Health and Wellness Access

We can all thank the ancient Chinese for drawing our attention to the wonders that may be found in a simple yet pleasurable cup of green tea.

For centuries in ancient China, green tea was known for relieving headaches and depression. The tradition of drinking green tea has endured the test of time and today its popularity is soaring as technology breaks down the mystery behind the numerous benefits that are to be enjoyed by regular intake of this soothing drink.

There are three unique types of tea, although tea is available in many forms and varieties.

Whether black, green, or red, all tea starts from the harvesting of a warm weather evergreen known as Camellia Sinensis. Once the leaves are processed, this is where the differences in the end product happen.

The more processing the leaves undergo, the darker the tea becomes, and thus “green” tea has had the least change to its original form.

Green tea is usually a leaf that has been quickly steamed while the blacks and reds have been dried, crushed and fermented making them appear to be stronger and thus more potent.

Don’t be deceived by this obvious attribute, because as believed by many, the closer it is to its original state, the more potent and stronger its healing properties are.Image via Wikipedia

Tea is known to have polyphenols, an antioxidant which helps protect our bodies from free radical damage.

The measure of antioxidants is known as the ORAC score and tea has been found to rank higher than many fruits and vegetables, so you should seriously consider including tea in your everyday diet.

Aside from preventing blood clotting, studies have shown than polyphenols can decrease cholesterol levels. Consuming four to six cups a day may also reduce gastric, esophageal and skin cancers. Try searching through the internet and you will see the endless list of ailments, aches, and pains that can be relieved by simply drinking green tea.

Among some of the better known of these are treatment and prevention of cancer, reduction of the risk of heart disease, relief from rheumatoid arthritis treatment of impaired immune functions.

The benefits of drinking green tea also extends to the treatment of digestive disorders, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s while raising metabolism and increasing fat oxidation. It has also been found to help prevent tooth decay by killing the bacteria which causes dental plaque.

Whatever your purpose for drinking green tea, it is obvious that everyone can get some benefit from daily intake.

It should be noted that many of today’s more marketable “herbal teas” may or may not be tea at all as many of these products are blends of herbs and spices with other plant parts included for flavoring.

They do not contain the health promoting qualities of Camellia Sinensis. Be careful when buying these products. Check the ingredients to make sure you are buying the product that you expect.