Green tea is a type of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis leaves and buds that have not undergone the same withering and oxidation process which is used to make oolong teas and black teas.[1] Green tea originated in China, and since then its production and manufacture has spread to other countries in East Asia. Several varieties of green tea exist, which differ substantially based on the variety of C. sinensis used, growing conditions, horticultural methods, production processing, and time of harvest.

The health benefits of green tea

Is green better for you than black? Does it contain caffeine? Can it help ward off disease? Nutritionist Jo Lewin examines the dietary benefits of green tea. All types of tea, even your regular cup of builder’s, come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Green tea gets its name from the emerald green colour created when brewing unprocessed, unfermented tea leaves. With origins going back as far as 5,000 years, green tea is commonly drunk and widely grown in the Far East where the health properties are well regarded.

Different varieties of green tea

The difference between green and black tea results from the manufacturing process. Black tea undergoes fermentation which transforms its colour and flavour, whereas green tea remains unprocessed and retains its colour. Green tea is grown in higher altitudes, more specifically the mountainous regions of East Asia. Some green tea is still picked by hand, and it is thought that handpicked teas are less bitter and yield a sweeter, more robust taste. Other factors such as the climate and soil can also affect the flavour.

Sencha is the most popular of Japan’s green teas. There are numerous grades which can affect the price and quality. Sencha leaves are first steamed and then shaped. Sencha tea produces a clear yellow/green tea with a sweet, grassy but slightly astringent flavour.

Matcha is made from green tea leaves grown in the shade. The leaves have a higher chlorophyll content which makes them a vibrant green colour. To make matcha, the entire leaf is ground down into a powder. The powder is mixed with boiling water and gently whisked before being served. The flavour is light and sweet and so is now added to desserts and sweet drinks.

Green tea can be found as fresh leaves or in tea bags, frequently

blended with other flavours such as lemon, lime or ginger.When buying tea leaves, avoid older leaves. This is the same principle as with coffee beans. Allegedly, whole leaves are the highest grade and leaves that are older than four months are past their level of peak freshness. Once purchased and opened, keep leaves in an airtight container that can be resealed and store in a cool place to help slow down the reactions that can reduce the tea’s phytonutrient content and impact on flavour.

Nutritional highlights

There are many health claims surrounding green tea from a reduced risk of cancer to weight loss. The evidence to support these claims is largely inconclusive. Some of the health claims are based on ancient Eastern traditions, where green tea has been used to treat symptoms of disease for years. Because of the proposed benefits, many ‘health’ products now include traces of green tea. However, there is limited evidence to suggest these products are effective. If you are hoping to use green tea for medicinal purposes, make sure to consult your doctor first.

Green tea does have more health benefits than black tea which can be attributed to its lack of processing. Green tea is higher in protective polyphenols. The major polyphenols in green tea are flavonoids, the most active of which are catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which function as powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to protect the body against disease and are an important part of a healthy diet. Antioxidants can be found in a range of fruits, vegetables and other unprocessed foods. As part of a balanced diet, green tea can be a good source of antioxidants.

How much caffeine does green tea contain?

Green tea does contain caffeine, although varieties and brands may differ. An equal quantity of green tea contains less caffeine than coffee (one cup of green tea contains approximately 35-80 mg compared to approximately 100-400 mg in the same size cup of coffee), but it can still act as a stimulant. As a result, some people find that drinking green tea increases energy levels, concentration and mood, but this effect may vary between individuals.

If you are sensitive to caffeine, it is advisable to limit the total number of cups of green tea you drink in a day. Too much caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns. If this affects you, try cutting back on caffeinated drinks after lunchtime.

Can green tea affect iron levels?

Like all types of tea, green tea contains tannins. Tannins can interfere with the absorption of iron so try not to drink tea with an iron-rich meal and leave at least one hour before drinking tea after an iron-rich meal.

Proven Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea is considered as one of the healthiest beverages across the world. This delightful and aromatic drink has tonnes of health benefits and can do wonders to enable a long and healthy life.

Green tea is more potent than any other tea simply because it is processed differently. Green tea is dried and steamed – this minimal processing leaves it with its green color, more antioxidants, nutrients and thus contributes to its wealth of benefits. For this reason, green tea makes for a daily cup full of fantastic health benefits:

Fights Allergies:

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, be it stuffy nose or itchy eyes, you might be surprised to learn that a cup of green tea may help you overcome your symptoms.

Studies suggest that a compound in green tea can effectively block receptors responsible for triggering allergic responses. EGCG, the abundant antioxidant compound in green tea, may help stop your body from mounting an immune response to a wide range of allergens, including pollen, pet dander, and dust.

. Reduce Body Fat:

Green tea contains caffeine and a type of flavonoid called catechin, which is an antioxidant. Research suggests that both of these compounds can speed up metabolism, increase the amount of energy the body uses and decrease fat content of the body. The consumption of green tea as a weight loss strategy must be supplemented by other healthy weight loss methods, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables. Green tea used alongside these methods may increase and enhance the positive results. Green tea is easily available online and offer a plethora of flavors to chose from. You can say goodbye to that extra flab!

Improves Skin Health:

When it comes to skin care, we urge you to be in a committed relationship with green tea! Drinking green tea may fight skin damage in many ways:

Green tea contains powerful antioxidants that fight damage from UV rays to prevent freckles, dark spots and pigmentation. It is a potent anti-aging ingredient that combats signs of aging when consumed regularly.Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties. The catechins in green tea reduce and soothe irritation, redness, and swelling on the skin Green tea is a powerful antibacterial agent against acne. Polyphenols in green tea can fight infection, and thus it can help treating bacterial growth that causes acne

Green tea is chock full of Vitamin B2 and Vitamin E, both essential for smoother and toned skin and its maintenancePro tip – after a delicious cup of green tea, refrigerate the used tea bags. Grab these cooled tea bags, lie down and rest them on your eyes after a long day. Say good-bye to tired baggy eyes and dark circles!

Fights off Depression:

Too much stress can increase depression and anxiety. Some people find relaxation in the ritual of filling the kettle, bringing it to a boil, watching the tea steep, and then sitting quietly while sipping their warm cup of tea. But the body also reacts to the ingredients of tea.

Many studies have found that drinking a cup of green tea daily lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and thus lower the risk of developing depression and keep you in a good mood. Green tea also contains amino acid L-theanine that increases the activity of inhibitory neurotransmitters that have anti- anxiety effects. If you are prone to mood swings, pick up this delicious cup of happy and healthy beverage daily!

Improves Memory:

If you tried various alternatives to boost your mental alertness but still cant be as mentally active and alert as you would love to be, then you need to try green tea. The main component, which has been shown to improve brain function, is caffeine?which can be found at different levels in all green teas. Green tea ensures that neurons in the brain are stimulated for longer periods of time and neurotransmitters, which play a major role in attention, problem solving, memory, attention and learning?become fired up.

. Keeps Blood Sugar Level in Check:

Research shows that the alkaline nature of green tea can help control blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Thus 1-2 cups of green tea daily may help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in the long run, provided the green tea is consumed without sugar. Researchers encourage the inclusion of green tea in daily diet for those with high blood sugar problems, but this must be paired with regular exercise and a healthy diet.

A regular cup of green tea will boost your memory, give you a healthy skin and keep you happy. Green teas are available in a range of gourmet flavors that you can easily buy online. Try to pick the Green Tea that contains 100% natural ingredients, is least processed and blended with ingredients for the best possible health benefits. So kicks start your healthy lifestyle with this cup of green magic. BBC