Green Tea and Your Health

With antioxidants reported to be even more powerful than those within vitamins C
and E, green tea is gaining notable attention as a possible way of improving
many aspects of our health, and protecting us from a variety of ailments.



Found in three different mediums, including loose, bagged, or already bottled,
green tea is widely available and is also a relatively inexpensive addition to a
natural health regimen. The true connoisseur will prefer loose tea leaves, which
is less expensive than tea bags, however, the bags do offer more convenience, as
well as green tea that's already bottled.



However, it's important to know that bottled tea containing sugars or additives
won't offer the same health benefits, including the highly sought after
antioxidants, that brewed tea will. While still better than soda or other drinks
containing large amounts of sweeteners, green tea should be brewed at home
naturally, allowed to steep, and then drank or bottled.



The Possible Health Benefits of Green Tea



Thanks to the advances of modern medicine, numerous research studies are being
conducted to evaluate the possible health benefits of drinking green tea, and
many have found a number of promising results. Here are a few of those benefits:



- Promoting weight loss

- Treating infections

- Easing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

- Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease

- Reducing cholesterol levels

- Boosting immune function

- Preventing tooth decay

- Delaying hair loss



Due to the antibacterial properties naturally found within the tea's leaves,
green tea may also be useful for dealing with acne and similar skin problems. In
China, the beverage is actually referred to as "pimple tea," and one or two cups
per day is said to noticeably improve the skin's appearance.



Warding off certain types of cancer is yet another benefit of green tea as
scientists recently found it contains a compound that inhibits the growth of
cancerous cells. This study from Japan found that epigallocatechin gallate, or
EGCg binds itself to the cells, and researchers are hopeful about its possible
benefits for also treating the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).



Green Tea and Caffeine



As of yet, the only negative health ramification associated with consuming green
tea is an increased instance of insomnia due to the tea's caffeine content.
However, many people are surprised to learn that there is actually less caffeine
in green tea than there is in coffee, with coffee registering at over 100
milligrams per eight ounce cup, while tea measures in anywhere from 30 to 60
milligrams for the same amount.



For those concerned with their caffeine intake, there are now green tea
supplements in capsule form without the usual caffeine, but with the same
benefits. This is especially helpful for those with heart conditions, or who are
easily affected by the side effects it may cause, as the antioxidants are still
there, but only the caffeine is removed.



Besides the regular, plain variety, green tea can also be found in several
different, pleasing flavors that won't need sugar or other additives, most of
which will negate the tea's antioxidant qualities. Some flavors you may see are
honey ginseng, pineapple, ginger, and orange.

For more information grab your

Complete Guide To Green Tea today!