Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea is an unoxidized tea, which gives a green hue to water when brewed. It is prepared from untreated leaves of Camellia Sinensis. It originated in the 8th century in China. It has become the most popular & healthy tea nowadays.

It contains 99.9% water and .O1 % of polyphenol extracts. Apart from its mouth-watering taste, Green tea is extremely beneficial for health. It is rich in antioxidants and nutrients.

Here are some interesting health benefits of green tea:- 

1. Green Tea can improve brain function.

  It contains caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine which help in the proper circulation of blood in the brain and makes the body active.

2. Make the liver healthy.

A clean liver plays a vital role in absorbing nutrients from food. Green tea helps in maintaining good liver by flushing toxins out and helps to get rid of diseases like fatty liver, liver failure, visceral fats, etc. 

3. Maintains a healthy heart.

Green tea helps arteries to expand, it regulates blood properly and prevents blood pressure-related diseases. 7 cups of green tea in a day can help heart patients recover fast.

4. Digestion problems

It keeps the digestive system by reducing infectious disease, inflammatory bowel, and sudden flares. Drinking 3-4 cups of it a day can help in curing problems like bloating and water retention.

5. Helps in losing weight.  

Caffeine presents in it negatively affects your body fat and results in weight loss. It is helpful in boosting metabolic rate in a short time and thus maintaining good body health. 

In order to maintain good health one should consider regular consumption of green tea. It is available in many flavors and forms such as capsules, powder extracts, and green tea leaves available in the market. 

Tea Manna From Heaven

A most recent study by the Japanese discovered that consuming the hot brew resulted in aging more strongly. This was unlike the case of nondrinkers who were much frailer and disabled. The old fared better as far as functional disability is concerned. 

That the tea consumers fared better than their western counterparts who were stuck with caffeine-rich coffee has proven the leaf to be a medicine alternative. With more research in place, the leaf is going to turn over more and act as an alternative medicine for those who do not consume it on regular basis.  

In India, the leaf supplements traditional medicine and offers cost-effective health solutions. As far as medical benefits are concerned green tea finds the greatest users thanks to its beneficial chemicals.  

While the manufacturers extol these virtues which are attracting more towards the brew their prime concern is to increase the consumer base targeting all audiences. 

Though iced tea has been highly successful in finding a base among teens more has to be done as cokes offer stiff competition.   

Caffeine Meter

Chai

Green Tea Soda: Courtesy Wagh Bakri Tea

Good Morning The Herb Way

What a better way to start one's morning then to do it the herbal way. I love my green tea and mix some black in the brew as well. To fight diabetes I add a mix of cinnamon and cardamom in the brew.  

Health is wealth and the green brew delivers just that. Fond of ubiquitous black tea I developed taste for the green variety whence I bought the Wagh Bakri green brand. Ever since I am hooked to this magnificent leaf that carries so many beneficial compounds with it. 

For extra flavor one can add the Darjeeling leaf in the mix. This will jack up the price but nevertheless it will add miles to the flavor. 

The morning brew once prepared is then consumed in two three cup fulls. The exhausted leaves are then left to steep till the time I brew the cup again. This assures gain of all the healthy chemicals along with economy in use. Try it you will not be disappointed. 

One can add many times of herbs, oils, powdered extracts as per the health benefit one desires. Most of the additives have medicinal and curative properties.   

So next time you brew a sizzling hot beverage add some muscle into it!

       

Global Tea Comsumption

Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge Mumbai

Iced Mint Tea

Iced Tea

Though tea consumption is rising fast globally yet it rates as poor second whence compared to coffee. Coffee is still the preferred mode of drink but in countries like India, China, Sri Lanka which are major producing countries per capita consumption is very high.  

There are more than 120 countries where the hot beverage is consumed. The taste for the hot brew is rising fast keeping in the the appealing flavors as well as the health benefits.  In India consumption became a lifestyle after massive campaigns during the British Rule. In order to compete with the Chinese cultivation seeds and technology were both introduced from China.

Besides the countries mentioned a lot of tea is consumed in Britain. The brew also finds patrons in Europe and North America. With innovations in packing as well as development of iced and bottled tea  the trend in coffee drinking countries is changing fast. More and more people are attracted to these products. Similarly  the rising popularity of green leaf is also contributing to the growth.

