The benefits of Green Tea.
With all the “green” energy saving trends and eating only organic products and so on, drinking green tea has become equally fashionable.
Some drink it as part of their tradition while others have begun to consume as part of the new list of drinks in the marketplace that promise a host of health benefits because it contains green tea.
Green tea comes from China and is mainly consumed in several countries in Asia as part of the daily diet. It is also attributed medicinal properties in those countries. Here in the United States it has become more popular and is sold bottled in almost any store.
Green tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Unlike black tea which is made from leaves that have undergone the process of fermentation, green tea is not fermented. It is important to consider not only what is known about green tea traditionally, but also the scientific evidence in order to avoid being victims of consumerism and/or marketing. In addition to its benefits, green tea tastes good enough that we can integrate into our list of favorite drinks.
- What the science says: Some studies have suggested that green tea is associated with a lower risk of stroke, but have failed to determine with absolute certainty that the direct cause was the consumption of green tea. But in animal studies there was a direct relationship of less damage to the brain when these animals were first given polyphenols from green tea. For humans we would need to be very cautious in stating that in fact green tea protects against the risk of stroke.
Previous studies as well as recent studies have on prostate, lung, breast and other cancers it has been proposed a direct association between tea consumption and the prevention or delay of the development of symptoms. In all these cases the results have not been conclusive. Probably within the next few years we will know more about this. More strictly controlled studies are needed to make direct assertions about the anticancer properties of green tea.
The truth is that green tea is rich in polyphenols, whose antioxidant properties and health benefits have been, and are being studied. Among the polyphenols, studies focus on the flavonoids, for its properties as antimicrobial, anticancer, and more. Green tea also contains caffeine, so if you have any condition that requires you avoid caffeine, beware.
- How much and how to consume: Asians generally tend to take it three times a day and as an infusion, adding it to almost boiling water and let it simmer for several minutes.
- How it is sold: There are many drinks in the market that contain green tea. There are products that are sold as beverages, but may contain lots of sugar, some as much or the same as a regular soda, where the green color is usually obtained through use of artificial coloring. Other products claim that green tea contains antioxidants, but the amount is so small that one would have to consume two to three bottles to match the benefits contained in a cup of tea prepared in the traditional style (infusion). In addition there are drinks that add vitamin C as an antioxidant, but not the type of polyphenols contained in green tea. So it is worth reading the label and looking beyond the large print with bright colors, to adequately invest in green tea drinks that are actually made from an infusion of tea, but not from extracts or concentrates.
Alternatively, why not go back to tea time with friends or family and enjoy a tea infusion made at home by you, along with a little honey and two cookies.
Araceli Vazquez is a dietitian and nutritionist practicing in Dallas. You may write to Araceli@Dietgenics.com or call 972-664-0846.
