We’re pretty sure that you’ve all heard that drinking green tea is better for your health. But what is it? And what is it that drinking this stuff actually does?
What is it?
All tea is made (other than herbal teas) from dried leaves from the Camellia Sinensis plant. The lighter the colour, the less processing it’s been through and the more antioxidants and polyphenols (natural chemicals with anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties) it has. Green tea is one of the least processed types of tea. It has no calories and hardly any caffeine (20-45mg per cup).
Where’s it from?
Whilst tea has been grown and produced all over the world, green tea is said to have originated in China. One legend says that Shennong, Emporor of China discovered tea around 2737 BC when fresh tea leaves from a nearby tea tree fell into his cup of boiled water… What an amazing coincidence!
What are the benefits in drinking it?
It’s important to note that to get these benefits, it’s recommended to be drinking at least 2-3 cups a day (and even up to 10 cups daily).
The possible health benefits from drinking green tea are:
1. Reducing Cancer Development
Many studies have been done showing that green tea can reduce the possibility of getting pretty much all types of cancer!
2. Reducing Heart Disease
A 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that green tea consumption is associated with reduced mortality due to all causes, including cardiovascular disease.
3. Aiding Weight Loss + Fat Burning
Green tea has been found to boost fat oxidation by up to 17%. There are lots of claims that green tea aids weight loss, although in tests done the results aren’t significant enough to justify it. I’d say, however, that if you’re a green tea drinker, you’re probably likely to be health conscious, and so weight loss may indeed follow.
4. Improved Brain Function
Caffeine (stimulant) + L- Theanine (helps with absorption) = dopamine (reward and pleasure hormone), less anxiety, more alertness + more stability.
So… If this hasn’t persuaded you to try green tea, we’re not sure what what will!