Some of the main buying markets are Russia, USA, Canada, Pakistan, Morocco, Egypt, Iran and UK. In countries like USA the maximum consumption is that of iced tea now sold in bottles and vending machines.

Per Capita consumption patterns of tea drinking countries.

Turkey 6 + Kg 

Morocco 4 + Kg 

Ireland  3 + Kg

Mauritania 3 + Kg

United Kingdom 2 + Kg

Though green tea consumption is increasingly attracting coffee drinkers it is the black tea that finds phenomenally large number of tea lovers.  

Tea Types: The Healing Touch

Cool Tea Pic: Wagh Bakri

The antioxidants in green tea help us inside-out. We tend to glow more and get rid of dark circles around the eye. We even feel more relaxed on the outside while the cholesterol levels, cardiac systems and the organs are all getting a touch of healing on the inside! Green tea can be combined with other healthy beverages or food to add a twist in the flavor and also treat common illnesses naturally.

Know Tea Types

Genmaicha is Japan’s famous combination of green tea and toasted or roasted brown rice. ‘Genmai’ means roasted brown rice. It is commonly referred to as ‘popcorn tea’ because of the quantity of puffed rice it contains. There is no corn in it at all.

Processing and serving
The flavor of the Genmaicha tea depends on the ratio of the green tea and brown rice. For better aroma the brown rice content is higher. About a tablespoon of brown rice is roasted dry making sure each grain gets roasted. It is then kept aside to cool. The tea is carefully infused with hot almost-boiling water for just 30 seconds. About 5g of tea leaves is put in about 1/10th of a liter of hot water. Then it is poured into a cup through a tea strainer that already has freshly roasted brown rice in it. The strainer is kept in the cup for about 2 minutes to make a strong Genmaicha.

Benefits

Genmaicha has calming properties due to which it is recommended to have a cup when you return home after a hectic day or an hour before going to bed to help with sleeping disorders. It is also recommended after a heavy meal because it helps in quick digestion. It is also rich in vitamin B1 and has a very low caffeine content.

Jasmine Tea

The flowers of jasmine that is usually planted to add to the beauty of the garden can be put in green tea to get a sweet aroma. It is also said to double the anti-carcinogenic properties of regular green tea.

Processing and serving

The buds are plucked early in the morning and stored in a cool place. They start blooming in the evening. The flowers are the green tea are made to ‘mate’ for four hours. Longer the ‘mating’ time better the grade of the tea. By the time the tea is served the flowers are dry and devoid of the moisture and aroma but they are allowed to sit in the cup anyway to add to the aesthetic appeal.

Kukicha Tea

This is also called twig tea because it’s made from twigs and stalks. It is made by adding the stalks and stems of Camellia and has a creamy, nutty flavor.

Processing and serving

The stalks and stems of Camellia are steeped in water at 75 degree C for two minutes and the green tea powder is added to it and steeped for another 45 seconds or so. One or two stalks are left in the cup to add to the beauty.

Worlds Best Green Teas

About Green Tea Taste

The dull grassy and herbal taste needs to be acquired. The brew is first introduced as health beneficial or weight loss tea but later a taste is acquired making it habitual. Among the hundreds of varieties of this leaf few are on the list of top sellers.  

Brewing: While brewing the tea mild temperatures have to be maintained such that the aroma and taste is not lost. Over brewing may also result in bitter taste that can mar the delicate flavor of the green leaves.    

Some of the major green leaf blenders in India are Tata Tetley, Wagh Bakri, Organic India, Brooke Bond and Eco Valley. Some the finest blends popular across the globe are:  

Dragon Well Green Leaf from Zhejiang Region of Chinese Mainland

Green Tea from Mount Fuji Japan

Gunpowder from Numi Organic

Tropical Orange Leaf by Shangri La

Blackberry Mojito by Teevana

These are some of the finest leaves available online from the source. 

Preparing Hot Tea Brew With Green Leaves

Though a product of same plant, green tea varies form other forms of leaves. The difference arises from the amount of processing that is done. Green leaf originates from China where it is very popular. The preparation method also differs from regular brews and much more so from chai popular in India.

