Although the benefits of green tea are only now being widely acknowledged, it is by no means a new discovery. The antioxidant properties of green tea have been well known for centuries and green tea is an essential part of the Chinese culture.
In fact the virtues of green tea and the positive effects it can have on the major organs of the body have been mentioned in a book written as far back as 1133. This book endorses the medicinal qualities of the tea and proclaims that green tea quenches thirst, prevents fatigue, alleviates indigestion and enhances brain function. It also has a specific part dedicated to dosage and methods required for treating various ailments.
The demand for green tea has increased steadily for the last decade and shows no sign of slowing down in the near future. The benefits are simply too good to ignore.
What is Green Tea?
Green tea is made from the leaves of the camellia sinensis, which is a flowering plant found normally grown in the Far East. It thrives at high altitudes in Himalayas. This is actually an evergreen shrub, which is cut below six feet when it is cultivated for the leaves. The flowers are whitish yellow and around an inch in diameter and contain around seven petals.
Research and Results on the Benefits of Green Tea
There have been numerous research studies done on the benefits of green tea. Several of these studies have proven beyond any doubt that green tea contains high levels of important antioxidants that can combat the free radicals that affect our bodies on a daily basis. These ingredients in green tea help to reduce the risk of certain cancers, prolong life and makes the skin look healthier and younger.
Many studies also indicate that the catechins found in green tea help to increase the body’s metabolism, which can result in weight loss. There have been results that have been truly amazing and benefits are published all the time.
How much is Enough?
A study published in a 2006 Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that consuming five cups of tea per day lowered the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that consuming a 375 mg of green tea extract tablet each day for 12 weeks significantly lowered the bad cholesterol levels in the blood. There is some caffeine in green tea; however, it is only about a third of what is found in a normal cup of coffee.
Available in several different varieties, green tea has certainly made a huge impact in the Western world. There are cold and hot varieties available everywhere. Some of the most popular products are Stash Products Green Tea Bags, Bigelow Green Tea, and Celestial Seasonings Green Tea Bags.
It would seem that green tea has significant health benefits. For those with a potential for high cholesterol, heart disease, or cognitive problems, green tea may provide positive results. For anyone looking for weight loss, it seems that an increase in metabolism would certainly render that result. It is recommended that green tea be added to any diet program, as well as daily exercise in order to see the best results.