Green tea is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis that have undergone minimal oxidation during processing. Green tea originates in China, but it has become associated with many cultures throughout Asia. Green tea has recently become more widespread in the West, where black tea
has been the traditionally consumed tea. Green tea has become the raw
material for extracts which are used in various beverages, health foods,
dietary supplements, and cosmetic items.
Many varieties of green tea have been created in the countries where it
is grown. These varieties can differ substantially due to variable
growing conditions, horticulture, production processing, and harvesting time.
Over the last few decades green tea has been subjected to many
scientific and medical studies to determine the extent of its
long-purported health benefits, with some evidence suggesting that
regular green tea drinkers may have a lower risk of developing heart disease and certain types of cancer. Although green tea does not raise the metabolic rate enough to produce immediate weight loss, a green tea extract containing polyphenols and caffeine has been shown to induce thermogenesis and stimulate fat oxidation, boosting the metabolic rate 4% without increasing the heart rate.
According to a survey released by the United States Department of Agriculture in 2007, the mean content of flavonoids
in a cup of green tea is higher than that in the same volume of other
food and drink items that are traditionally considered of health
contributing nature, including fresh fruits, vegetable juices or wine.
Flavonoids are a group of phytochemicals present in most plant products
that are responsible for health effects such as anti-oxidative and
anticarcinogenic functions. However, based on the same USDA survey, the content of flavonoids may vary dramatically amongst different tea products.
Green tea is potent in preventing cancer due to the presence of
antioxidants like the EGCG which reduce cell damage that can result in
cancer. In addition, the tea enhances the body's antioxidant enzymes
like glutathione which can be very valuable in treating arthritis.
Glutathione has the potency of reducing inflammation and breakdown of
cartilage. Its regular intake can protect the body against a lot of
diseases that are brought about by free radicals.
Furthermore,
the risk of developing cancer of the digestive system, cervical cancer
and prostrate cancer is lowered due to the antioxidant effects of the
tea. The risk of heart diseases is also reduced because the tea can
significantly reduce the cholesterol levels of the blood which would
prevent arthrosclerosis and blood clot. Women in their menopause can
also benefit a lot from this tea. It helps in balancing their estrogen
levels thereby alleviating menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. Certain
types of breast cancer can also be prevented by regularly drinking this
tea. However, pregnant women should seek for proper counsel from their
physicians before taking green tea because of the risks involved in
doing so.
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