Cool Green Tea

The health benefits arise from preservation of antioxidants and other beneficial chemicals in the leaf. Excess processing in the black leaf perhaps breaks these chemicals down during fermentation. Nevertheless the hot beverage is a wonderful drink even if consumed as cold.  


Read How Green Tea in Made

How Tea Processing Takes Place

The tea plant camellia sinensis is a shrub with fragrant white flowers. But the beverage is made from internode, lanceolate leaves and buds. The cultivation takes place at various locations, heights and climatic regions. This produces leaves with vast variety of flavors, shapes and size. The amount of fermentation is responsible for production of green, white or black leaf.     

During the processing after the leaves are plucked the leaves are dried to reduce water content. This process is known as withering. The dried leaves are then rolled using machines or hand. This process enable the leaf to break its cells and release aromatic compounds.  

After rolling the oxidation stage takes over. The amount of oxidation is responsible for type of leaf that will result - green, white and black. The leaves are than fired without causing a burn. This step stops the oxidation process. Hence a varying degree of the oxidation can carried out as desired.  

For processing the black variant the leaves after being plucked are left to dry for a day. The process described above takes place. After the leaves have been properly oxidized to attain the right flavor and color the leaves are sent to the hot air chambers to fix the flavor and stop the oxidation process. By this time the leaves have taken the desired shape and attained the right flavor. Moisture content has come down to two percent and the leaves are ready for packing.     

I case of green tea withering may take place but the rest of the process is skipped. The leaves are subject to pan firing immediately in order to prevent oxidation. The final stage is to roll the leaves and dry them. The amazing health beneficial green tea is ready to be packed. Due to minimum process the green tea retains most of the antioxidants and ploy phenols which are good for health.  

Wagh Bakri is one of the largest tea processing and packing company in India. Like wise there are many such concerns in India that are responsible for delivering the brew to our doorstep. 

Ancient Chinese Healing Science Using Green Tea

Unlike the Western Civilization Asian Countries specially the Chinese have been using the green tea brew to heal many diseases. They Chinese have been using this brew for preventing and curing many disease like cancer. 

The consumption of green tea drink and extract has been incorporated in the Chinese lifestyle. The health beneficial brew contains many chemical compounds that benefit humans who consume it. This goes with the regular black tea as well but it is said that during the fermentation some beneficial chemicals are destroyed.   

The usage of  green tea in Chinese System of medicine has been carefully researched in order to discover how this brew or extract fights deadly tumors and dementia. 

The key ingredient EGCG prevents cell damage which is the precursor to cancer. EGCG is five time more effective than Resveratrol that is present in red wine and lowers cholesterol level in humans.The chemical also prevents blood clotting in the circulatory system which is the primary cause of  strokes and heart attacks. The prevalence of EGCG in leaf of green variety is because of steaming which preserves the chemical. In other forms of leaf the chemical is converted into other less beneficial chemicals because of fermentation.      

Hence healthy eating habits, regular exercise along with fresh fruits and green tea are all ingredients for long life and happiness.  

Green Tea The Okinawa Observations

Okinawa is a Japanese Island renowned world over for healthiest older people on Earth.  The older generation in this Island has a life span of eighty years and above. They are known for their agility and active lifestyle in spite of their age.  

After many conjectures it was discovered that this attribute was due to a type of tea consumption known as Jasmine Green Tea.  This is also known as San Pin Tea in local lingo and the elderly consume large amounts. The health benefits accrue from this consumption and decrease if the consumption is reduced. This has been noted amongst the Okinawa population that has moved away from this island.   

The clue to this amazing fact is quality green tea as in the case of San Pin. The tea contains the youngest leaves picked from the plant. The plant is cultivated seasonally at moderate heights and has limited fluoride contents.

For those not in habit of consuming the wonderful brew green tea extract is the answer. The extract accords all the benefits that arise out of the green tea. The antioxidants, poly phenols and ECGC are all present in the magic leaf.  This leaf is known to benefit in cardiac ailments, diabetes, cancer and help reduce weight. 

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Popular Chinese Varities of Green Tea

All teas come from one single species of plant scientifically referred as Camillia Sinensis. The types arise from the way the processing takes place and in some cases the way cultivation is done.  The other factors that fetch a change into the leaf are the region, climate and soil type. 

