All You Ought To Know About Green Tea

Posted on May 9, 2008 in Latest News

Since ancient times Green Tea is considered to be one of the best natural remedies. According to the archeological evidences which suggest that the history of consumption of green tea is 500,000 years old. Whereas the botanical evidences show that Green tea was first cultivated in India and China. Various research studies have proved the tremendous health benefits of green tea.

The botanical name of Green Tea is Camellia sinensis. Besides green tea there are other common names like Bancha, Kukicha, Senchu, Japanese tea, Chinese tea, Mecha, Asian tea, etc. Mainly there are 3 varieties of tea: Black, Green and Oolong. The basic difference between the 3 varieties lies in the difference of their processing. Green tea is basically prepared from unfermented leaves.

Health Benefits of Green Tea:

This Southeast Asian plant has a number of health benefits. Some of the major health benefits of green tea consumption are listed below:

Green tea is a rich source of chemical compound called as catechin polyphenols. Out of all the polyphenols most abundant is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a potent anti-oxidant and highly reduces the risk of all types of cancer. This compound EGCG restrains the growth cancerous cells without damaging the healthy tissues.
Regular use of green tea checks and lowers the blood cholesterol levels. Besides regulating the cholesterol levels it is observed that it enhances the ratio of good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL).
Green tea is well known for its thermogenic properties which encourages fast fat oxidation. Hence green tea is used for loosing excess weight and to control further weight gain.
Green tea is also used as a potent mouthwash as it highly effective in preventing influenza and strep throat. Besides that it also contains natural fluorine and catechin glucosyl transferase which prevents cavities and destroys carcinogenic bacteria responsible for the formation of plaque and various other oral bacteria which result in bad breathe.
Green tea acts as an effective sterilizing agent for food poisoning causing bacteria without causing any damage to other beneficial bacteria present in the intestinal tract.
Many research studies have proved that regular consumption of green tea effectively treats rheumatoid arthritis, various infections and impaired immune functioning mainly associated to HIV.
Green tea effectively hinders the abnormal blood clot formation which might lead to heart attacks and strokes.
As compared to coffee the caffeine content in green tea is very less and it effectively refreshes the central nervous system, heart, liver and skeletal system.
Green tea is highly beneficial in protecting liver from the harmful effects of alcohol, viral inflammation, etc.
Green tea effectively regulates and lowers the blood sugar levels.

Daily Dosage of Green Tea:

The various health benefits experienced due to the consumption of green tea is due to the presence of polyphenols. The concentration of polyphenols highly depends on the brand of green tea consumed. In case you are consuming green tea in the form of decoction then 2-3 cups/day are sufficient. 2-3 cups of green tea decoction contains approximately 240-320 mg of polyphenols. If you desire to consume green tea in the form of tincture then 300-400mg/day of green tea extract is sufficient.

Side Effects of Green Tea:

As everyone knows that tea contains caffeine. In the same way green tea and its extract also contains caffeine. The major side effects of green tea are related to the presence of caffeine. This caffeine can result into to conditions like anxiety, insomnia, nausea, irritability, upset stomach or frequent urination in some people. In cases of high dosage caffeine can also lead to conditions of irregular heart rhythm, seizures, high blood pressure, delirium, etc. It is advisable for people suffering from following conditions not to consume green tea:

Kidney disorders
Stomach ulcers
Heart Problems
Lactating or pregnant women
Psychological disorders especially people suffering with anxiety attacks

Research study also shows that the chemical composition of green tea interferes with various prescribed medicines. Listed below is the various medications with which green tea interferes and it is advisable for people on any of the listed medication not to consume green tea.

Adenosine
Aspirin
Beta-blockers, metoprolol and propranolol
Blood thinning medications
Benzodiazepines
Clozapine
Chemotherapy
Ephedrine
Lithium
Phenylpropanolamine
Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine
Oral contraceptives

It is always better to consult your doctor before following a regular regimen of green tea consumption.

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One Response to “All You Ought To Know About Green Tea”

Ethen White Says:
May 23rd, 2008 at 12:25 pm
The benefits of Green Tea have been well known for centuries through ancient Oriental wisdom. Modern science is only just discovering this potent health drink. The benefits of Green Tea are definitely more than the side effects of caffeine. I love the soothing, relaxing and stimulating effect that a freshly brewed cup brings. But for those who are sensitive to caffeine intake, the side effects of caffeine could easily be solved by consuming a Green Tea extract (without the caffeine). This is a good option.

All You Ought To Know About Green Tea

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One Response to “All You Ought To Know About Green Tea”

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