Origin of Green Tea
Green tea can be dated back to 2737 BC. It is reputed that Emperor Shen Nong of Ancient China, the originator of Chinese herbal medicine, was boiling water in the garden and a wild leaf fell into it, giving the water an extremely refreshing and pleasing flavour, and thus a new drink was created.
Packed with a multitude of health promoting compounds, green tea is touted as one of the healthiest beverages in the world, containing more antioxidants than any other tea, and the benefits of drinking this tea have been known for centuries. Green tea comes from the Camellia sinensis leaves and buds, the same as oolong teas and black teas, but without the withering and oxidation process, meaning that many compounds remain intact and more potent. It contains a momentous amount of healthy bioactive compounds including vitamins B2, C, E, folic acid and b carotene, minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, as well as small amounts of manganese, zinc and cooper, plus saponins, fluorine, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), caffeine and chlorophyll, plus it’s rich in polyphenols, catechins and theanine. All of this adds up to a refreshing beverage with antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-myocardial infarction and anti-diabetes, calmative and purifying properties, with a host of other benefits. Brew some today to help protect the body painlessly and easily.
Improve brain Function
Containing enough caffeine to act as a stimulant to block adenosine, thus increasing neurotransmitters to improve such aspects of brain function like mood, memory, reaction time and concentration, Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, providing a stable boost rather than a spiked boost with associated comedown. The amino acid L-theanine within the tea also has anti-anxiety properties and increases alpha waves within the brain. Together caffeine and L-theanine have a synergistic effect, reducing mental and physical stress. The properties within green tea have many protective effects on the brain, it also protects the brain from ageing, and may lower the risk of dementia, protecting against such neurodegenerative diseases as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Detoxify the Body & Boost the Immune System
Antioxidants, together with the anti-inflammatory properties, can assist in ridding the body of harmful free radicals, helping to protect the body against oxidative stress, ageing and certain chronic diseases such as diabetes, ageing, cancer and a weakened immune system. Various studies have shown that regular drinkers of green tea have a lower risk of developing certain cancers. Rich in vitamin C, green tea will boost the immune system and, with its known properties, prepare the body to fight common infections, viruses and afflictions. A natural antioxidant found in the tea can also eliminate antibiotic resistant bacteria as discovered by scientists at the University of Surrey.
Protects Against Type 2 Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease
Rates of type 2 diabetes seem to be on a steady increase. Studies have shown that green tea reduces blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity and may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A great aid for those already suffering from diabetes and for those on the threshold of the disease. Regular drinking can also lower the levels of triglyceride and bad cholesterol in the body and increase the levels of good cholesterol, protecting the heart against disease and helping against anaemia. Studies have even indicated that green tea can lower the risk of dying from a cardiovascular disease by as much as 31%.
Helps with Excess Weight
Green tea boosts the metabolic rate and increases fat burning, especially during exercise. It is particularly effective in reducing dangerous abdominal fat.
Heals Cold and Cough
Research has shown that Green Tea is an excellent cold and flu fighter. Antioxidants within the tea, in particular quercetin, hinders and protects against viruses in the body, including respiratory viruses like influenza. Such research has been published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases and Preventative Medicine and the August 2014 edition of the Frontiers in Microbiology. Natural antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory agents help to kill the bacteria or virus, preventing infections or treating and soothing current infections, such as cough, congestion and sore throat. For extra help add a spoonful of honey too.
Great for the Skin
Help to reduce acne breakouts by drinking green tea with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which also help to balance the sebum production and will prevent any bacterial growth. Additionally it can also help with psoriasis and rosacea to reduce irritation and associated irritation. Use the green tea as a steam to detoxify pores. Apply topically to reduce redness, irritated skin, swelling, minor cuts and sunburn. Can also help to reduce itching associated with psoriasis, dermatitis, and rosacea and may be helpful for keloids. Use a scrub to utilise the astringent qualities to tighten and tone the skin.
Oral Hygiene
Green tea contains fluoride, and therefore aids against tooth decay, while the deodorising properties help to prevent mouth odour and bad breath.
Preparation of Green tea
Dosage: Add 1 teaspoon of green tea to a cup of boiled water and leave to infuse for at least 2 minutes. Steeping of the tea will increase the potency. Add sugar or honey to sweeten as required.
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