Some of the popular Chinese variants are: 

Gun Powder

Rated as one of the most popular in China. The tea leaf  is pellet shaped and is cultivated in the Province of Zhejian.

Dragon Well Greet Tea or Long Jing

The characteristic Jade color is a feature of this flat leaf tea. This is also very popular in China. This is also cultivated in Zhejian Province.

Snowy Mountain Jian

Grown at high altitude in the Province of Yunnan the tea is more like black tea. The processing brings about a change that makes this green tea full bodied and aromatic more like black tea.

Monkey Tea or Hoi Kui 

Cultivated in Anhui Province of China this green tea is grown in the vicinity of orchids. The leaves during growth absorb the flavor of orchids and deliver the flavor to processed leave.


Kai Hua Long Ding 

This green tea variant is grown in Tiantai County of Zhejian Province of China. The leaves are thick and short which is a unique feature of this tea. 

Green Snail Spring - Pi Lo Chun

This is a rare product of Camillia Sinensis grown in Zhejian Province of China. It is cultivated amongst the fruits which accord it a characteristic fruity flavor. The rolled leaf has a snake like appearance hence the name. 

Other popular varities are:

Hyson Lucky Dragon
Xin Yang Mao Jian
Tian Mu Qing Ding

Green Tea Cancer Fighting Ability

It has been known since ages that tea has disease prevention abilities. In ancient times the brew was consumed for its health giving properties. In recent times lot of attention has been paid towards the beneficial aspects of  tea.    

The chemicals in the hot tea brew contain antioxidants that fight cancer by neutralizing the free radicals. Free radicals induce mutation by damaging the DNA inside the human cells. A polyphenol known as ECGC is effective in preventing the development and proliferation of cancer cells in the human body. The compounds assist the cell to die out which the cancer cells are unable to do. This activity shrinks or completely reduces tumors in various parts of the body. ECGC also increases vascular elasticity and hence improves cardiovascular health. A daily dose of tea extract is effective in this role.

Free radicals are also responsible for aging. The consumption of three to four cups of this beverage brings in the anti aging effect. Other chemical compounds in green tea play a proactive role. Green tea also contains anti viral compounds which help tackle infections.     

The beneficial chemicals in green tea are known as flavonoids, catechins and poly phenols. These chemicals have a synergistic effect in conjunction and benefit human health by fighting serious disease. Major benefits accrue when organic green tea is consumed which  is devoid of harmful substances. Organic tea plant cultivation is done without the use of pesticides and fertilizers.      

Green Tea Healthy or Not

The whole world is abuzz with a wonder that is green tea. Be it health benefits, weight loss and magical cure for major diseases. This is the most talked about beverage in the World. 

Though limited studies have been carried out on green tea health benefits the gains are obvious. First of all the tea itself is beneficial as it contains antioxidants and other healthy chemicals. It cheers what can be more healthy? 

Constant research is yielding positive results about the gains from drinking green tea. If we take this beverage and compare it with black tea which is consumed the most all over the World then green tea comes out to be the winner. 

The process in case of green tea is much short which helps preserve antioxidants and other healthy chemicals. This is not so in the case of black leaf where processing is longer with greater exposure to sun.   

The magic chemical is catechin which prevents damage from free radicals. These free radicals cause cancer and damage the free radical.  

How much green tea to drink? 

Well I personally believe that consumption of this hot beverage should be as a matter to routine. Consume it as an when you like to drink tea in your daily life. Normally people consume this hot beverage during the morning and evening that would amount to four cups. I would also suggest to drink it before night sleep. This would clear the whole oral cavity besides relaxing your nerves to augur sound sleep.  

There are many brands of green tea available in the market. Most of these are affordable but organic tea brands are costlier. The tea exporters process. blend and pack green tea in countries like India and China.  

Green Tea: Weight Loss & Health Benefits It Works

It Works! You can loose weight by drinking green tea.

Research has shown and proven the health benefits of  green tea thanks to rich amount of antioxidants present in the leaf.

Research  Medical Studies Blah Blah! Lets come to the nitty gritty! Try it and see for yourself. relish the wonder brew every time you think of your health.

Regular tea drinkers have improved heart mechanism hence lower risk of disease.  It lowers blood pressure and fine tunes your digestive system.  Better metabolism means less risk of disease and obesity. 

