There are numerous types of teas available all over the world. However, one of the most popular types is the green tea. This ubiquitous beverage in Japan comes from the Camellia sinesis leaves. Actually other popular teas, such as black and oolong, are also derived from the same plant. However, the difference among these three varieties lies on the processing. In order to get green tea, the leaves of Camellia sinesis are steamed before drying.
Why Is Green Tea So Popular?
As mentioned earlier, green tea has already been a staple in Japanese diet for quite a long time. The positive results of several studies on the benefits of green tea have propelled it to popularity in the West and the rest of the world. According to results of a research published in the Journal of National Cancer Institute in 1994, regular consumption of green tea helps in lowering the risk of esophageal cancer. Aside from cancer, some experts also found that certain substances found in the beverage aid in reducing overall cholesterol levels, while improving the ratio of the good versus bad cholesterol.
Experts believe that the catechin polyphenols are the ones that make green tea potent in soothing many illnesses and improving one's overall health. One component, epigallocatechin gallate, is known to be a one-of-a-kind antioxidant that is responsible for preventing the growth of cancer cells, without harming the surrounding healthy tissues. This substance, which is known as EGCG for short, is also helpful in inhibiting blood clotting, which is the number one cause for strokes and heart attacks.
Even if black and oolong tea come from the same Camellia sinesis plant, green tea is considered healthier because ECGC is not oxidized in the process of steaming the leaves. Thus, the potency of ECGC is maintained. In contrast, the leaves of Camellia sinesis are fermented to make oolong and black teas. As a result, ECGC components of the plant are changed to other substances which are not as powerful in beating many diseases.
Benefits Of Green Tea
Aside from lowering the risks of developing certain cancers, green tea is also known to help stop the progressive cancer growths, according to the findings of the research done in the University of Purdue.
Scientists also found out that regular consumption of green tea has a substantial effect in a person's blood pressure. It seems that substances in the beverage can suppress angiotensin II, which is believed to bring about high blood pressure.
The immune system also benefits from regular dose of green tea. Since this drink is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, it can boost the immune system. It is a known fact that you need to have strong immune response in order to fight infections and a variety of other diseases.
A study headed by Dr Tariq Haqqi from Ohio's Case Western Reserve University found that the polyphenols in green tea are helpful in preventing rheumatoid arthritis as well. Clinical tests showed that laboratory animals that were regularly given green tea polyphenols did not develop joint diseases.
But one of the top reasons why people from all corners of the world are clamoring for green tea -whether in tablet or concentrate form - is the finding that it can help boost weight loss. Research done by Japanese scientists found that green tea could help a person lose weight even without dieting or exercising. They have found that green tea increases thermogenesis, or the conversion of stored fat into energy. At the same time, components in green tea also speed up metabolism.
Since green tea is a natural diuretic, people who are having problems with weight gain caused by water retention can also benefit from either drinking several cups of green tea or taking supplements that contain substantial amounts of green tea. One product that contains green tea extract and is specifically designed to help alleviate water retention is Expelis. If you want to know more about this product, visit http://www.expelis.com/.
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