In the Far East, green tea has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many millennia, to treat a range of ailments, from depression to headaches and arthritis. It has also been claimed that a cup of green tea can increase protection against dementia and even aid in weight loss.
There are different types of tea, but did you know that they are all made from the leaves of the same tea plant species? The difference between white, green, or black tea depends on the level of oxidation of the leaves.
- The white tea consists of young tea leaves that are only slightly oxidized, so it remains light in color.
- The black tea is fully oxidized, so the leaves are dark and the flavor is stronger.
- The green tea, on the other hand, is produced by steaming freshly picked leaves which leaves little time for oxidation. As a result, it retains chlorophyll levels and its natural green color. Through the oxidation process, chlorophyll and various polyphenols in the Camellia plant leaves degrade. The final difference in the benefits of green tea and black tea is due to the lack of oxidation in the tea processed for green tea.
Properties and Benefits of Green Tea
With over 450 organic substances within it, the nutritional value of green tea is enormous.
- Prevents cellular damage that leads to cancer and aging.
- Maintains a healthy cardiovascular system.
- Is beneficial for digestive health.
- Improves cholesterol levels. Green tea helps improve cholesterol levels and protects against nerve cell damage associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s. While these studies do not definitively prove that green tea is a cure, the fact that it has continued to be consumed for thousands of years should not be ignored.
- The most beneficial nutrients in green tea are polyphenols, chemical micronutrients found in natural plant-based food sources. Green tea polyphenols contain powerful antioxidants that work to neutralize components that cause damage to the body.
- Green tea is anti-inflammatory, has proven immunomodulatory effects, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of stroke and coronary diseases.
- Green tea is antioxidant, effective against some viral infections and may protect against neurodegenerative diseases.
- It contains flavonoids and other free radical scavengers that help protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals, which accumulate in cells and damage other molecules. This damage can lead to cancer and other types of diseases.
- By actively drinking more green tea and replacing your 9 a.m. coffee, you not only increase your fluid intake but also substitute less healthy beverages rich in caffeine and sugars. Green tea, in fact, contains some caffeine, but at a very low level, usually about 1%, at least a third less than a cup of coffee.
- Research has established that the topical application of green tea leaves or extracts has many benefits for the skin.
- For its astringent properties, green tea has been used for hundreds of years as a remedy for diarrhea.
Since green tea contains caffeine, it is best to drink it when you need energy the most, in the morning. But, just like with coffee, it’s essential not to overdo it. A single cup of green tea per day should be enough to see benefits. I would limit consumption to three cups per day at most.
