Godness of Green Tea | Elixir of Life

Though consumption of tea as refreshment has its beginning almost 5000 years ago, the popularity of GREEN TEA of late is fast catching up among all sections of people around the globe for its several health promoting properties. Of all beverages, consumption of green tea is by far most popular as a stimulant for its antioxidant properties. With recent research corroborating century old traditional values showing tea as a stress reliever, it becomes the natural choice for management of anxiety in modern lifestyles. Scientific studies also suggest that rare chemical substances such as polyphenols and catechins which are specially found in tea leaves could be the answer for variety of diseases and health related problems of future years. Green tea is not only ELIXIR OF LIFE, but is now believed to be the preventive tool for future healthy living. Apart from reducing anxiety, additional health benefits are being reported day by day on basis of medical research ranging from simple living to cases of esophageal cancer due to its effective anti carcinogenic properties.

Knowing the fact that green tea is a treasure of antioxidants, its daily use can act as a preventive measure for following ailments as well.

TOOTH DECAY
GENERAL INFECTIONS
OBESITY
HIGH CHOLESTEROL / HYPERTENSION
DIABETES
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
FOOD POISONING

What makes green tea stand apart from black and blended tea ? Is it ingredients ! surely not, its brewing rather than fermenting that makes the difference in extracting EGCG chemical from catechins which is rich in antioxidants. Basically green tea in far east is classified into following categories, depending on the cultivation and processing technique to give its unique aroma and flavor.
SENCHA : It is most popular form of green tea. Sencha leaves are first steamed, then hand rubbed and later dried. When poured it has a distinct yellow color and refreshing aroma with a slight taste of bitter and sweetness, much depending on technique of rubbing.
GYOKURO : Gyokuro leaves are picked from trees grown under shade, the fields are covered with straw to control photosynthesis which results in high amino acid levels and adds up to the nutrition value with a richer taste.
MACCHA : Leaves from gyokuro tree is dried, steamed and then stone ground into powdered state. Though it may appear thick and green, it has a subtle bitter and sweet taste containing all the nutrition due to its unique style of preparation.
HOJICHA : Over sized leaves are roasted under high temperature in a large earthen pot to get its distinct smell. After brewing the liquor appears similar to black beer but recognizable from distance away by its lingering aroma.
KONACHA : Konacha or powdered tea is considered as most tasty and delicious of green tea's available at affordable prices. To enjoy its enticing aroma, one must put boiling water quickly into a pot and strain the liquor using cloth or paper bag.

There is much talk about the values of green tea. What's special about it can best be appreciated by the benefit one derives from making tea-drinking a daily habit. To understand the unique values of green tea, a listing of the merits will make things clear.

HELPS IN FIGHTING TOOTH DECAY

HELPFUL IN WEIGHT LOSS DIET REGIME

INCREASES GENERAL METABOLISM IN THE BODY

REGULAR INTAKE STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNITY SYSTEM AND PREVENTS ALLERGY

EFFECTIVE IN TREATMENT OF STRESS AND DEPRESSION CASES

IS RECOMMENDED AS HEALTH SUPPLEMENT FOR VIGOR AND VITALITY

HELPS IN REPAIR AND HEALING OF INTERNAL CELLS AND TISSUE

PREVENTS DEGRADATION OF CELL MEMBRANES / SLOWS DOWN AGING PROCESS

HELPS IN BOOSTING MENTAL ALERTNESS

REGULAR CONSUMPTION HELPS IN PREVENTION OF ARTHRITIS

USED TRADITIONALLY IN TREATMENT OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

EFFECTIVE IN CASES OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

HELPS IN PREVENTION OF DIABETES

IS EFFECTIVE IN DECREASING CHOLESTEROL / HYPERTENSION

IS HELPFUL IN TREATMENT OF THROMBOSIS / CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

TAKING GREEN TEA IS EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF CANCER

DAILY 4/5 CUPS PROMISES CURE FOR HIV, DUE TO ITS MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Though drinking green tea provides all the ingredients for healthy living but yet few precautions need to be taken to derive maximum benefit.

• Drinking excessive amount of tea increases fluoride levels in our body which could cause osteoporosis, arthritis and neurological disorders.
• Overuse of tea raises caffeine intake, leading to loss of appetite, sleeping problem (insomnia) and heart palpatation.
• People with sensitive stomach may experience an upset tummy, as tea is a potent stimulant for gastric irritation.
  
• As consumption of tea inhibits absorption of iron in our body, anyone known for iron deficiency should restrict his intake of tea.
• Intake of tea should be restricted during pregnancy as it inhibits the metabolism of folic acid, essential for proper fetal development.
• Drinking green tea is a concern for formation of kidney stones, as being rich in oxalic acid assists in calcium deposit.

SO IT'S BETTER TO FOLLOW A FEW PRECAUTIONS TO BE SAFE FROM THE ELIXIR OF LIFE, THAN BE SORRY FROM IT'S SIDE EFFECTS.