The Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea is a perfect adjunct to other healing herbs. Although you would not be growing it in an Irish herb garden it can be introduced easily into our daily routine.

Both green and black tea come from the same plant called the Camellia Sinensis bush. It is the processing of the tea leaves which will determine whether it becomes green or black tea. Green tea is made from tea leaves which are steamed first and dried soon after they are harvested.

Green tea still contains the compounds that have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and health enhancing properties. These compounds can penetrate the cells of the body and then protect them from the free radicals.

Research has shown that green tea can protect against cancer, lower cholesterol levels and reduce the clotting tendency of the blood thus reducing the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and increasing the risk of a Heart Attack and a Stroke. It shows great promise as an aid to weight loss as it can promote the burning of fat and helps to regulate the blood sugar and insulin levels.

Green tea also stimulates the immune system, can fight tooth decay, combats mental fatigue and can be good for asthma suffers. It may also help to prevent enlarged prostate.

To benefit from green teas antioxidant properties it should be drunk without milk. (Milk is thought to bind with the beneficial compounds making them unavailable to the body.)

Green tea could be easily introduced into our lives as an enjoyable and refreshing drink as well as a very positive and preventative agent for the body as a whole. A word of warning that it does contain a small amount of caffeine especially for people who suffer from caffeine related symptoms palpitations, anxiety, stress and people who suffer from cardiac related disorders etc...

Nutrients contained in green teas are; amino acids, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and C.

Always consult your G.P. before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. We acknowledge the contribution of all authors and researchers.