Green tea (Camellia sinensis)

CONTEXT

    Green tea, that humble leaf that has been steeped, sipped and savored for thousands of years, is more than just a hot beverage. It’s a veritable brew of history, interesting facts and a myriad of uses that extend beyond the teapot. So grab a cup, sit back and let’s pour the tea into green tea.

    Our story begins in China in 2737 B.C. Picture this: Emperor Shen Nung, relaxing under a tree, boiling some water. Suddenly, a gust of wind sends the leaves floating into his teapot. Instead of throwing a royal tantrum, he takes a sip and voilà! Tea is born. Well, that’s how the legend goes.

    Fast forward a few centuries and green tea has become a staple in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, used for everything from controlling bleeding and aiding digestion to improving mental and heart health and regulating body temperature.

    Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t all tea just… tea?” Well, yes and no. Green, black, and oolong tea all come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The difference lies in the processing. Green tea leaves are quickly heated after harvesting to prevent oxidation, which helps them maintain their green color and high levels of beneficial compounds.

 

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY BENEFITS

    The health benefits of green tea are largely attributed to its high content of flavonoids, particularly catechins, which are potent antioxidants. The superstar is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory properties.

    EGCG has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which helps reduce inflammation and its harmful effects on the body.

    Green tea can also improve brain function, aid in weight loss, lower the risk of heart disease, and help prevent type 2 diabetes, all of which have inflammation at their core. It’s also good for your skin, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.

 

DRINKING GREEN TEA

    To reap the benefits of green tea, it’s best to steep the tea leaves or tea bag in hot water for about 3 to 5 minutes. You can drink it hot or cold, and it can be consumed at any time of the day. However, it’s best to avoid drinking it on an empty stomach or before bed due to its caffeine content.

 

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS

    Speaking of caffeine, while green tea is generally safe for most people, it can cause side effects like headaches, sleep problems, and irregular heartbeat in some people. It also contains tannins, which can increase stomach acid and cause stomach discomfort or nausea if consumed on an empty stomach.

    Additionally, green tea may interfere with certain medications and may affect iron absorption. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting to drink green tea regularly, especially for those with existing health conditions or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

    Green tea, with its rich history and impressive health benefits, is truly a remarkable beverage. Its anti-inflammatory properties, in particular, make it a valuable addition to our diet. So, whether you are a tea lover or just looking for a healthy beverage, green tea is definitely worth trying.