Articles

Why drink Green Tea?

By Ms. Sajena V P : Nutritionist

Green tea has been consumed throughout the ages in India, China, Japan and Thailand. Green, black and oolong tea are all derived from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. In green tea withering and fermentation process are completely omitted. It is made by first steaming the leaves to prevent the leaves from changing colour and to inactivate the enzymes. Steaming is then followed by rolling and drying. The leaves retained much of its original green colour especially the finer leaves. The older leaves often have a blackish Gray colour. The beverage made from green tea has a greenish yellow colour and is distinctly bitter and astringent. It has little aroma and flavour as compared with black tea because the preliminary steaming destroys the enzymes that produce flavour substances during fermentation of black tea.

Green tea contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called poly phenols. This poly phenols can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin poly phenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. The steaming process in green tea prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases. Green contains six primary catechin compounds: catechin, gallaogatechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and apigallocatechin gallate (also known as EGCG). Green tea also contains alkaloids including caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. These alkaloids provide green tea's stimulant effects.

Today, hundreds of millions of people drink tea around the world, and studies are now suggesting that green tea (Camellia sinensis) in particular has many health benefits. It also helps keeps all the beneficial chemicals intact, which is why green tea is so good for you.

The health benefits of Green Tea

1. Produces anti-oxidants in body to resist against cancer growth

2. Lessen 'bad' cholesterol and increase 'good' cholesterol

3. Strengthen body natural immune system

4. Pleasant and fragrant smell and taste

5. Reduces stomach bloatedness due to over eating

6. Freshens breath especially if you smoke or drink coffee regularly

Green tea has been extensively studied in people, animals, and laboratory experiments. Results from these studies suggest that green tea may be useful for the following health conditions:

Atherosclerosis

Various studies have shown that the antioxidant properties of green tea may help prevent atherosclerosis, particularly coronary artery disease.

High cholesterol

Research shows that green tea lowers total cholesterol and raises HDL ("good") cholesterol among human beings.

Cancer

Several population-based studies have shown that green tea helps protect against cancer. For example, cancer rates tend to be low in countries such as Japan where people regularly consume green tea. Emerging studies suggest that the poly phenols in green tea may play an important role in the prevention of cancer. Researchers also believe that poly phenols help kill cancerous cells and stop their progression.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Green tea may help reduce inflammation associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two types of IBD

Diabetes

Green tea has been used traditionally to control blood sugar in the body. People with type 1 diabetes produce little or no insulin, a hormone that converts glucose (sugar), starches, and other foods into energy needed for daily life. Green tea may help regulate glucose in the body.

Liver disease

Population-based studies have shown that men who drink more than 10 cups of green tea per day are less likely to develop disorders of the liver. Green tea also seems to protect the liver from the damaging effects of toxic substances such as alcohol.

Weight loss

Studies suggest that green tea extract may boost metabolism and help burn fat. One study confirmed that the combination of green tea and caffeine improved weight loss and maintenance in overweight and moderately obese individuals.