Afternoon Tea Week: Green Tea

The question is are there any other foods or drink that have been reported to have as many health benefits as green tea?

The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times. It is made using the leaves of the Chinese Camellia sinensis plant. The leaves are then applied to heat quickly after picking which minimizes oxidation. This is thought to give the green tea it’s many benefits.

1. Researchers have suggested that it can help slash the risk of developing cancer by shrinking tumours.

2. It has been known to stabilise your cholesterol levels.

3. It has shown significant reductions in deaths of cardiovascular disease.

4. It can boost your immune system and aid weight loss.

5. It has been effective in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.

6. It can reduce tooth decay.

7. A recent report has shown that it can also slow the onset of Alzheimers and Parkinsons Disease.

8. It can help fight infections and allergies to the body.

9. They also say it can slow the ageing.

10. The latest news on Green tea is that it can enhance the ability of our brains’ cognitive functions especially on the working memory, a Swiss scientists suggest.Researchers have recommended further study into how green tea can help with cognitive impairments such as dementia.

11. Green tea’s other benefits include reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. This research was conducted at the University Hospital of Basel Switzerland and led by Professors Christoph Beglinger and Stefan.

12. Drinking green tea ‘may’ reduce the risk of age related functional disabilities like osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

13. They say that for people who consume 1 – 2 cups of green tea per day have a ten percent lower risk of becoming disabled.

Types of Green Tea

Listed below are the most popular green teas. (Please note that there are Amazon affiliate links below)

1. Sencha Green Tea

Sencha is a luxurious cup of tea. A vibrant green colour which is smooth to taste and has a subtle tang to it. The tea is rolled rather than grind it into a powder. It was introduced by a Chinese monk who taught the Japanese the process of rolling tea. It’s probably one of Japan’s most well-known teas and is used for stress relief. The amount of caffeine in the tea is moderate.

2. Matcha Green Tea

Matcha is a well-known vibrant green tea that is enjoyed by everyone. It evolved from being a beverage drunk by monks and aristocrats, but is now widely used. This is a sweet delicate drink in powdered form and is believed to help with meditation. It has a high caffeine level.

3. Jasmine Leaf Green Tea

Jasmine Leaf is a pale green fresh fragrant tea where both the leaves and flowers are kept together to release the strong Jasmine fragrance. This is a sweet mild tea which has a high caffeine level.

4. Lotus Leaf Tea

The method in harvesting this pale gold lotus Tea is similar to the Jasmine leaf where the buds of the flowers are wrapped within the green tea leaves for extra flavour and fragrance. This has a high caffeine level.

5. Hojicha Green Tea

Hojicha is roasted to achieve a smoky intense aroma filled flavour. It is redy brown in appearance and has a smoky taste coupled with a hint of caramel. The caffeine level is moderate.

6. Gunpowder Green Tea

Gunpowder leaves are steamed and then rolled very tightly to keep in the freshness and aroma. This creates little pellets that are misty green in colour. The tasty smoky and the caffeine level is high.

7. Dragon well Green Tea

Dragon well is a delicate green tea, hand-picked in the spring and then roasted, giving it a toasty taste. Pale yellow in colour, it has a high caffeine level.