The Health Benefits of Green Tea

For thousands of years Green Tea has been used in China for diverse ailments ranging from depression and restlessness to headaches and the common cold. It seems that the Chinese knew what modern research is slowly proving true – green tea is just plain good for what ails you. Specifically, a study done by the National Cancer Institute found that green tea reduces the risk of certain cancers, and helps lower bad (LDL) Cholesterol levels.

This article serves as a general introduction to Green Tea and its ability to improve our overall well-being.

What is Green Tea?

Green tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinesis plant that grows in Southeast Asia. The young leaves and buds are used for creating the tea of which there are dozens of varieties (the age of the leaf influences the taste of the tea greatly, and also it's correct name when marketed). The producers dry the leaves immediately after harvesting. Sometimes they may dry them with an aromatic like jasmine for a different flavor note.

Unlike black tea, Green tea is not allowed to ferment. This means it retains a very high level of antioxidants (polyphenols), and vitamins A and C, all of which are important for human health.

Antioxidents are being studied because they may counteract the process of oxidation in our body. Researchers believe they play a preventative role in protecting our bodies from things like strokes, heart disease and cancer. When the antioxidants do their job, they expend themselves, meaning we need to replace them. Green tea offers one way to do just that (and a tasty one too!).

In this manner individuals who consume Green Tea on a regular basis improves their chances of staying healthy.

Green Tea in History

Some 4,000 years ago tea appears in China. There's a folk tale that says a Chinese physician by the name of Shen Nong discovered the tea had medicinal qualities in 2737 BCE. This happened when some tea leaves fell into his pot of boiling water.
In these early years the tea was part of religion and healing. Buddhist monks began cultivating it, and eventually a tea trade developed. By the 6th Century Tea reached Japan, and it came to Europe in 1615. This would be the first time tea was black! It had fermented on the voyage.
As merchants transported the tea, they also carried stories of its healing properties as a diuretic, astringent, digestive aid and of course as a stimulant that helped keep monks awake during meditation.

Modern Interest

Health consciousness in the United States is on the rise. We are beginning to hear about a lot of natural items that are simply "good for us." Green Tea is among those. While there is some controversy as to how much Green Tea is beneficial for overall physical support and maintenance of antioxidants, it doesn't appear to be harmful (except if you're trying to sleep!).

From various on-going studies, the following are a list of some conditions that Green Tea seems to help:

Slowing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease
Improving metabolism for those trying to lose weight and fat
Cancer prevention
Decreased bad cholesterol.
Supporting immune functions
Assisting with good oral health (it seems to deter plaque)
Preventing or treating heart disease
Increasing the recovery rates from infection
Lower blood pressure
Ease asthma

Note that Green tea is not simply being consumed any more. Various commercial products have added it into their recipes, such as those for dry skin. This is thanks to Green Tea's antibacterial qualities.

Partners in Wholeness

How effective Green Tea is for you depends greatly on your overall health and habits. It's not a miracle cure. Truthfully, no amount of Green tea will counteract poor diet and nutrition. If you overeat, consume too much alcohol or sugar, or get little exercise, then that lifestyle needs to change for Green Tea to improve your wellbeing.

For more on green tea and other teas, visit the EnvyMyHealth.com Nutrition Channel!

Return to the Wellness Guide

Return Home

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on EnvyMyHealth.com and its affiliates is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment. Nothing contained on this site is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.