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here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful: [/FONT]
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[*]cancer
[*]rheumatoid arthritis
[*]high cholesterol levels
[*]cariovascular disease
[*]infection
[*]impaired immune function
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[FONT=verdana, geneva, helvetica]What makes green tea so special? [/FONT]
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The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.[/FONT]
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Links are being made between the effects of drinking green tea and the "French Paradox." For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers.
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Why don't other Chinese teas have similar health-giving properties? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.
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[FONT=verdana, geneva, helvetica]Other Benefits[/FONT]
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New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.
Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market.
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[FONT=verdana, geneva, helvetica]Harmful Effects? [/FONT]
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To date, the only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine. However, green tea contains less caffeine than coffee: there are approximately thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six - eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee.
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[FONT=verdana, geneva, helvetica]How to Brew a Cup of Green Tea[/FONT]
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Producing the perfect cup of green tea is a tricky process. If not handled properly, those same polyphenols that provide health benefits can ruin the flavor, making the tea taste "gassy." It's particularly important not to overbrew. While it's best to follow the manufacturer's instructions for each variety of green tea, here are some general instructions:[/FONT]
- [FONT=geneva, verdana, helvetica]Use one tea bag, or 2 - 4 grams of tea,* per cup.[/FONT]
- [FONT=geneva, verdana, helvetica]Fill a kettle with cold water and bring to a boil.[/FONT]
- [FONT=geneva, verdana, helvetica]After unplugging the kettle, allow it to stand for up to 3 minutes.[/FONT]
- [FONT=geneva, verdana, helvetica]Pour the heated water over the tea bag or tea, and allow it to steep for up to 3 minutes. If using a tea bag, remove the bag.[/FONT]
- [FONT=geneva, verdana, helvetica]Allow the tea to cool for three more minutes.[/FONT]
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*One to two teaspoons, depending on the variety of green tea you are brewing.[/FONT]
