tea supplementation can be used to reduce inflammations.

Improves dental health and lowers the risk of infection

Catechins in green tea have other biological effects as well. Studies reveal that they can inhibit the growth of  viruses like influenza virus, lowering the risk of infections. Essential elements in green tea can reduce plague formation in dental cavities and provides relief against tooth ache. Thus taking green tea helps to improve dental health and lower the risk of carries.