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Among all types of tea the most significant effects on human health have been observed with the consumption of green tea. The first green tea was exported from India to Japan during the 17th century.
The plant Camellia Sinensis yields a variety of White, Green and Black tea. Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, next to water. Green Tea is found to be superior to Black Tea in terms of health benefits. The main components of interest are the Polyphenols which are responsible for the antioxidant and other health benefits of Green Tea. The major Polyphenols in Green Tea are Flavonoids. Flavonoids are various compounds found naturally in plant products like fruits, vegetables, wine, tea, and chocolate. There are six different types of Flavonoids found in food, and each kind is broken down by the body in a different way. Flavonoids help to regulate cellular activity and fight off free radicals that cause oxidative stress in body. In simpler words, they help your body to function more efficiently while protecting it against everyday toxins and stressors.
Inflammation is one of your body’s natural immune responses. Allergens, germs, toxins, and other irritants can trigger inflammation in your body at any point of time and may lead to uncomfortable symptoms and condition of health. Flavonoids may help your body dismiss that inflammatory reaction to reduce those symptoms. Flavonoids are also powerful antioxidant agents. Antioxidants help your body to fight off potentially harmful molecules that can be introduced to the body. Your body produces antioxidants naturally and they are also found in dark chocolate, tea and many fruits and vegetables.
The major Flavonoids in green tea are the four Catechins and they are Epicatechin (EC), Epigallocatechin (EGC), Epicatechin Gallate (ECG) and Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG). Epigallocatechin Gallate is known as the most significant active component. The processes used in the manufacture of Black Tea are known to decrease levels of the monometric catechins to a much greater extent than the less severe conditions applied to other teas. Much research is available depicting the health benefits of Green Tea for a wide variety of implications, including different types of Cancer, Heart Disease, Liver Disease, etc. There is also a wide range of uses for Green Tea in Diabetes, Exercise Enhancement, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Skin Disorders, Hair Loss, Weight Loss and Iron Overload. There are also human studies on using green tea catechins to treat metabolic syndrome, such as Obesity, Type II Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors.
Among all types of tea the most significant effects on human health have been observed with the consumption of Green Tea. The first Green Tea was exported from India to Japan during the 17th century. It is known that about 2.5 million tons of tea leaves are produced each year throughout the world, with 20% produced as Green Tea, which is mainly consumed in Asia, some parts of North Africa, the United States, and Europe. The association between tea consumption, especially green tea, and human health has long been appreciated. In recent years, the health benefits of consuming Green Tea, including the prevention of Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases, the Anti-inflammatory, Anti-arthritic, Anti-bacterial, Anti-angiogenic, Anti-oxidative, Anti-viral, Neuro-protective, and Cholesterol-lowering effects of Green Tea and isolated Green Tea constituents are under investigation.
Let us see some of the common health benefits of Green Tea that we may get…
Cancer Prevention According to the National Cancer Institute, the Polyphenols in tea have been shown to decrease tumor growth in laboratory and animal studies and may protect against damage caused by ultraviolet UVB radiation.
Boosts Immunity If you need a simple and effective immune booster, grow a habit to drink Green Tea regularly. Polyphenols and Flavonoids found in green tea help to boost our immune system and make our health stronger in fighting against infection.
Common Cold and Flu EGCG, a powerful Catechin antioxidant found in green and white teas, can directly kill bacteria and viruses, including the influenza virus.
Weight Loss The caffeine present in green tea acts as a stimulant to help fat burning. Antioxidants like catechins present in Green Tea help to burn fat and boost metabolism that is key to lose weight.
Cardiovascular Health Green Tea prevents heart disease and stroke by lowering the level of cholesterol. Even after heart attack, it prevents cell deaths and speeds up the recovery of heart cells.
Relieving Stress The Green Tea has a calming effect on our mind. L-theanine, which is a kind of amino acid in green tea, can help to relieve stress and anxiety.
Green Tea, native to India, has been consumed and hailed for its health benefits for centuries globally, but has only in recent years gained popularity. Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves and is one of the less processed types of tea. It therefore contains the most antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols. The difference between Green Tea and most consumed Black Tea results from the manufacturing process. Black tea undergoes fermentation which transforms its colour and flavour, whereas Green Tea remains less-processed and retains its colour. Green Tea is grown in higher altitudes, more specifically the mountainous regions of East Asia.
Each tea is different in terms of composition and concentration of antioxidant compounds. However we can conclude that Organically grown Green Tea has more health benefits than an equal volume of Black Tea or Oolong tea in terms of antioxidant capacity. For the various beneficial properties associated with daily consumption of Organic Green Tea, it is getting better recognized day by day among the Tea lovers.
