Green Tea Benefits
Green tea is a type of tea made solely with the leaves of Camellia sinensis that has undergone minimal oxidation during processing.
Green tea originates from China and has become associated with many cultures in Asia from Japan to the Middle East. Green tea contains a variety of chemical compounds, minerals, vitamins, volatile oils and essential nutrients, but the primary compounds that is believed to provide green tea with its health and medicinal effects are polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals - damaging compounds in the body that alter cells, tamper with DNA (genetic material) and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet rays from the sun, radiation, cigarette smoke and air pollution) also give rise to these damaging particles. Many scientists believe that free radicals contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems. Antioxidants such as polyphenols in green tea can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. In fact, the antioxidant effects of polyphenols appear to be greater than vitamin C. The polyphenols in green tea also give it a somewhat bitter flavour. Green tea also contains alkaloids including caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. These alkaloids provide green tea's stimulant effects. Green tea contains L-theanine. L-theanine is a healthy amino acid that is only found in tea plants and certain mushrooms. It has a calming effect on the body without making one drowsy.
Green tea originates from China and has become associated with many cultures in Asia from Japan to the Middle East. Green tea contains a variety of chemical compounds, minerals, vitamins, volatile oils and essential nutrients, but the primary compounds that is believed to provide green tea with its health and medicinal effects are polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals - damaging compounds in the body that alter cells, tamper with DNA (genetic material) and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet rays from the sun, radiation, cigarette smoke and air pollution) also give rise to these damaging particles. Many scientists believe that free radicals contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems. Antioxidants such as polyphenols in green tea can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. In fact, the antioxidant effects of polyphenols appear to be greater than vitamin C. The polyphenols in green tea also give it a somewhat bitter flavour. Green tea also contains alkaloids including caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. These alkaloids provide green tea's stimulant effects. Green tea contains L-theanine. L-theanine is a healthy amino acid that is only found in tea plants and certain mushrooms. It has a calming effect on the body without making one drowsy.