A regulated hunger means weight loss! I have myself experienced absence of gluttonous craving for food after a cup of tea. Regular tea consumption about four or five time a day certainly regulates your diet.

All the green goodies present in the leaf help ward of disease and regulate your body mechanism/metabolism.

For all you know some fat burning chemicals in the leaf may chisel your body into shape. 

It is a trial the establishes fact but by the time a concrete evidence (you are looking for) emerges it will certainly be late for you so get unto the cup cheers. Long Life!     

Green tea brands

We all know by now how beneficial is green tea for health and weight loss. But there are various types of green teas from India, China, Japan and Korea. Which type of green tea you like? How do you make your green tea? In short what is your liking. 

Choosing a tea brand is an individual matter but I believe the blenders and tea tasters have to be looked into it as well. The people behind the brand matter and it is obvious whence you consume the product. The best tea brand in India blends the finest tea leaves and the makers personally supervise all process, blending and tasting. This results in finest brand of teas. 

The popularity of the brand is another yardstick by which you can make out the goodness. But not always since some brands may be popular because of cost factor. The best method is to try different brands before you finalize one. The trial and error is the best way.

You may have a personal preference that makes you choose one odd brand well it is a matter of taste - your taste.      

Tea galore

A sip from hot steamy cup of tea brew is the best way to begin one’s morning.  Tea beverage be it black tea  leaf or green tea leaf arouses your system and relieves your throat of any harsh ailments or dust particles ingested.

All over the World in lot of countries, hot tea beverage is made with or without ad dition of milk. What was once an exotic beverage is now a common man’s drink. More and more people discover the pleasure of this wonderful drink that invigorates your body and tingles the taste buds.

All over  green tea drink is a morning habit without which the day goes imperfect. Tea is taken in morning and evening every day by tea lovers.

Tea drinkers savor Assam tea leaf and pure Darjeeling tea leaf from India. When correctly brewed these tea leaves  yield a thin bodied, light colored liquor with a flowery tang - a tinge of biting tannic character, and a musky sharp taste often referred to by tea aficionados as "muscatel." A sugary cooling trace lasts long in the oral cavity. The hot tea drink also acts as mouth freshener for the whiff of the infusion lasts quiet long overriding the decayed elements.

“Chai”

“Chai” as tea is also known in Hindi has many aficionados in India who savor every mouthful of the wonderful liquid. Chai is also a rapport building brew as it is regularly served in all ceremonials, get together, rites, gatherings and of course the evening tea parties.

Online Tea Sale

Packaged tea is sold in carton and tea bags all over the World. The usage of loose tea leaf  is gradually fading and more people are using celebrated tea brands marketed by major tea processors in India and else where. One can now buy tea on Internet at on line tea shops. These shopping websites are called e-shopping sites. The online stores  have a program called shopping cart which computes your order of tea cartons or bags and delivers it to the database of the tea company. The company then makes the delivery after the payment  is recevied. All this happens  in few seconds and the tea goods are shipped through a courier for well-timed delivery.

Tea  Gifts

Tea popularity has risen so much that gift tea baskets or cartons have become best means of expression for loved one;s and friends.  Waghbakri Tea Company sell exotic tea gift baskets containing finest blends of teas from India. The gifts can be bought online from their websites. 

Health Tea

With the ongoing research and rising knowledge of health gains of tea drink, the use of tea leaf is increasing all over the world  The oxidants and other helpful elements present in the tea leaf help fight a cancer, heart disease and even diabetes not to state undiscovered ailment combating capability of the tea that are yet to surface.

Indian Tea

Indian tea is unique and chai as it is called in Hindi is made and drunk in unique manner as well. Chai ot hot tea in India is made with mixture of milk and water. At many places a strong dose of spices is added especially in winters. This masala chai tea is very hot and is said to be useful during cough and cold.

Of the tea leaves most popular are fine Darjeeling leaf be it green, organic and black. Darjeeling leaf is in premium category and expensive. Most widely consumed is Assam black variety this leaf comes in various range depending upon quality, aroma and taste.

Nilgiri leaf has gained popularity in recent times. It is mostly grown in South and has a unique characteristic taste. Most of the Indian blends are composed of  various range of Darjeeling and Assam leaves. The taste, aroma and flavor depends upon the choice of leaves used.      

