Things You Did Not Know About Green Tea

A hot cup of green tea has been a soothing its consumers for a long time. Initially, the consumption market for green tea was the Asians, however, recently, its production and consumption have turned into a global phenomenon. It is recommended to consume no more than 2 to 3 cups or 100 to 750 mg of standardized green tea per day. Preference should be given to caffeine-free products. So, what is it that makes green tea uniquely amazing? Find out in this article. 

Health Benefits

Green tea has long been revered for its health benefits, thanks to its rich composition of antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols that can cleanse and rejuvenate the body. The March 2024 Harvard study sheds new light on these advantages. According to Dr. Teresa Fung, an adjunct professor of nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, green tea's unique processing method preserves its antioxidants, known as catechins. These powerful polyphenols are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and may even lower the risk of certain cancers, although evidence remains limited.

In addition to cardiovascular benefits, Dr. Fung notes that green tea may help manage blood sugar levels and even prevent tooth decay, as it naturally contains fluoride. While some believe green tea aids in weight loss, Dr. Fung clarifies that its impact on weight is minimal. However, it serves as a great substitute for sugary beverages, offering a healthy hydration source and promoting overall wellness. She suggests consuming at least three cups daily—preferably plain or with a hint of lemon or honey—to enjoy these benefits fully.

Origin and Types

Production of green tea dates back started with the Chinese and dates back to centuries. With China being the largest producer and consumer of green tea, Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia produce some finest quality of green tea. China and Japan are attributed to producing the world's famous green tea cultivars including the Chinese Dragonwell, Gunpowder, Snowy Mountain Jian, and the Japanese Matcha, Kukicha, Sencha, and many others.

For the Sake of a Perfect Cup 

For many people, it is as simple as immersing and brewing a tea bag in a cup of hot water. However, for some, it is nothing sort of a ritual. Many varieties of green tea are intentionally exposed to sunlight while others are grown under shade and lots of care. Some parts of the world prefer china pots while others like to brew their green tea in metallic pots. The Chinese prefer to pan-fire, sun-dry, or oven-dry their cultivars which leave an entrancing, natural aroma to their varieties. Japanese, on the contrary, steam their green tea that infuses light and refreshing aroma and flavor.

The Dos and Don’ts 

• High-quality brands of green tea should not be heated at extreme temperatures or brewed for more than thirty minutes.

• Over brewing can lead to giving a bitter taste to your green tea. 

• The pot you use for brewing your tea should be mildly preheated to bring out the flavorful aroma. 

• Here is your ideal mix: For every 100 to 150 ml of water, you should add one heaped teaspoon of green tea. 

Know Your Tea

All teas originate from a plant called Camellia Sinensis. The type it will yield depends upon harvesting and processing of leaves obtained from the plant.  The more the leaves are oxidized (drying of leaves), the darker the tea will be in color and stronger in taste. White tea is least oxidized, then comes the green tea followed by black tea which is the strongest and the darkest in color.