The Wonders of Green Tea
It seems no matter where you turn these days, people are drinking green tea. Even the large soda manufacturers have caught on to the trend and are selling the stuff, with ads plastered all over prime time television for versions of the drink.
So what exactly is it about green tea that has people talking? Turns out, there are a variety of health concerns that are thought to be eased, or even cured, by green tea, such as:
- cancer
- rheumatoid arthritis
- high cholesterol levels
- cardiovascular disease
- infection
- impaired immune function
There are also people who believe that enough of the stuff will help you lose weight. And that it helps prevent tooth decay.
The difference between green tea and black or oolong tea is in the processing. Green tea is steamed, which prevents the catechin polyphenol, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful anti-oxidant, from being destroyed. EGCG has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, lower LDL cholesterol levels and inhibit the formation of abnormal blood clots.
Black tea, on the other hand, is fermented, and the leaves lose the EGCG compound in the process, making it a tasty beverage, but not necessarily one with outstanding healing properties.
There is much debate on exactly what quantity is needed to benefit from the polyphenols in green tea. Some studies say as little as two cups per day, others as many as ten. Remember that green tea is not completely caffeine-free – the average 6 to 8oz cup of green tea contains 30 to 60mg of caffeine, compared to over 100mg in an equal amount of coffee. However, it is easily digested by most people not prone to caffeine-induced insomnia, and is considerably better than consuming coffee or soda.
One of the most popular ways to consume green tea in North America is sweetened and iced. Most drink companies have some bottled version of an iced green tea available, but it’s simple to make at home. Here is the version most favoured in our house, flavoured with honey, lemon and ginger. It’s just slightly sweet, and very refreshing on a hot summer day.
10 cups cold water
1/4 cup loose green tea leaves
1 herbal lemon teabag
1 oz fresh ginger, sliced
1/4 cup honey
up to 1/4 cup sugar
Bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and add green tea leaves, lemon tea bag and sliced fresh ginger. Allow to steep for about an hour.
Strain tea into a pitcher. Add the honey and stir well. Add the sugar, a bit at a time, to taste. Place in fridge and allow to cool before serving.
