What is green tea?
Green tea is a type of tea which is made from Camellia sinensis leaves that have not undergone the same withering and oxidation process used to make oolong and black tea. Several varieties of green tea exist, which differ substantially because of the variety of Camellia sinensis leaves, growing conditions, horticultural methods, production process, and time of harvest.
What are the ingredients included in green tea?
Along with caffeine, which gives green tea its characteristic taste, bitterness and stimulating effect, green tea is also rich in a group of chemicals, called Catechin Polyphenols (Commonly known as Tannins, which contribute to bitter taste and astringency). These Catechin Polyphenols include Catechin, Epicatechin, Epicatechin Gallate (ECG), Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), and various Pro-Anthocyanidins. They are also known as Flavonoids and are very powerful antioxidants. Flavonoids, together with some amino acids like Thianine, are responsible for the strong flavor of green tea.Furthermore, green tea also contains Amino Acids such as Theanine, Butyric Acid & Liganin; Xanthine Alkaloids such as Adenine, Dimethylxanthine, Theobromine, Theophylline, and Xanthine; Pectin (also found in fruits); saccharides (sugar), Chlorophyll and Triterpene Saponins. Some vitamins, like vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin C and vitamin E are also found in green tea. After that impressive list, perhaps you are beginning to understand how packed green tea is with nutrients and beneficial components.
Green tea extracts have been used in China as well as in India for its various medicinal properties. Green tea is considered as the healthiest drink amongst various beverages due to its various antioxidant components. It is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that have a powerful effect on the body. Some of the major health benefits of green tea are highlighted below:
• Anti-aging: Green tea is highly rich in its key ingredients comprising of polyphenols such as flavonoids and catechins. These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damages. The prime job of antioxidants is to neutralize the oxidants present in the body. The free radicals are responsible for corroding the body in various ways playing a key role in aging and other related symptoms. The catechin polyphenols present in green tea comprises of most powerful compounds which are the antioxidant Epigallocatechin Gallate, largely responsible for its anti-oxidizing effects.
• Detoxification: Green tea is the most preferred drink particularly for hangovers, fatigue or insomnia caused due to lack of sleep or consumption of alcoholic beverages. It is also highly consumed in various rejuvenation and spa centers after the massage therapy. Detoxification is a rejuvenation process and green tea helps in this process by eliminating exhausting effects from the body.
• Improves Brain Function: The key ingredient in green tea is caffeine, which acts as a stimulant. Caffeine substance has been intensively researched before and consistently led to improvements in various aspects of brain function such as enhanced mood, vigilance, memory. Caffeine & Tannins, despite their potentially adverse effects on health, in the long run, act as very powerful stimulants. Tea is an easy and ideal solution to counter fatigue, laziness, sleepiness, and lack of energy, and to improve blood circulation. Hence it is very popular drink choice among professionals, students, laborers, and workers.
• Immunity booster: Green tea is also considered as an immunity booster. The Catechins present in green tea prevents bacteria and viruses from attaching themselves to cell walls in order to affect them and prevent the toxins released by microbes. Moreover, this antimicrobial property also protects from the flu, cough and cold, indigestion, diarrhea, tooth decay, dysentery and colitis which are caused by microbial and fungal infection.
• Lower the risk of various types of cancer: Green tea is a powerful resource of various antioxidants that have a positive effect on the uncontrolled growth of cells caused due to cancer. According to the research and various studies, consumption of green tea minimize the risk of breast cancer by 22 % in women, in the case of prostate cancer by 48% in men and in colorectal by 57% in women.
• Lowers the risk of certain diseases: Various studies and research have found that green tea helps to block the formation of plaques that are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, the alkaline substance in green tea helps to reduce the blood glucose level and may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Consumption of green tea may also reduce the risks of a heart-related issue, blood pressure and lowers the cholesterol levels in the body.
• Improves physical performance: green tea has been reported to increase fat burning and boost metabolism. Overall a study has shown that fat oxidation was increased by 17% which indicates green tea selectively enhance the burning of fat and fatty acids resulting in an improved physical performance.
• Tones the body: Astringent substances trigger contractions in muscles and tissues while toning up the muscles and skin. Consumption of green tea may prevent tooth decay and other dental problems. Some of the ingredients can be very beneficial for having a firm and a glowing skin.
On the whole green tea is accumulated with numerous health benefits due to its nutritional values. Within a relatively short span of time, green tea has gained popularity among various groups of people. The prominent benefits of green tea are highly researched and acknowledged by several educational, health and food administrations. Green tea is predominantly widely accepted beverage promoting its health benefits and making people aware of its advantages. No doubt, if you consider in adopting or switching to a healthier lifestyle green tea is the most preferred option.