THE

GREEN TEA 

EFFECT

green tea leaf

Green tea is made solely from the leaves of Camellia sinensis that have undergone minimal oxidation during processing. Green tea originates in China and has become associated with many cultures throughout Asia. It has recently become more widespread in the West, where black tea is traditionally consumed. Many varieties of green tea have been created in countries where they are grown. These varieties can differ substantially due to variable growing conditions, horticulture, production processing, and harvesting time.

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 in most plant products that are responsible for such health effects as anti-oxidative and anti carcinogenic functions. However, based on the same USDA survey, the content of flavanoids may vary dramatically amongst different tea products.

Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.

Green Tea Benefits

Act as an anti-oxidant. Green tea is an excellent source of antioxidants.  Catechins are powerful antioxidants found in large quantities in green tea.

Help on burning fat and exercise longer. Green tea increases exercise endurance. Green tea catechins burn fat and reduce carbohydrate utilization, enabling athletes to exercise longer.

Prolong life. Researchers found those who drink 5 or more cups of green tea a day are 16% less likely to die than those who drink less than one cup a day. Heavy green tea drinkers are also 26% less likely to die from heart disease.

Prevent and treat cancers. Green tea anti-cancer prowess extends beyond its antioxidant activities. It starves off cancer cells by restricting blood vessel growth. It wreaks havoc in abnormal cells, causing them to self-destruct. It blocks over-production of harmful enzymes that act as catalysts to cancer growth.

Soothe stress and boost brain power. Tea contains a special compound called theanine, which has been known to stimulate alpha brain waves, calm the body, and promote relaxed awareness.

Prevent and treat diabetes. Green tea has theaflavins that increases insulin activities, promotes glucose metabolism, blocks glucose absorption.

Prevent tooth decay and cure bad breath. Unlike soft drinks, tea is non-erosive. It fights mouth viruses and reduces bad breath.

Boost immunity. Tea contains antigens, which are found also in some bacteria. They build up immune defense and prepare us for bacterial invasion.