Green Tea
The popularity of Green Tea outside Asia has increased significantly in the past decade. Prior to this in the UK it was only possible to obtain Green Tea is specialist super markets. Part of this boom might be thanks to chains like Wagamama offering complementary Green Tea with every meal. Us Brits like something for nothing and this was where I first experienced Green Tea.
Green tea is made form plant Camellia sinensis and should have gone through minimal processing.
Is Green Tea Healthy?
The evidence certainly points that way. Green tea is widely reported to contain very high levels of polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant.
“Antioxidants are substances that fight free radicals — damaging compounds in the body that change cells, damage DNA, and even cause cell death. Many scientists believe that free radicals contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems, including cancer and heart disease.”
Source – University of Maryland
Several studies have been done which has suggested drinking Green Tea may be effective in lowering cholesterol, preventing heart disease, protecting against cancer and assisting with weight loss.
There are too many studies to mention here but the majority provide strong links between green tea drinking and control of the above conditions. Some of the most interesting studies concern cancer.
How Much Should I Drink?
To get the most of the anti-oxidants out of the tea it makes sense to brew for as long as possible before consuming. I personally use a tea pot which keeps the tea hot whilst I’m waiting for a good strong tea. I can get about 4 cups from my tea pot, each cup is progressively stronger.
Green Tea contains caffeine and hence it is advisable not to drink within a few hours of bed.
What is the Conclusion?
I have personally switched from black tea to green tea and I see no reason why everyone shouldn’t try to include it in your diet. For those looking to lose weight, swapping milky black tea for green tea may have added calorific benefits too!
I love green tea, but I did read that tea are iron-blockers and shouldn’t be taken after a meal of vegetables high in iron. It’s alright for people who are not suffering from anemia and not on their periods though.