Feb 16 2009
Green Tea – 1.3 Billion Chinese Can’t Be Wrong
Green tea is a drink that’s, pardon the pun, very hot in the health and wellness circles right now. This is due, in part, to the fact that the tea plant – Camellia sinensis – has been the subject of many scientific investigations demonstrating
the health boosting-properties of this natural medicine.
Although the western world is just catching on, the Chinese have known this for centuries. In fact there’s an ancient Chinese saying that goes: “Better to be deprived of food for three days, than of tea for one.”
Research has shown that the daily consumption of tea may improve risk factors for coronary heart/artery disease, artherosclerosis and some cancers. These health benefits of tea are presumed to be related to the antioxidant effects of its components, namely, its polyphenolic tannins and catechins. These phytochemicals are in highest concentrations in green tea as opposed to other types.
While the following are not recognized benefits of tea, there are tons of anecdotal reports touting the following: relief of headache, diarrhea, and stomach upset.
Finally, for you body comp people, recent research has shown green tea to be thermogenic to a greater extent than would be expected from its caffeine content alone. This means big fat burning properties wrapped in a healthy shell.
While some say it’s not easy being green, this type of tea may beg to differ. We recommend drinking at least
1 cup of green tea per day – although you’ll start to see further benefits at intakes closer to 3 cups per day.
