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Green Tea - the Wonder Drink?   

 
Green tea is made from the leaves from Camellia sinensis that have undergone minimal oxidation during processing.. Green tea has recently become more widespread in the West, where black tea has been the traditionally consumed tea.
 
Green tea has become the raw material for extracts used in various beverages, health foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetic items.
 
Normally tea is left to oxidize and turns brown as a consequence, but with green tea this oxidation process is prevented by steaming or pan frying the leaves to help retain all the health giving properties within the leaf and of course it's colour.
 
Green tea has a light delicate flavour served without milk and normally without any sugar.
 
Over the last few decades green tea has been subjected to many scientific and medical studies to determine the extent of its long-purported health benefits, with some evidence suggesting that regular green tea drinkers may have a lower risk of developing heart disease[and certain types of cancer.
 
Although green tea does not raise the metabolic rate enough to produce immediate weight loss, a green tea extract containing polyphenols and caffeine has been shown to induce thermogenesis and stimulate fat oxidation, boosting the metabolic rate 4% without increasing the heart rate.
 
The mean content of flavonoids in a cup of green tea is higher than that in the same volume of other food and drink items that are traditionally considered of health contributing nature, including fresh fruits, vegetable juices or wine.Flavonoids are a group of phytochemicals present in most plant products that are responsible for health benefits such as anti-oxidative and anticarcinogenic functions.
 
 
Health Benefits?  
 
Here are just a few of the possible  benefits of consuming green tea, over and above the fact that it's a pleasant tasting drink:
 
  • Full of antioxidants that help to reduce the chance of various cancers

  • Reduces cholesterol

  • Increases metabolism to aid a weight loss program

  • Inhibits the formation of blood clots

  • Prevents tooth decay and reduce plaque build up

  • Helps reduce the impact of the common cold and flu

  • Aids digestion if taken following a meal

  • Contains more Vitamin C that one orange!

  • Contains a variety of useful minerals such as zinc, potassium and folic acid

  • Reduces bad breath

  • Helps regulate blood sugar