Green Tea Information

Health Benefits of Green Tea

For several thousand years, green tea has been used throughout Asia, and especially in China, as medicine for all kinds of problems like poor digestion, body aches and pains, headaches, depression and general improved well being.

Very little processing is required to produce green tea. Most of the time, leaves are dried immediately after harvesting or briefly steamed prior to drying. Because of this minimal processing, the leaves keep their green color, do not oxidize and more importantly, they keep the very valuable ingredients that contribute to their healing properties. Green tea leaves contain caffeine*, tannins, essential oils, proteins, vitamins, minerals and trace elements such as fluoride, zinc and potassium.

Green tea is naturally rich in antioxidants, including EGCG. Antioxidants are needed by the body to protect cells from free radicals (unstable molecules found in our cells). Too much free radical damage, over time, can lead to diseases including cancer. As part of our regular cell processing, antioxidants attach themselves to free radicals and this results in the neutralization of these molecules.

Drinking green tea regularly has been linked (though research ) with the prevention of cancer, lowering bad cholesterol, improving the ratio between good (hdl) and bad (ldl) cholesterol, preventing abnormal blood clotting and strokes. Green tea has also been known to lower blood sugar, reducing diabetic symptoms. It should be noted that drinking coffee, even black coffee will raise blood sugar. This is from the organic acids that raise insulin levels.

Green tea is very good for arthritis sufferers because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

The caffeine in green tea has an invigorating effect which promotes concentration. Green tea has almost half as much caffeine as coffee, but it could still keep you up at night if you drink it too late in the day. *Vemma's mangosteen juice has decaffeinated green tea in it, so you don't have to worry about that.

Green tea also has the trace element fluorine which helps to fight tooth decay. Just one cup of tea a day will help in the prevention of tooth decay. Green tea is also ideal after dinner as a palette cleanser.

Many Naturopaths recommend green tea to cleanse the body. It has antibacterial, bacteria destroying abilities, and is a useful addition to all types of detoxification diets. It contains no calories, no carbs and is referred to as the 'fat eater' in China due to its cholesterol-lowering properties. Studies show green tea can aid in weight loss by allowing more calories to be burned.

Green tea is an excellent thirst quencher. It is enjoyed at any time of the day and is also delicious hot or cold. Try it with a squeeze of lemon, over ice for a very refreshing drink.

Drinking Green Tea

Usual Preparation of The Tea: Use one level teaspoon of tea leaves per cup. Boil your water and then let the water sit for a couple of minutes - to cool slightly. Boil to 70 degrees Celsius if you have one of those fancy kettles. Pour the water over the tea and leave the tea to brew.

Brewing the tea for 2-3 minutes will give you a mild tasting but highly stimulating tea.

Brewing the tea for 4-6 minutes yields a less stimulating and stronger tasting tea.

Special Note: The caffeine in caffeinated green tea can cause heart palpitations in sensitive people. To reduce the amount of caffeine in your tea, put one teaspoon of leaves in your cup, pour a little bit of hot water over it and allow it to stand for 30 seconds then strain. Now use the leaves to prepare your tea as usual.

Buying green tea in most supermarkets will not give you as high a quality as you can find online. House of Nutrition has organic green tea, decaffeinated green tea, green tea with lemongrass and many more teas at very reasonable prices. House of Nutrition Homepage
There are a few listed on the right, but they have many more on the site, including ones with Echinacea and Ginko.

Of course, you can take your green tea in capsule form, if you are not fond of drinking green tea. I've listed some on the right as well.

Long Life's Tea Green Organic 20Bags $4.19**

Alvita Teas - Chinese Green Tea W/ Lemon 24Bags $6.59

Long Life Tea Herb Organic Green With Jasmine $4.19 **

Maitake's Mai Green Tea 20Bags $8.95**

Green Tea originated in China where it has been used for thousands of years, primarily as a tea. Tea is the most popular beverage in the world. Ingredients: Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) (leaf), 450mg; Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule up to three times daily with meals or a glass of water. Store in a cool, dry place.

Solaray's Green Tea 450mg 100Caps $4.85**