Though large population of Indian drink plain tea with milk and water sugar of course many add a dash of lemon, ginger, mint and dalchini  or cinnamon. Though green tea is widely becoming popular in India, it is black that is consumed the most. Most popular among  tea brands is Wagh Bakri  which is my favorite. The company is a family of master blenders and tasters. The art has ascended down from generations. 

All about Darjeeling Tea

The British prefer Darjeeling tea in their tea parties. This comes as no surprise since it was a British gentleman who brought the seeds from China and cultivated them in Darjeeling. This small step gave rise to one of the World's best leaf.

Not only in UK the popularity of Darjeeling leaf spread all over the British empire. The sweet muscatel elegant taste and subtle floral aroma which engulfs the whole room when the tea is brewed is what makes this leaf so famous. The liquor is thin bodied and light in color. This leaf is a connoisseur's delight thanks to its special characteristics.

The most popular Darjeeling teas are the black leaf but green and Oolong leaf from these estate are slowly gaining ground. Darjeeling leaf is cultivated only in tea estates of the West Bengal district of India. The tea from this region is certified by the tea board of India. To the original Darjeeling leaf a certificate and a logo is assigned by the board of India.

Inferior tea leaves are often sold as Darjeeling leaf. There are blends made by mixing Darjeeling leaf and inferior leaves from other regions.This leaf is sold in packets, cartons and tea bags. Recently jars containing this wonderful brew have entered the market. 

Popular green teas

Green tea beverage is made from leaves of Camellia sinensis which under minimal oxidation when being processed. The origin of green tea leaf is from China and spread to India and other tea drinking countries.

Green tea leaf is becoming largely popular in the Western countries as well especially to countries which have started consuming black variety. Like black variety that of green tea have come into picture. One of the finest quality green leaf comes from the Darjeeling tea estates in India.The difference arises from region, climate, soil and method of cultivation and processing. The rising popularity is also due to the health benefits it offers especially organic leaf which is green tea grown without using chemicals.

In China Zhejiang is home to most famous of teas. Xi Hu Longjing is pan friend and has a flat appearance. Other tea varieties Hui Ming, Long Ding, Hua Ding, Zucha and Qing Ding.

Japanese Green Leaf

Gokuru is a steamed tea from Japan. Most popular green brew in Japan as Genmaicha. It was brought to Japan by a Buddhist priest from China.

Green Tea from Ceylon is not so popular and does not find a worldwide market.

Tea: How to enjoy best

If tea tasting and blending are an art so is the way it is prepared. Tea preparation and serving is something perhaps a regular party giver or tea ceremony holder would hold expertise in. It is a hosts delight to serve this hot brew to his or her esteemed guests.

Tea preparation begins with choosing the leaf. In informal circumstances exquisite tea varieties are not a must since cost matters. Taking the weather into consideration strong, dark tea with astringent flavor suits the best, where as in hot weather brew with subtle aroma and sweet taste is more befitting. In the case of former black leaf should be used where as in the case of latter green leaf is apt.

When serving tea in informal occasions, porcelain cups and saucers should be used. The cups brimming with hot beverage should be served on a plain tray along with biscuits and other light snacks.

In case of formal occasions as tea parties and ceremonies, the finest variety of leaf with strong aroma and subtle muscatel taste should be used. A fine example is Darjeeling black and green tea leaf. Premium variety of Assam black leaf also befits the occasion.

The recipe should always be plain and simple with or without milk. Spices and condiments should never be added as they spoil the original flavor of the tea leaf. The connoisseurs would prefer the drink this way.

Special care should be taken whence preparing the brew. The water should be boiled and then allowed to simmer. The leaves should be added during this phase and should be allowed to soak in for some time. As soon as the strong aroma of the leaves starts to emanate from the steaming brew the mixture should be strained.

This recipe gives fine tasting black tea brew. If milk has to be added then it should be done whence serving.

Whence serving exquisitely designed bone china or silver cups and saucers should be used along with kettles of same quality that hold the black leaf and milk. Specially designed containers should be used to hold sugar cubes. The black tea should be gently poured into the cups. Milk should be poured too for those who wish to have it that way. Along with tea, light sandwiches, snacks and biscuits find good accompaniments.