Would You Like Some Tea?

Over the past few years we've heard many people talking about the health benefits of green tea and since I drink it everyday about twice a day I decided to get the facts of this drink that has been enjoyed in China and Japan for centuries {all images from Martha Stewart online}.

The difference between green and black is the time when the leaves are picked and dried because both of them come from the same plant called Camellia sinesis. The process used to dry green tea allows for it to contain a high concentration of antioxidants which in turn help scavenge free radical and not allowing damaging compounds to alter our cells and cause them to die {seriously!}.

In certain cultures green tea has been used through the years as a diuretic, stimulant, astringent and to improve heart health as well as regulating body temperature and blood sugar. Some people {like me} whose stomachs are more susceptible to the acid from coffee drink green tea for alertness because it contains about 50 milligrams of caffeine per cup compared to 175 milligrams in coffee.

Recipe

The antioxidant found in green tea is called ECGC which has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties that help prevent the growth of tumors and inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. Studies have found that women who consume green tea have decreased chances of getting bladder, breast, ovarian and lung cancer amongst others {check THIS article for more info}.

Recipe

To make it even better, green tea has shown signs of helping boost metabolism which in turn help people lose weight and burn more fat... thank the catechins for that!

Recipe

To brew the tea avoid using boiling water because it can burn the good "stuff" included in it. If you are buying loose tea make sure to separate the leaves and then add the water, let steep for about 3-5 minutes and then remove the leaves of bag because they might make it bitter.

Recipe

Have a great day and enjoy the benefits of your tea!