Green tea dates back to 2737 BC. It is believed that the ancient Chinese emperor Shen Nong, the founder of Chinese herbal medicine, boiled some water in his garden and a wild leaf fell into it, giving the water an extremely refreshing and pleasant taste, and thus a new drink was created.

Containing many health-promoting substances, green tea is touted as one of the healthiest drinks in the world, it contains more antioxidants than any other tea, and the benefits of drinking this tea have been known for centuries. Green tea is made from the leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant, just like oolong and black tea, but without the withering and oxidation process, meaning many of the nutrients remain intact and are more potent. It contains a wealth of health-promoting bioactive compounds, including vitamins B2, C, E, folate and beta-carotene, minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, and small amounts of manganese, zinc and copper, as well as saponins, fluorine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), caffeine and chlorophyll, and is rich in polyphenols, catechins and theanine. All this adds up to a refreshing drink with antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-myocardial and anti-diabetic, calming and cleansing properties and many other benefits. Brew some tea today to painlessly and easily protect your body.

Improves Brain Function

Containing enough caffeine to act as a stimulant that blocks adenosine, thereby increasing neurotransmitters to improve aspects of brain function like mood, memory, reaction time, and concentration, green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, providing a steady boost rather than a sudden, crashing sensation. The amino acid L-theanine in tea also has calming properties and increases alpha waves in the brain. Together, caffeine and L-theanine have a synergistic effect, reducing mental and physical stress. Green tea’s properties have many protective effects on the brain, it also protects the brain from aging and may reduce the risk of dementia by protecting against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Detoxifying the body and strengthening the immune system

Antioxidants with their anti-inflammatory properties can help rid the body of harmful free radicals, protect the body from oxidative stress, premature aging and some chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and a weakened immune system. Various studies have shown that people who regularly drink green tea have a lower risk of developing certain types of cancer. Green tea, rich in vitamin C, strengthens the immune system and, thanks to its known properties, prepares the body to fight common infections, viruses and diseases. Scientists from the University of Surrey have discovered that a natural antioxidant found in tea can also destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Help with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease

The incidence of type 2 diabetes seems to be steadily increasing. Studies have shown that green tea lowers blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity, and may also reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A great help for those who already suffer from diabetes and for those who are on the verge of the disease. Regular tea consumption can also reduce triglycerides and bad cholesterol in the body and increase good cholesterol, protecting the heart from disease and helping with anemia. Studies have shown that green tea can reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 31%.

Help with excess weight loss

Green tea speeds up metabolism and fat burning, especially during exercise. It is especially effective in reducing dangerous abdominal fat.

Cold and Cough Treatment

Research has shown that green tea is great for fighting colds and flu. Antioxidants in tea, specifically quercetin, prevent viruses from entering the body and protect against infections like colds and flu. This research was published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine and the August 2014 issue of Frontiers in Microbiology. Natural antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory agents help kill bacteria or viruses, preventing infections or treating existing ones, such as coughs, congestion, and sore throats. For extra help, you can add a spoonful of honey to your tea.

Great for Skin

You can reduce acne simply by drinking green tea with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which also help balance sebum production and prevent bacterial growth. Additionally, tea can also help with psoriasis and rosacea by reducing irritation and associated skin damage. Use a green tea steam bath to detoxify your pores. Apply topically to reduce skin irritation, swelling, minor cuts, and sunburn. It can also help reduce the itching associated with psoriasis, dermatitis, and rosacea, and can be helpful for keloid scars. Use the tea as a scrub to extract all the astringent properties that help tighten and tone your skin.

Oral hygiene

Green tea contains fluoride and therefore helps against tooth decay, and its deodorizing properties help prevent bad breath

Making green tea

Dosage: Add 1 teaspoon of green tea to a cup of boiled water and let it steep for at least 2 minutes. Steeping the tea will make it stronger. Sugar or honey can be added if needed.