Health Benefits of Green Tea
Polyphenols, Fluoride and Fat-Burning Properties
Whether from loose leaves or from tea bags, green tea has been gaining popularity due to its antioxidant properties that are beneficial to one's health.
Tea ceremony in Japan has its roots dating back to the 9th century when tea was introduced by the Buddhist priests from China. The ritual embodies the Zen principles of harmony (with people and nature), respect (for others), purity (of heart and mind) and tranquility. Early trades between Europe and the Far East paved the way for the introduction of tea to Europe, and it came to America by way of the Dutch settlers during the mid-seventeenth century.
True tea comes from Camellia sinensis plant. The basic types of tea due to different methods of processing of the tea leaves are: black tea, green tea and oolong (red) tea. Among them, the green tea undergoes the least processing and no fermentation, thus it most retains the natural (unoxidized) polyphenols and its natural herbal taste. Green teas are steeped for 3 to 5 minutes in hot water; longer than this will result in bitter taste.
Health Benefits
Here are the health benefits of green tea :
- Teas contain polyphenols which act as antioxidants that prevent free radicals from causing damage to the body.
Free radicals – the unstable, highly reactive compounds in the body formed during normal metabolic processes or introduced from the environment – have been linked to atherosclerosis, aging process, cancer and other diseases. An increased intake of antioxidants will minimize the risk of health problems posed by these free radicals.
Tea polyphenols consist mostly of catechins, the most powerful of which is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which is found only in green tea.
- Green tea is rich in fluoride which is good for the teeth by preventing cavities. In addition, green tea kills bacteria that cause dental plaques and halitosis (bad breath).
The level of fluoride in instant tea, which is 0.78 mg per average 8-ounce serving, is considered safe for adults. For those drinking from bottled or filtered water, tea can be a source of supplementary fluoride.
Other minerals in tea are manganese and potassium.
- Green tea extract has fat-burning properties which promote weight loss. This is especially beneficial when combined with increased physical activity and a healthy diet.
Green tea has more essential oils which aid in the digestion process along with the polyphenols, aside from rendering the tea's aroma.
Tea has caffeine and can be diuretic. Nevertheless, tea has less caffeine than does coffee. To get even less caffeine, use decaffeinated tea or use a cup from a second infusion of tea leaves. Additives for teas are milk, lemon, sugar (or honey) and fruit jams. However, green tea is meant to be consumed straight, without additives.
Green tea is easily perishable. Unopened green tea has a shelf life of six months. To preserve its freshness, green tea should be stored in a cool, dry and dark place in air-tight container.
Moderate drinking of green tea is considered generally healthy, so enjoy your cup of tea!
References :
- Perry, Sara. “The New Tea Book – A Guide to Black, Green, Herbal and Chai Tea.” Copyright 2001.
- Colorado State University Extension – Nutrition Resources
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Nutrition Science News
- Planet Tea
- Tea Association of the United States of America
- The Tea Man
- Tea Muse
