The many benefits of green tea

by Debra Anchors

The many benefits of green tea (you are free to use this image)

Green tea is derived from unfermented leaves that contain the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Antioxidants fight free radicals, the damaging amalgam in the body that modifies cells, wounds DNA, and even causes cells to die.

Researchers at Harvard Health site the following promising benefits to drinking green tea -

Improves memory	High in antioxidants and fights free radicals
Benefits the heart	Blocks the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol
Reduces cancer risk	Increases HDL (good) cholesterol
Facilitates weight loss	Improves artery function
Boosts immunity	Hydrates the body
Reduces the risk of hypertension	Regulates glucose levels

Consume a few cups of green tea each day to absorb antioxidants, or catechins, and other healthful plant benefits. In Japan and China, the usual amount of green tea consumed is three cups per day. Allowing the tea to steep for three to five minutes will bring out its beneficial properties. The optimum way to get the catechins and other flavonoids in tea is to drink it freshly brewed.  Loose, freshly brewed, green tea is less processed and therefore the antioxidants are more concentrated.

Are you interested in boosting the benefits of green tea even further? A study conducted by Purdue University researchers found that lemon juice caused a significant boost to the beneficial level of antioxidants in green tea. Since tea can interfere with the absorption of, adding lemon or drinking tea between meals will negate this problem.


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