Green Tea Power

Since ancient times, green tea has been used for its medicinal benefits in treating a variety of ailments. Originating in China 4,000 years ago during the Song Dynasty, the tea soon spread in popularity to Japan through Buddhist monks and then onto the rest of Asia and the Middle East.

Green tea contains high levels of antioxidants (EGCG in particular) that have been found to prevent and fight disease. Made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, the tea leaves are steamed keeping the EGCG intact while other teas such as black and oolong are fermented converting the EGCG into a less effective form of antioxidant. EGCG itself is an amazing 20 times stronger than Vitamin C or E making it a very potent brew indeed.

The following are a few of the many reported benefits of drinking green tea.

• Reduced growth of cancer cells
• Lowered cholesterol levels
• Decrease in the formation of abnormal blood clots reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke
• Slowdown of the aging process by reducing cell damage
• Increase in the fat oxidation process converting the food we eat into energy faster
• Increased insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance for better blood sugar level control

Drinking 4 to 5 cups of green tea per day is recommended to take full advantage of its antioxidant benefits. There are however, varying grades of tea based on the quality of the leaves, part of the leaf used and the processing method. On the down side, drinking too much tea near bedtime can lead to insomnia as it does contain caffeine; about half the amount that is in a regular coffee.

It is very easy to over brew green tea, following these basic instructions will help you brew that perfect cup every time.

• Use one tea bag or 1 to 2 tsp of green tea per cup
• Bring a kettle of cold water to a boil
• Allow it to stand for up to 3 minutes
• Pour the water over the tea bag/tea and allow to steep for up to 3 minutes
• Allow the tea to cool for three more minutes before pouring

Over the past decade, green tea has increased in popularity worldwide and is now being added to a variety of products such as health drinks, ice cream, pastries, hair products and body creams in an effort to grab hold of the Green Tea craze. An ancient Chinese proverb states that it is better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one.

About the Author
Chris Alderson is a writer for Lesbian Moms Today, a website for lesbian moms and their families to talk about parenting, family, relationships, healthy living, films, travel, films and events. Checkout this week's installment of our exclusive lesbian and gay comic strip - Among Amigos!
http://www.lesbianmomtoday.com

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