What is Green Tea?
Green tea is obtained from the Camellia Sinensis plant. The leaves of this plant are not oxidized to make green tea. Instead, they are steamed once they have been harvested and thoroughly dried. Tea will not be of good quality if it is not dried correctly. Green tea is somewhat fermented, in contrast to white tea.
Green tea comes in different types and forms, some of which are particularly famous in certain regions. Sencha green tea, for instance, is a staple Japanese beverage. Some green teas are not even green in color. The word green refers to its freshness and the leaves used to prepare it.
How to drink green tea?
Do you know most people don’t brew green tea properly? This is the reason people find its taste disagreeable. The first thumb rule to make green tea is never to put it in boiling water. The second rule is not to steep it for too long. Soaking for more than 3-4 minutes will turn the tea bitter. In some countries, the tea is steeped only for 60 seconds.
Also Read: Energizing Green Tea Recipes
Instead of having the tea on its own, try adding some flavors to it. For example, you can add lemon, orange, raspberry, or any other citrus fruit to it. If you are trying to lose weight, you may want to avoid sugar. However, this does not mean that you should compromise on the taste.
You can still add honey, agave, or maple syrup to your tea. You can also make iced teas if you are not a fan of hot drinks. Use ginger and cinnamon to make it spicy. There are several ways to prepare your tea. But the primary step remains the same for every recipe, i.e., the tea must be steeped in warm water for a while.
Now, let’s see some remarkable health benefits of green tea:
Benefits of Green Tea
It helps in improving metabolism
Green tea is sometimes consumed solely for weight loss. Green tea is said to have calorie-burning qualities.
However, it is a debatable concept. Various studies have shown that green tea speeds up the metabolism and helps in burning fat. Some other studies show that there is no direct link between drinking green tea and losing fat.
Also Read: Potential health Benefits of Black Tea
Whatever theory you think is true, one aspect is confirmed: green tea positively affects metabolism. As for burning fat, it may or may not work for some people. But it helps in detoxifying the body, which in turn accelerates the process of fat loss.
Provides instant energy
Although you might not like this fact, green tea contains mild caffeine. It’s because of the caffeine that you feel an instant rush of energy after drinking green tea. However, you don’t need to worry about caffeine as it is present in a small amount.
Enhances Oral Health
Oral health is something we tend to neglect at times. What if sipping your favorite tea leads to better oral health? It would be like fulfilling two needs at once.
One of the most significant benefits of green tea is that it helps kill oral bacteria. According to a survey, people who drink green tea regularly have experienced a reduction in tooth sensitivity, bad breath, bleeding gum problems, and so on. All thanks to the catechins present in the green tea.
It helps control type 2 diabetes
Out of the many health benefits of green tea, this one is the most impactful. There is no denying the fact that green tea helps regulate sugar levels. So, people who have type 2 diabetes should take green tea first thing in the morning.
Reduces skin inflammation
Are you tired of skin issues? Green tea might be of some help to you. Especially to treat skin inflammation, you can count on humble green tea.
Also Read: Potential Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea
The interesting fact is that green tea not only cures humans but animals as well! You will find green tea as an ingredient in many cosmetic products. But the catch is that drinking green tea may not be as effective as applying it directly to the skin. So, ladies, make sure to add green tea to your skincare regime.
It helps in forming good cholesterol
Cholesterol has come to bear a negative connotation. But there are good cholesterols as well. Have you ever heard people complaining, “Oh, my test reports are here, my cholesterol levels are high” Sadly, they do not specify which cholesterol? Green tea helps your body produce good cholesterol essential for your wellbeing.
Fundamentally reduces the risk of cancer
What is the primary cause of cancer? When our body cells lose their ability to fight the infection, we call it cancer. Cancer is incurable, but we can reduce the risk by strengthening our body cells. Furthermore, green tea contains a number of antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Therefore, one of the benefits of green tea is that it can revitalize the cells.
Can you believe that a cup of tea could protect your health like this? Green tea is not just a tea, it is a medicine, and a very delicious one at that (given that you prepare it well!)