Green Tea – A Refreshing Supplement
Green tea has been used in China for centuries as a health supplement and cure for many ailments. While green tea was once found only in Asian markets and health food stores, green tea is now found in every mainstream supermarket and is used as a health drink, weight loss supplement and a refreshing beverage.
There are many known health benefits of green tea. Like black tea, green tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. Green tea is specially processed using steam instead of fermentation like black teas so that the leaves do not turn brown. This keeps the EGCG from being oxidized, leaving all its benefits in place. Green tea also contains less caffeine than black tea.
EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) is a powerful antioxidant found in green tea. This antioxidant is thought to be responsible health benefits including lowered LDL cholesterol levels and inhibition of the abnormal development of blood clots which lowers the incidence of heart attacks and strokes. EGCG is also known to help inhibit the growth of cancer cells, killing cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.
As we continue to study green tea, we are finding more health benefits. Green tea is helpful in preventing cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and even aids in recovery from infection. Green tea also helps provide a boost for weakened immune systems. Recent studies show that many of these benefits may also be available in black tea, but they are thoroughly documented in green tea.
Green tea is known for its bacteria destroying properties and can help prevent tooth decay and prevent food poisoning. Chinese medicine has long known and recent research agrees that tea has these same effects when used topically, making it a new favorite ingredient in everything from skin creams to deodorants.
Green tea is good for you, contains less caffeine than coffee or black tea and it is also delicious. Enjoy green tea hot or cold as ice tea. It can be found loose and in tea bags in supermarkets and even more varieties are available in specialty shops. Enjoy 2-3 cups or more daily for maximum health benefits.