Green tea has been a popular drink in China and Japan for thousands of years. It is considered healthy because it has low caffeine content and beneficial antioxidants. Dragonwell, gunpowder, matcha, sencha, tencha, etc. Consuming it adequately can help you gain its health benefits. Know more about it by reading the article.
What is green tea?
It is a type of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis leaves and buds. It does not undergo the withering and oxidation process that is used to make oolong tea and black tea. Green tea originated in China and later spread to other parts of the world.
Antioxidants, which provide many health benefits. There are different types of green tea like dragon well, gunpowder, matcha, sencha, etc. All tea leaves are harvested by hand. The leaves are preserved using heat immediately after harvest.
They is available in several forms like – single tea bags, loose leaf, instant powder, as supplements in the form of capsules and liquid extracts.
Green tea.
Image credits – https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/green-tea
Types –
There are 20 different types, few of the types are mentioned below:
- Sencha – It is rich in Vitamin C. It has a gentle sweetness and light astringency.
Sencha green tea.
Image credits – Wikipedia.
- Shincha – It is less bitter and astringent. It has a stimulating and refreshing flavour.
- Tencha- It boosts energy and metabolism.
Tencha green tea.
Image credits – myjapanesetea.com
- Matcha – It helps in rejuvenating the skin and cleanses the body.
Matcha.
Image credits – freepik.com
- Bancha – It is more bitter and less fragrant. It helps in tooth decay and bad breath.
Bancha green tea.
Image credits – https://www.myjapanesegreentea.com/bancha
- Konacha – It doesn’t have a lot of health benefits but is affordable.
- Kukicha – It is more yellow or brown and makes you feel refreshed.
Kukicha.
Image credits – Wikipedia.
- Funmatsucha – It has more antioxidants and is bitter. It is beneficial for the common cold and headaches.
- Fukamushicha – It tastes moderately sweet and has calming effects on the stomach.
- Gyokuro – It is top-grade. It has a sweet and mild flavour.
It also comes in several flavours like Moroccan mint, Tulsi, Chamomile, Jasmine, Himalayan, Honey lemon, etc.
Health benefits
- contains polyphenol antioxidants including a catechin called EGCG [epigallocatechin-3-gallate] that can prove beneficial for our health.
- contains less caffeine than coffee which may improve brain function.
- It may increase metabolic rate and fat burning, but all the studies on green tea won’t agree.
- an excellent source of powerful antioxidants and hence it may lower the risks of various types of cancer.
- contains bioactive compounds that may have protective effects on the brain.
- The catechins present in it may reduce bad breath.
- Some studies show that it may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. It may also lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- may lower total and LDL [bad] cholesterol and can help to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
- may help you lose weight.
- Considering the different nutrients it contains, it may help you live longer.
Side effects –
Not consuming it moderately can cause a few problems. Over consumption can cause the following side effects.
- Drinking more than 8 cups of can cause headache and irregular heartbeat due to the presence of caffeine in it.
- Consuming a high concentration extract may cause liver problems.
- If consumed with other stimulant drugs, then it can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
How to drink?
Green tea does not need cream, sugar, and other additional ingredients. The health benefits of this tea are reduced if it is consumed with any additives. Mostly, it is prepared by brewing it with simmering water between 150 degrees Fahrenheit to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
The time of brewing depends upon the type of tea. Brewing tea for longer periods can make the tea bitter in taste.
How to store?
If it is stored properly then, its flavour can be retained. Store the tea in a place which is away from direct light. Store it in an airtight container, and away from anything that has a strong flavour.
Conclusion:
It originated in China and gained popularity later. People consume it due to its health benefits. It is necessary to consume it adequately to avoid its side effects. You can consider making it a daily part of your life as it can help in weight loss, lower the risk of various chronic diseases, and much more.
Hope you found this blog useful. Let us know in the comments section below.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-960/green-tea
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269538#cancer-prevention
Green tea – Benefits, types, side effects, recipes.