Why you should be drinking green tea

There are many people who believe green tea is the healthiest beverage you can drink because of its powerful antioxidant properties.

Green tea also contains manganese, potassium, magnesium, folate, and vitamin B. These substances can help reduce free radical damage in the body, which can cause disease and premature ageing.

Green tea has a whole host of health benefits.

These benefits include:

•  Green tea contains EGCG, which may help to protect against UV sun damage and lower the risk of some cancers, especially skin cancer and certain tumours.
•  It can help to speed up the metabolism rate, so it could assist with burning fat and weight loss.
•  It can be used to improve mental alertness, brain function and thinking. Green tea does contain caffeine, though not as much as coffee.
•  It has an anti-inflammatory action, and therefore can help reduce arthritis symptoms.
•  It can lower cholesterol and improve blood flow, thereby protecting against heart (cardiovascular) disease and stroke.
•  Green tea reduces allergic reactions and stomach disorders.
•  It may reduce hypertension (high blood pressure).
•  Due to the polyphenols (such as flavonoids) in green tea, it could help to protect against type two diabetes, and balance blood sugar levels.
•  Green tea is a natural antibacterial and antiviral, and may therefore prevent bad breath (caused by oral bacteria), mouth infections, gum disease, and even viral hepatitis.
•  Natural chemicals in green tea may boost your immunity.

What’s the difference

Black and green tea (and white tea) is made from leaves from the same plant, the Camellia Sinensis. The only difference is the way the leaves are processed.

To make green tea, the leaves are harvested and then heated through steaming or pan-firing. This stops oxidation so the leaves preserve their fresh colour and delicate, earthy flavour. Green tea is unfermented.

Black tea leaves are harvested and allowed to ferment fully. As a result of this, the darker leaves develop a stronger aroma and flavour. It has the highest caffeine content but the least antioxidants.

White is taken from the buds of the tea bush, and is also not fermented, and has a flowery flavour.

Other uses

Apart from it being a delicious, refreshing drink, green tea has many other applications.

•  Damp green tea bags applied directly to the skin can soothe sunburn.
•  Cold tea bags can also be used to reduce puffiness under the eyes. It is also great to stop bleeding gums after a pulled tooth.
• Added to ointment, it can be applied topically to treat genital warts.
•  As an additive to many cosmetics, such as acne treatments, body moisturisers, shampoos and fragrances.

Green tea is also delicious in desserts such as ice cream, cakes, in sauces and even soups.

Daily ritual

Taking a regular break and making green tea, either hot or as an iced tea, a part of your busy day will help calm and relax you, thanks to a naturally occurring chemical called theanine.

Green tea consumption is safe in moderate amounts. There appears to be no known contraindications, however, pregnant women, people with heart problems or high blood pressure or anxiety problems should avoid or reduce their intake.

Information courtesy of Zelda Fourie, a qualified Therapeutic Massage Therapist and member of the SA Natural Health Practitioners Board (SANHPB).