I've turned over a new leaf.
Love it or hate it, I've jumped on the bandwagon. Green Tea - a medicine that originated from China, and now used widely across the whole world. It is packed full of amazing, organic chemicals - anti-oxidants and poly-phenols (yes, I had to look that one too) - that do wonders for your body and mind. But how on earth can something that doesn't smell of much, and really does not look appealing, be so good for you?
It is made from the same leaves as any 'normal' tea. Normal tea is made through a process that allows for fermentation, where as green tea is not and because of this it retains the maximum amount of that good stuff - B Vitamins, Manganese, Potassium, Magnesium, Caffeine, amongst various anti-oxidants.
And be prepared, I'm about to go all scientific on you.
It is made from the same leaves as any 'normal' tea. Normal tea is made through a process that allows for fermentation, where as green tea is not and because of this it retains the maximum amount of that good stuff - B Vitamins, Manganese, Potassium, Magnesium, Caffeine, amongst various anti-oxidants.
Benefits?
Weight-loss - The poly-phenol found in the tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate that the body turns food into calories. English? It increases your metabolism. Hurrah!
Diabetes - By regulating your glucose levels, it prevents high insulin spikes and fat storage.
Depression - The amino acid Theanine found in all leaves is said to provide a much more 'relaxing' and 'tranquillising' effect. So defiantly great on those busy monday mornings.
Ageing - Because of the tea's anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, it helps to prevent wrinkles and obvious signs of ageing.
Tooth Decay - It contains an anti-oxidant called 'Catechin' which helps to destroy bacteria and viruses that may lead to tooth decay. Because of the tea's amazing, bacterial fighting properties, it means that bacteria that causes bad breath can be fought off.
Cholesterol - It helps to maintain a healthy ratio between good cholesterol:bad cholesterol.
The tea also helps to lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease, and whilst it is believed to help those with cancer, it still isn't proven.
But how much is not enough?
How many cups of green tea should we be drinking to actually receive these benefits? 1 cup a day, 2, 5 or even 10? If like me you drink it more socially rather than to combat any of the benefits mentioned above, than 1 to 2 cups is more than sufficient, but if you're really trying to combat any thing mentioned above, you may be more beneficial by taking green tea supplements. And for those of you who are pregnant, or have low levels of iron, I suggest not drinking the tea. It decreases the amount of iron and folic acid absorption.
How many cups of green tea should we be drinking to actually receive these benefits? 1 cup a day, 2, 5 or even 10? If like me you drink it more socially rather than to combat any of the benefits mentioned above, than 1 to 2 cups is more than sufficient, but if you're really trying to combat any thing mentioned above, you may be more beneficial by taking green tea supplements. And for those of you who are pregnant, or have low levels of iron, I suggest not drinking the tea. It decreases the amount of iron and folic acid absorption.
Happy drinking.
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