What is green tea?

All green tea come from the same source: the Camilla Sinensis tea bush. Now, how those tea leaves from the Camilla Sinensis end up as different kinds of teas depends on what happens to the leaves after they have been picked off the tea bush.

This tea was used in China for medicinal purposes some 4,000 years ago. Today, China has hundreds of different types of this tea.

This tea is made from the top two leaves and buds of the Camellia Sinensis. The tea leaves are picked and immediately dried or steamed to prevent fermentation. About 100,000 tons of this tea are produced per year.

This tea is perfect as is. But how about adding some flavor to it? Ever tried a blackberry flavored tea? Or a mint flavored one? How about one with an apricot flavor? The varieties are endless and you could discover a new favorite taste!

Tips:

Tea leaves should be kept in an air-tight container to retain flavor and prevent odors and moisture from being absorbed by the tea.
It should also be stored in a cool place for no longer than six months before use.

Health benefits:

Although the health benefits of this tea have been known for centuries, recent research is working on providing concrete evidence of these benefits.

May help prevent cancer.
Has been shown to limit the excessive rise in blood cholesterol.
May help to regulate blood sugar level.
May prevent cavities and aging.
Good for digestion.
Has been shown to prevent high blood pressure.
Contains the following important vitamins: C, B complex, and E.
May help with rheumatoid arthritis.
Contains fluoride--for preventing cavities.
Contains amino acids--for lowering blood pressure.
Contains polysaccharides--lowers blood sugar.
May be useful in weight control and weight loss.
Applying green tea extracts can reduce the harmful effects of radiation from the sun when applied externally.
Is recommended to ease stomach discomfort, vomiting, and to stop diarrhea.

However, pregnant women and mothers who breast feed should consider limiting their intake of this tea because of the caffeine that it contains.

This tea also exists as a decaffeinated tea. However, it is best for pregnant women and breast feeding mothers to check with their healthcare professional in regards to drinking tea.

Also, individuals with ulcers may want to avoid drinking this tea as it can stimulate the production of gastric acid.

Side Effects.

There are some side effects which should be considered:

This tea contains caffeine and may cause restlessness, irritability, difficulty sleeping, tremor, heart palpitations, loss of appetite, and upset stomach. To avoid these side effects, no more than 4-8 cups of hot tea should absorbed per day.

Should you wish to drink more hot green tea than 4-8 cups, you can decaffeinate your tea by letting it steep the first time and throwing the 1st brew away. The 2nd brew from the same tea leaves will contain less caffeine. But caffeine-free green tea is available commercially.

Were you interested in finding out aboutJapanese green teas?

Or maybe, you wanted to find out aboutChinese green teas?

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