Tea With Leaves
Green tea has to be one of the most antioxidant-rich foods on the planet! I like getting my antioxidants in my favorite jasmine cups of tea everyday.
This tea has been used medicinally for centuries, and only recently have there been scientific studies being conducted. These studies are showing promise of the green tea benefits.
Some of the studies are on the following:
Cancer – The antioxidants in green tea has been linked to a lower risk of specific cancers, including, skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal, and bladder. The prevention of breast cancer, prostrate cancer, and colorectal cancer being studied the most with the most notable reduction of risk.
Brain Health – Caffeine and L-theanine work synergistically together and are particularly potent in improving brain function including mood, vigilance, memory, and reaction time. It is protective and may help help with Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease. If you can’t sleep, however, do not drink green tea after five pm as it does contain caffeine.
Lets talk over tea.
Heart Health – The antioxidants in green tea increases HDL (good) cholesterol and improves arterial function. Regular drinkers of green tea can have up to a 31% less risk of cardiovascular disease.
Weight Loss – Green tea has shown to boost the metabolic rate helping some to lose weight. Studies have differed on results, which may mean that weight loss may depend on the individual.
Diabetes – Green tea can improve insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar levels therefore making it a powerful medicinal tea. There are studies showing that it can reduce the risk of developing Diabetes II.
So how to take your green tea? Always look for fresh teas. The bottled store teas, decaffeinated, and instant teas will be lower in the important antioxidants. Milk inhibits the antioxidant constituents so leave the milk out.
Some of my favorite types of green teas are: jasmine tea, jasmine pearls, toasted rice green tea and Bancha Hojicha for a earthy beverage and matcha teas. There are so many different flavors on the market, if you haven’t found your favorite yet, keep trying. Then when you find it you will have the perfect cup of tea to indulge in and know it has some medicinal benefits too.
So sit down and have a cup of green tea, and not only are you making a relaxing habit but you also are providing yourself with some health benefits.
Rhonda
