Green Tea
Stay healthy, live longer and stay slim by drinking green tea.
Green Tea...
- ..protects the body's cells.Green tea is particularly rich in valuable secondary plant substances such as flavonoids and phenols, which protect the body and cells from harmful influences. In addition, green tea also contains considerable amounts of B vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
- ...keeps your skin young.Studies show green tea and green tea extract can be used to stop skin from aging.
- ...can have a stimulating effect.Green tea is an efficient pick-me-up because it contains caffeine. The effect is greatest if the green tea is steeped for one to two minutes in the first infusion.
- ...can also have a calming effect.If you want a calming effect, pour out the first cup of green tea and drink a second infusion. It contains less tannins and caffeine and is significantly more mild.
- ...helps you lose weight.Green tea contains abundant catechins, which are bitter tanning agents that intervene in the metabolism in such a way that the body gives off more heat and burns more energy.
- ...isn't good for iron deficiency.Anyone suffering from iron deficiency and anaemia should know green tea inhibits the absorption of iron in the body.
- ..often contains harmful substances.It's best to buy organic products and research the brand before buying.
What You Should Know About Green Tea
Green tea has often been considered noble — in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, green tea was only served to lords and masters, while servants had to make do with black tea, which had long been considered "inferior."
Unlike black tea, the leaves do not ferment because they are heated immediately after plucking. This way the green color is preserved. The ingredients present in the fresh tea leaf are almost completely preserved by this procedure.
Origin
Green tea originated in China and later also in Japan.
Season
Taste
Green tea tastes slightly bitter and somewhat more tart than black tea.
Varieties
- Sencha: This is the most sold variety, which comes mainly from Japan. For Sencha, the tea leaves are pressed so they look like grass.
- Chun Mee: This variety comes from China and you can recognize it by the fact that its leaves look rolled up and bent, which gave this variety its name, which means "rolled up eyebrow" in English.
- Gunpowder: This variety is one of the most popular varieties. The Gunpowder leaves look like small balls.
How Healthy Is Green Tea?
Green tea is said to be a weapon for health and a long life. It's also supposed to make you slim, prevent cancer, protect the heart and vessels and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's, to name only the most important effects. There seems to be truth in such praise, even if it is sometimes exaggerated and premature.
Several studies show green tea or green tea extract can stop skin from aging thanks to the phenols it contains. However, it's unclear whether these benefits can be achieved by drinking green tea alone, as all studies work exclusively with high-dose extracts.
Nevertheless, green tea is particularly rich in valuable secondary plant substances, such as flavonoids and phenols, which protect the body and cells from harmful influences. In addition, green tea also contains considerable amounts of B vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
Green tea (like black tea) inhibits the absorption of iron in the body. So in cases of iron deficiency or anaemia (anemia), it's better not to drink it until the iron stores are replenished.
| Nutritional values of green tea (dry leaves) per 100 grams | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 248 |
| Protein | 24.5 grams |
| Fat | 3 grmas |
| Carbohydrates | 4.3 grams |
| Fibers | 55.8 grams |
Shopping and Cooking Tips
Shopping
Those who want to avoid pollutants should choose organic products.
Storage
Green tea should be stored away from light and air. A well-closing tea tin or a dark glass container with a screw lid is ideal.
Preparation
It's best to preheat the teapot with boiling hot water as green tea does not need any more preparation.
Preparation Tips For Green Tea
Green tea is an efficient pick-me-up because it contains caffeine. The effect is highest if the green tea is steeped for one to two minutes. If you only want a gently invigorating or rather calming effect, pour out the first infusion of green tea and drink only the second infusion. It contains less tannins and caffeine and is significantly milder overall.
Green tea should never be infused with boiling water. The water should have a minimum of 160 F and a maximum of 175 F. Only then can the taste and ingredients optimally develop.
The drink cannot only be sipped pure: Green tea is also perfect for smoothies and non-alcoholic cocktails or mixed drinks. Green tea can also be used for baking, ice creams and other desserts.
