The green tea is produced from the Camellia sinensis plant. The biggest influence on the taste of green tea apart from the climate, altitude and soil has a processing procedure. The most famous manufacturer of green tea is China, followed by Taiwan and Japan. According to the legend, the green tea was found by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung around 2750 BC. The green tea was brought to Europe in the 1560 over Portugal. Since then, this drink conquered Europe, and the whole world. Today, the green tea is more and more demanded on the market, which is quite justified because of its exceptional healing properties for which many people unfortunately don’t know.
Health benefits of green tea
The green tea is best known for its beneficial effects on health. It is quite justified and its medicinal properties have been scientifically proven. Numerous studies have been conducted since the 17th century and are still in progress. The green tea is a greater and greater application in the various fields particularly in cosmetics. Ingredients that are found in the tea inhibit the action of malignant cells. The green tea reduces the risk of esophageal cancer by 50 %, assists in the prevention of lung cancer, helps with headaches, effect on atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, helps in Crohn’s disease, increases the activity of enzymes and detoxification processes. It’s reducing the occurrence of tartar, bleeding gums and bacteria that cause tooth decay, contains the amino acid L – theanine, which increases the ability to learn, lowers blood pressure, relieves PMS symptoms, improves concentration. The green tea calms the nerves, destroys undesirable bacteria that affects the intestinal microflora, acting antiviral, refreshing, excites activity and improves mood, eliminates fatigue and drowsiness. It is recommended to consume if there are problems with acne. Green tea levels insulin under control, which means that the blood sugar levels stable. The green tea is an antioxidant that stimulates the secretion of harmful substances and makes the skin smooth and firm, helps in reducing cellulite. The process is particularly effective in combination with physical activity. Also, green tea increases stamina by 25 %.
Interesting health studies
It’s interesting that in Japan and China, where green tea is most prevalent, the rate of cancers is the lowest, and there is the longest life expectancy. Also, scientists at Yale University conducted a study in Asia, and observed lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and cancer although Asians are characterized as heavy smokers.
Because of the wealth of antioxidants such as EGCG has been highly successful in eliminating the harmful effects of smoking, fight cancer and hepatitis. It helps with weight maintenance, strengthens the immune system of the whole organism. It’s known in folk medicine as a remedy for sore throats. The green tea promotes physical activity which makes it especially popular among athletes, An intake of green tea reduces the level of free radicals after training by 64 %, and increases the level of polyphenols in the blood by 27%. It increases concentration , motivation and stamina and prevents acne. Studies have shown that people who regularly drink green tea a day spent 6 % more calories than people who don’t consume it. Here are just the most important medicinal properties of green tea, and certainly there are many others.
Side effects
Green tea generally has almost no side effects. The opposite effect was observed in the case of consuming excessive quantities (a few cups a day) of green tea and manifest as anxiety, insomnia and other symptoms that are caused by caffeine present.
Precautions
Certain medications can show interactions with green tea, so it is necessary to pay attention to preparations that are taken. It’s best to consult a doctor.
Advised daily consumption
Most studies have followed the improvement of the health status based on the amount of green tea consumed in Asian countries – about 3 cups (750 ml) per day (providing 240-320 mg of polyphenols). However, other research suggests that people would need to drink about 10 cups of green tea (2,500 ml) a day to achieve significant effects.
To prepare the green tea, take 1 teaspoon (5 g) of green tea and mix into boiling water (250 ml) and leave covered for 3 minutes. It is recommended to use tea without caffeine to avoid the side effects associated with caffeine, including anxiety and insomnia. Tablets and capsules contain standardized extracts of polyphenols, particularly catechins. Some contain 97% polyphenols – the equivalent of 4 cups (1000 ml) of tea. Most of these standardized products don’t contain caffeine.