If there's a food or drink reported to hold as many health benefits as green tea, I've yet to discover it. After water, tea is the most commonly consumed beverage in the world–and for good reason.
Green tea has been used medicinally in China for over 4,000 years, treating everything from headaches to depression. Today, scientific research in Asia and the West is providing hard evidence of green tea's medicinal benefits.
A study conducted by the National Cancer Institute found that regular consumption of green tea lowers the risk of esophageal cancer by sixty percent, and University of Purdue researchers concluded that a compound present in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. It is even used as mouthwash, as it kills bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
But that's not all. According to WebMD, the following health benefits have been attributed to green tea:
-Prevents rheumatoid arthritis
-Protects against cardiovascular disease
-Protects against impaired immune function
-May reduce risk of gastric cancer
-Helps prevent blood clotting
-Lowers cholesterol levels
-May reduce risk of skin cancer
-Boosts the body's ability to fight infection
-Prevents/delays onset of Parkinson's disease
-Assists in weight loss
The secret behind green tea's incredible health benefits lies in its high concentration of catechin polyphenols–powerful antioxidants that inhibit the growth of cancer cells and eliminate active cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue. Of these polyphenols, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most potent, and is found only in the minimally processed leaves of green tea.
For decades, researchers were baffled by the fact that, despite a high rate of smoking and consuming a fatty diet, the French enjoy a considerably lower rate of heart disease than do Americans. This is known as the "French paradox." Studies eventually concluded that resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant found in red wine, helps negate the effects of smoking and poor diet. In 1997, the University of Kansas discovered that EGCG's antioxidant properties are twice as effective as resveratrol. The report also stated that though nearly three in every four Japanese men are smokers, the national rate of heart disease is incredibly low. The reason: Japanese men consume a considerable amount of green tea daily.
Is all this research giving you a headache?
Have you heard enough?
Do you feel like you can't live another moment without a glass of green tea by your side?
Are you ready to stop reading and start tasting?
You are? Really? Great!
But don't stop reading just yet. Here's what you need to know…
First and foremost, green tea contains zero calories! It's is available at most any supermarket and can be prepared in a matter of minutes. It's inexpensive, comes in many different blends, and most major brands offer a decaffeinated blend at no extra cost.
And it can be prepared in the blink of an eye. Here's how you do it: bring a pot of water near boil, remove from the heat, steep your tea bag(s) for three to five minutes, and you're done. Let it cool down and you're ready to enjoy a nice hot cup of green tea, or set it in the refrigerator and add ice if you prefer your tea iced. Either way, it makes for a fantastic zero-calorie treat.
If at first the grassy taste doesn't fit your fancy, you can add a zero calorie sweetener to chase away the bitterness. My rule is half a packet of sweetener per cup, but feel free to experiment and discover what amount is right for you.
Do something nice for your body-it deserves it.
