The world of tea is vast; after water, tea is the most consumed drink in the world and a product made up of Camellia sinensis plant leaf. Millions of people start their day with a cup of tea. However, based on the manufacturing process, teas are classified into three major types: green tea, oolong tea, and black/red tea. However, consumed for centuries, green tea benefits are backed by increasing scientific research.
With its subtle, astringent taste, green tea has long been celebrated for its medicinal properties. Tea originated in China and has been a popular beverage for 2,000 years. Tea is a part of people’s daily routine and is widely available across the globe. Therefore, in present days, It is revered not just for its taste but also for its numerous health benefits.
What is green tea?
Green tea is tea produced by drying and steaming fresh Camellia sinensis leaves. Unlike other teas, green tea leaves undergo minimal oxidation during processing, which helps to preserve the green color and natural compounds within the tea leaves, contributing to several green tea benefits. Some popular green tea varieties include Sencha, Matcha, and Longjing. Each type of green tea presents a unique flavor profile, but all share the common thread of offering considerable health benefits.
Nutritional value of Green tea
Green tea is a nutritional powerhouse loaded with bioactive compounds that contributing several health benefits. The key nutritional component in green tea is antioxidants. Epigallocatechin Gallate(EGCG) is one of the most potent polyphenols found in green tea.
Besides polyphenols, green tea contains several other beneficial components. These include flavonoids, catechins, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. It also has a modest amount of caffeine, enough to perk you up without causing the jitters associated with Coffee. Green tea contains a meager amount of calories. However, some vitamins and minerals are minimal or almost zero
Green tea vs. black tea
Green tea and black tea make from the same plant, Camellia sinesis. The difference lies in the processing. While green tea leaves are quickly heated to prevent oxidation, black tea leaves are fully oxidized, resulting in a dark color and strong flavor.
When it comes to health benefits, both teas have a lot to offer. However, the green tea benefits are more widely researched and recognized. The higher concentration of antioxidants in green tea gives it an edge over black tea.
Does green tea have caffeine?
Green tea contains a high amount of polyphenols; therefore, green tea is an important source of antioxidants. Among the antioxidant, the flavonoid is the most abundant in green tea. However, green tea contains caffeine. Many people have a common question, how much caffeine is in green tea? About 230 ml (8 oz) of green tea contains about 50 mg of caffeine. But the same amount of brewed Coffee includes about 95 mg of caffeine. However, the amount of caffeine in green tea differs with the type of green tea and method of preparation.
Is green tea good for you?
Some people believe green tea is magic in weight loss, while others fear it might lead to insomnia due to its caffeine content. However, drinking a moderate amount of green tea is good for health.
A. Green tea benefits
Traditionally or for a long time in India and China, people used green tea to regulate body temperature, prevent bleeding and improve digestive health. However, modern scientific research has proved some earlier health benefits claims.
1. Green tea and cancer prevention
A review paper published in the Cochrane Database of systemic reviews (2020) evaluated the possible association between green tea consumption and the risk to the digestive tract, female reproductive system, nasopharynx, lung, blood, skin, brain, thyroid, kidney, prostrate cancer incidence, including 142 completed studies and 1.1 million participants. Overall, studies showed consumption of green tea and the risk of cancer was inconsistent. Some studies showed green tea benefits for cancer, some had no effect, and some suggested a slight risk. However, the consumption of green tea and cancer prevention remains unproven so far.
2. Green tea and weight loss
Thousand of people have a question “does green tea help you lose weight? Several clinical trials tried to answer this question and investigated the relationship between green tea and weight loss. Their results were not persistent. Some suggested a green tea benefits weight loss, whereas some studies did not find the effectiveness of green tea on weight management. Therefore, green tea on weight loss does not have concrete answers.
3. Green tea and cardiovascular disease
Green tea benefits for cardiovascular disease prevention; a review paper on Cochrane Database systemic review published in 2013 searched and identified 11 randomized controlled trials(RCTs) with 821 participants to determine the effect of green tea and the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Results suggest that green tea positively impacts cardiovascular disease risk factors. However, there were very few long-term studies and some caution to make a solid conclusion.
4. Green tea and genital wart
A topical ointment (Sinecatechins 15%, Veregen) is available for the external genital and perianal wart treatment. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration has approved this ointment, a mixture of catechins extracted from green tea. Therefore, we can say green tea benefits genital wart treatment.
Green tea side effects
There may be several benefits of green tea, and drinking a moderate amount does not have any risk. However, there are several green tea side effects of consuming green tea in high concentrations.
High concentrations of green tea extract may be a risk for liver health. Similarly, caffeine-sensitive people can experience insomnia, anxiety, and stomach upset after drinking green tea.
Summary
Green tea is tea produced by drying and steaming fresh Camellia sinensis leaves. Green tea benefits extend beyond its pleasant taste and comforting warmth. Its rich nutritional profile and health benefits make it a valuable addition to any diet. Green tea is a secret ingredient for optimal health, whether you drink it for pleasure, health, or both. Embrace the wonders of green tea and let it guide you on your journey to wellness.
