The many well-researched health benefits of green tea make it a great beverage to include in your diet for the prevention and treatment of cancer, heart problems, cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol levels, rheumatoid arthritis, infection, tooth decay, and many others. Green tea contains an antioxidant called epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG) which is also helpful in treating a variety of diseases.
Green tea has acquired a prestigious place among beverages and it is one of the first drinks that come to mind in terms of antioxidant components. Within a relatively short time, it has gained a global following of billions and many lovers of normal tea have switched over to green tea because of its undeniable health benefits. Those who are accustomed to normal tea may not like the striking taste of green tea the first time, but between the boost to your health, the ease of access, and the slightly addictive quality of the taste, it will probably win over normal tea lovers in no time.
The question is, what is there in green tea that makes it so special and healthy? Also, what is the correct way to use it? What products available on the market are based on green tea? With any wildly popular health phenomenon, there are plenty of questions, and we have tried to answer the major ones below.
What is Green Tea?
Unbeknownst to many, green tea actually comes from the same plant where normal tea is obtained. Scientifically, it is known as Camellia Sinensis. In fact, it is the same tea but it is processed differently. The normal black tea is obtained by fermenting the tea leaves. This fermentation changes its color and flavor, while raising the level of caffeine and tannin in it. On the other hand, in the case of Green Tea, the tea leaves are dried or slightly steamed but not fermented. This is what makes it look green when it’s brewed.
Nutritional Value: Green Tea
Along with caffeine, which gives green tea its characteristic taste, bitterness and stimulating effect, green tea is also rich in a group of chemicals, called Catechin Polyphenols (Commonly known as Tannins, which contribute to bitter taste and astringency). These Catechin Polyphenols include Catechin, Epicatechin, Epicatechin Gallate (ECG), Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), and various Pro-Anthocyanidins. They are also known as Flavonoids, and are very powerful antioxidants. Flavonoids, together with some amino acids like Thianine, are responsible for the potent flavor of green tea. Furthermore, green tea also contains Amino Acids such as Theanine, Butyric Acid & Liganin; Xanthine Alkaloids such as Adenine, Dimethylxanthine, Theobromine, Theophylline and Xanthine; Pectin (also found in fruits); saccharides (sugar), Chlorophyll and Triterpene Saponins. Some vitamins, like vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin C and vitamin E are also found in green tea. After that impressive list, perhaps you are beginning to understand how packed green tea is with nutrients and beneficial components.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
The health benefits of green tea are primarily due to its antioxidant properties that come from its caffeine, Catechin Polyphenols and Theonine content. The major health benefits stemming from antioxidant effects are listed below.
Anti-Aging: The free radicals created in the body are responsible for corroding the body in various ways, one of which we see as the signs of aging and the related symptoms. The main job of antioxidants is to neutralize the oxidants or free radicals present in the body and green tea is very rich in antioxidants. The Catechin Polyphenols present in green tea are hugely responsible for the antioxidizing effects, the most powerful among them being the Epigallocatechin Gallate. Therefore, regular consumption of green tea can effectively delay the signs and symptoms of aging.
Stimulating: One of the primary reasons for the popularity and consumption of all kinds of tea by human civilizations is its stimulating effect. This effect, again, is due to the Caffeine and Tannins present within the tea leaves. Caffeine & Tannins, despite their potentially adverse effects on health in the long run, act as very powerful stimulants. That is why a cup of tea makes you feel fresh and highly energized. Tea is an easy and ideal solution to counter fatigue, laziness, sleepiness and lack of energy, and to improve blood circulation. This is why it is so popular with a wide variety of people in various industries, including professionals, housewives, students, and anyone else who has ever felt a bit drowsy during the day!
Immunity Boosting: Research shows that people who regularly drink green tea do not fall victim to common bacterial and viral infections as easily as those who do not add green tea to their diet. The message is clear. Green Tea boosts the strength of the immune system. The Catechins present in green tea prevent bacteria and viruses from attaching themselves to cell walls in order to infect them. These Catechins also counter the toxins released by microbes. This antimicrobial property also protects you from bad breath, dysentery, diarrhea, tooth decay, indigestion, flu, cough & cold, and colitis, all of which are caused, in some way, by microbial & fungal action.
Astringency: This is yet another powerful benefit of green tea. Astringent substances trigger contractions in muscles and tissues, while toning up muscles and skin. Even if you do not wish to drink green tea, a simple, daily mouthwash with green tea can cause sufficient contraction in your gums to keep them firm and tight on the teeth, thus preventing loosening and loss of teeth. You can also wash your hair with green tea and feel it grow stronger and healthier every day.
