The history of tea dates back thousands of years ago since it was first discovered by one of the Chinese emperors. Today, tea can generally be divided into three main categories: Green, Black, and Oolong. But what sets green tea apart from its peers? The answer lies in the process of making the green tea.
Even though green tea production methods differ slightly in different regions
of the world, for instance-the Chinese green tea leaves are usually picked
by hand while the Japanese green tea leaves are commonly cut and harvested
using machines; the underlying concept remains the same for all the best
green tea manufacture worldwide. That is, green tea does not go through
oxidization or fermentation process, unlike its black or oolong counterparts.
As soon as the tea leaves are harvested, they are immediately steamed or
fired (to prevent any oxidization) then rolled and dried. Because of this
minimal processing, all of the essential minerals and chemicals remain intact,
making green tea one of the healthiest drinks in the world.
In addition to soothing and relaxing effects of green tea, the other health benefits of drinking green tea are endless. Based on scientific studies and research worldwide, green tea contains a compound called 'flavonoids' which plays an important role in fighting many diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol level, and rheumatoid arthritis. The secret of this 'flavonoids' compound is in the high and powerful level of antioxidants called 'polyphenols' or 'epigllocatechin gallate' (EGCG) it contains.
Green
tea antioxidant (specifically EGCG) is proven to be the most powerful, comparing
to vitamin E and C, the EGCG flavonoids is 200 and 500 times more powerful
respectively. Studies have shown that the EGCG effectively destroys and
slows the growth of cancer cells, lowers bad cholesterol (LDL),stops and
prevents abnormal blood clots formation (that usually results in heart
attacks or strokes). In addition, green tea is also a great source of other
vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin C, B1, B2, theanine, protein, chlorophyll,
tannins, lignin and amino acids.
One cannot say enough reasons why green tea is good for you; and, on a good note, studies have shown no green tea consumption side effects. However, because green tea properties are slightly acidic, people with ulcers and digestion problems might want to exercise some cautions on their daily green tea use.
Also, green tea ingredient does contain caffeine; if preferred, decaffeinated green tea maybe a better alternative for those needing to monitor their caffeine intake in green tea. In comparison to coffee, green tea caffeine content is still much lower--an 8 oz. cup of tea may contain 30-60 mg of caffeine, while 8 oz. cup of coffee contains over 100 mg of caffeine. It is great news for those still in need of morning caffeine perk-up and wanting to join in green tea healthy lifestyle at the same time!
With the healthy-diet-craze phenomenon spreading in the past decades, many studies have been performed and found a positive correlation between drinking green tea and weight loss. One study, in particular, concluded that the thermogenic properties in green tea are contributing to higher fat oxidation levels . Others have given credits to the green tea's catechin polyphenols as the contributing factor in the effectiveness of a green tea diet lifestyle. On top of all the scientific and medical studies, the benefit of green tea dieting is clear. Consuming green tea is a great dieting alternative because it is all natural, not to mention that it is superbly healthy and delicious! It is more of a way to create a better, healthier lifestyle and not just a quick purchase of over-the-counter dieting products.
There are many varieties of green tea produced worldwide. How do you decide which green tea is right for you? The answer is completely subjective and depends on your taste buds and preferences. However, we have some few tips and suggestions of how to decide which green tea is right for you.
First, you might want to think about what forms of green tea that you prefer to consume. With its increasing popularity, green tea is now offered in many forms: loose leaf or bulk, green tea bag, green tea powder or ready-to-drink bottle. Tea bags are convenient and now available in most markets. However, selections may be limited to few flavors such as the more-common jasmine green tea. Powdered or 'Matcha' green tea is prominently consumed by the Japanese as it holds a sacred place in the Japanese culture and its special tea ceremony. It is known for its premium quality and now available in markets worldwide. Although it is also offered in organic variety, selections are few and even more limited.
If
you look for both variety and premium quality, then loose leaf green tea
might be the answer for you. This form of green tea offers the highest quality
and the widest selections-whether it is decaf
green tea, organic green tea, or flavored green tea, you name it! The
challenge here is to pick the variety that will best suit your taste. Flavored
green tea such as strawberry
or green
chai tea is good for starters. It will get you accustomed to green tea
taste while enjoying your favorite flavor. As for a more serious green tea
drinker, China green tea such as 'Jasmine
Dragon Tears' or Ceylon's 'Gunpowder'
green tea may better suit your delicate and more sophisticated taste. Of
course, if you seek for an authentic, everyday green tea drink, then the
Japanese
Bancha or Sencha
is maybe your preferred green tea of choice.
However this green tea journey may take you to discover your favorite green tea drink, we hope that you would enjoy the quest and we are certain the end result will be worthwhile to you and your healthy lifestyle!
The
secret of making the perfect cup of green tea is to use the right water
temperature. Green tea should never be brewed with boiling water. Instead,
it is best that the water temperature is at 180F or 80C. Alternatively,
if preferred, after the water reaches the boiling point, take it off the
heat and set aside for 2-3 minutes for it to cool down before use.
The rule of thumb is to use 1 teaspoon of loose green tea for each cup of water and allow tea to steep for 3 minutes. If using premium quality green tea, it could be used repeatedly about three times. Just simply add more water and let it steep a little longer until all flavor is exhausted. Just remember, avoid adding sugar or milk to green tea as it is designed to be enjoyed 'straight up'.
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