Todays Health Article

January 28th, 2011

We all get caught up sometimes, more often than not, in the media or marketing hype of certain foods or drinks. What may be good for one person may not be for another. How may we become Green Tea smart?  This article is presenting, what I have found to be beneficial for you, “Green Tea Lovers”, and also perhaps, some surprising facts that may have an impact on how Green Tea may relate to one’s health. 

Green Tea Is…

Made solely with the leaves of Camellia sinensis that have undergone minimal oxidation during processing. Green tea originates from the country of China. Green Tea has become familiar with many cultures in Asia, Japan, South Korea to the Middle East.

It was not til recently, Green Tea has become more widespread in this country, where black tea  has  traditionally been the tea drank. There are many varieties of green tea have been created in countries where they are grown. These varieties can differ substantially due to various growing conditions, production processing, and harvesting time.

How many Varieties Can You Name?

Many varieties have been provided here with their links.Aracha · Bancha · Bi Luo Chun · Chun Mee · Da Fang · Genmaicha · Guapian · Gunpowder · Gyokuro · Hojicha · Hou Kui · Huang Shan Mao Feng · Hyson · Kabusecha · Kamairicha · Konacha · Kukicha · Longjing · Matcha · Mao Jian · Mecha · Meng Ding Gan Lu · Sencha · Shincha · Tamaryokucha

 How Many Health Benefits Can you Name?

Over several decades green tea has been the subject of  many scientific and medical studies.Why, to determine the extent of it’s long-purported health benefits. There are some evidence, suggesting that regular green tea drinkers have:

• A  lower chances of heart disease and developing certain types of cancer.
•  Green tea does not raise the metabolic rate enough to produce immediate weight loss. Green tea extract containing polyphenols and caffeine. This has been shown to induce thermogenesis and stimulate fat oxidation,  boosting the metabolic rate 4% without increasing the heart rate.
• According to a survey released by United States Department of Agriculture in 2007, ^“The average content of flavonoids in a cup of green tea is higher than that in the same volume of other food and drink items that are traditionally considered of health contributing nature, including fresh fruits, vegetable juices or wine.”
• Flavonoids are a group of phytochemicals in most plant products that are responsible for such health effects as anti-oxidative and anticarcinogenic functions.
• Green Tea contains a special compound called theanine, which has been known to stimulate alpha brain waves, calm the body, and promote relaxed awareness
• Theanine and Caffeine – The  2007 breakthrough studies found that green tea regenerates damaged brain cells and is a viable treatment option for multiple sclerosis patients
• Tea and High Blood Pressure… A 2004 study found that regular tea drinkers are 65% less likely to develop high blood pressure if they drink more than two cups a day.
• Tea and Insulin Sensitivity. A study discovered that drinking 6 cups of tea per day for 8 weeks reduces blood sugar levels by 15% to 20%.
• Tea and Smoking. A study conducted by the University of Arizona found that it reduces cellular damage by 25%.
•  Tea can help. Unlike soft drinks, tea is non-erosive. It also fights mouth viruses and reduces bad breath.
• UK Scientists found that tea is healthier than pure water. They dispelled the common belief that tea dehydrates. Tea not only rehydrates as well as water does, it also has many other health benefits.

What are the Side Effects of Green Tea?

Tea contains about half the amount of caffeine found in coffee, The consumption of green tea is unlikely to cause problems for the majority of people, however if you are sensitive to caffeine, here are the symptoms to watch out for: restlessness, irritability, sleeping problems, tremor, heart palpitations, loss of appetite, upset stomach, nausea, frequent urination, and skin rash may occur.

• If you have a sensitive stomach. Stomach upset is the second most common complaint after caffeine. A 1984 study concluded that “tea is a potent stimulant of gastric acid, and this can be reduced by adding milk and sugar.” Tea and Stomach Gastric Irritation
•  Green tea contains caffeine, catechins and tannic acids. All three substances have been linked to pregnancy risks.
• Tea is known as a “negative calories” beverage. Not only does it contain virtually no calories, it also block the absorption of certain nutrients.
• One concern is iron mal absorption. A 2001 study reports that green tea extract reduces the absorption of non-heme iron by 25%.
• A 2005 study found that long-term drinkers develop protective mechanism by having heavier parotic glands. The protein rich saliva neutralises the harmful effect of tea tannin
• Drinking too much tea can be dangerous. Especially if the tea is low quality or contains Fluoride
• Green tea, like any other tea beverages, can interfere and interact with certain medications.

Tea and Medical Interaction

Green tea contains caffeine which can increase heart rate and blood pressure, though people who consume caffeine regularly, don’t seem to experience  long-term effects. Caffeine can also increase blood sugar level and Diabetics patients should drink it cautiously.

 Those with psychological disorders, especially anxiety or panic disorders, and overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism.

Finally, if you have any other health concerns,  Consult with your health adviser before drinking green tea.

Todays Health Comments

Today more and more varieties of drinks have become available  literally, at our finger tips, just ready to drink. The task is to become Green Tea Smart, understand the fine print on their labels, and understand there are health benefits as well as side effects from these drinks. If you are taking medications, understand the complications and consult with your Doctor. For those loving your Green Tea, I hope this Article has made you Green Tea smarter.

Upcoming articles on Health Drinks…

Why they are becoming popular, and why we should consider choosing them part of our daily diet.

What are the health benefits and the facts.

How much should we drink?

Can there be too much of a good thing and what are the side affects if any.

These questions and facts  will be answered shortly by 

 CLICKING HERE