The Lowdown on Green Tea
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on 1/22/2008
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The plant Camellia sinensis -what you know to be tea - has been studied over and over again and each time, more and more benefits are declared.
For instance, this nifty plant has been shown to boost the immune system while helping out with the prevention of coronary heart disease, artherosclerosis, and some cancers. And let’s not forget that green tea helps with fat loss, and improves mood, energy levels and concentration. These health benefits of tea are presumed to be related to the antioxidant effects of its components, namely, its polyphenolic tannins and catechins (let’s call them phytonutrients – or plant-nutrients).
These phytonutrients are in highest concentration in green tea as opposed to the other varieties and forms. Although black tea does still contain a number of polyphenols as well (i.e. theaflavine gallate, digallate, etc.) so don’t get discouraged if that’s your preferred brew (just switch it up with green every once and a while).
Got a little science-geeky on you, didn’t I? Sorry about that. What you need to know is that green tea is the best (1-2 cups per day, everyday) but if you like it black, go for it. Just don’t add milk as dairy seems to gum everything up and block all the good stuff mentioned above. A great way to flavour it though is to add a slice of ginger and a cinnamon stick – if you want to get all fancy and such, that is.
Editor: Sidebar on Tea Types –
A quick note on the distinction of "tea." The term "tea" actually only means an infusion - the liquid that comes as a result of steeping and then straining plant components in boiling water and does not refer to any specific compounds. Now the common reference to tea is actually to a specific species of plant - Camellia sinensis. And as to whether it’s black, oolong or green? Well that’s based on the degree of fermentation. Black is fully fermented; oolong partially fermented; and green tea is not fermented.
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nutrition, weight-loss, tea
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