BENEFITS OF GREEN TEA
Why people drink Japanese green tea
For thousands of years, healers across India, China and Japan have used green tea to support health and wellbeing.
CONTAINS HEALTHY BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS
Tea is rich in polyphenols, which are natural compounds that have health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and helping to fight cancer.
Green tea contains a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Catechins are natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and provide other benefits.
MAY IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION
Green tea does more than just keep you alert, it may also help boost brain function. The key active ingredient is caffeine, which is a known stimulant. It doesn’t contain as much as coffee, but enough to produce a response without causing the jittery effects associated with taking in too much caffeine.
Caffeine affects the brain by blocking an inhibitory neurotransmitter called adenosine. This way, it increases the firing of neurons and the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine
INCREASES FAT BURNING
If you look at the ingredients list for any fat burning supplement, chances are, green tea will be on there.
This is because, according to research, green tea can increase fat burning and boost metabolic rate (12).
In one study involving 10 healthy men, taking green tea extract increased the number of calories burned by 4%. In another involving 12 healthy men, green tea extract increased fat oxidation by 17%, compared with those taking a placebo
MAY PROTECT THE BRAIN FROM AGING
Not only can green tea improve brain function in the short term, it may also protect your brain as you age.Alzheimer’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia in older adults (27Trusted Source).
Parkinson’s disease is another common neurodegenerative disease and involves the death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.
ANTIOXIDANTS MAY LOWER THE RISK OF SOME CANCERS
Cancer is caused by uncontrolled growth of cells. It’s one of the world’s leading causes of death.
Research has shown that oxidative damage can lead to chronic inflammation, which can lead to chronic diseases, including cancers. Antioxidants can help protect against oxidative damage (20Trusted Source).
Green tea is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of tea?
There are three main types of tea produced in the world. Black, green and oolong. The difference in types is based, to some extent, on plant variety and most significantly on processing technique.
How many varieties of tea are there?
There are over 1000 varieties of tea, classified as white, green, oolong, and black.
Which tea is healthier?
More antioxidants and less caffeine means green tea is typically considered the healthier option.
Where did Green Tea originate from?
Green tea originated in south-west China and has been used as a beverage and medicine in China since 2700 BC.
Are there health benefits in drinking green tea?
Green tea is high in protective polyphenols. These are known to protect the body against disease and make an important contribution towards a healthy, balanced diet.
Is green tea safe for everyone?
If you’ve been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anaemia you should be aware that, like other teas, green tea contains natural compounds called tannins. These compounds interfere with the absorption of iron – for this reason it’s useful to avoid drinking tea with an iron-rich meal and leave at least one hour before having a brew.
What is Macha tea?
Macha is a type of green tea made from the powdered leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Originally served at tea ceremonies in Japan, so called Macha tea is now widely available and used in cooking.
What is the shelf life of tea?
Pure tea has a shelf life of 1-2 years. Tea with preservatives has an average shelf life of 12-36 months.
Is leaf tea better than tea bags?
Loose leaf may contain more bioactives because they use higher quality leaves. The leaves in teabags are cut smaller, and this is thought to enhance the extraction process.
Does milk change the health benefits of tea?
Some studies have suggested milk alters the antioxidant activity and health benefits of tea. But others have shown the same level of antioxidants reach the blood after consuming tea with and without milk.
How long should tea be brewed?
Getting the maximum health benefit from your cuppa is more about the brewing than the tea you choose. Brewing with freshly boiled water for two to three minutes, as per the instructions, extracts about 60 per cent of the catechins, 75 per cent of the caffeine and 80 per cent of the L-theanine. The longer you brew the more bioactives you get, but also the stronger the taste.
Japanese green tea, grown in Australia.
To be mindful is to be fully present with whatever we are doing. If you are drinking your tea, just drink your tea. Do not drink your worries, your projects, your regrets. When you hold your cup, you may like to breathe in, to bring your mind back to your body, stop your thinking, and become fully present. In that moment, you become real and the cup of tea becomes real. In this state of true presence and freedom you enjoy simply drinking your tea.
Thich Nhat Hanh