Green tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant species, the same plant that also gives us white tea and black tea. In the case of green tea, it is made from its leaves that are steamed and then dried and packaged for sale. This process prevents oxidation and preserves the nutrients in the herb’s components. Green tea is the most popular tea in Brazil and originated in China, making up an estimated 80 to 90% of Chinese tea production. Today, it is cultivated worldwide.

Benefits of Green Tea

The concentration and variety of nutrients in green tea depend on how the plant was grown, treated, and fertilized, as well as its region. For this reason, different brands of green tea may show some differences in their nutritional tables. But overall, one of its main properties lies in its flavonoid content, including catechins, which are associated with various health benefits. Green tea also contains a substantial amount of caffeine, varying from 10 to 86 mg per leaf.

Weight Loss

One of the catechins it contains is responsible for controlling fat metabolism in the body: Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG). With the use of green tea, fats are broken down and better utilized by the body, which promotes weight loss. This also improves body fat composition without the accumulation of localized fat, reducing the risk of diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Several studies have looked into green tea in this regard.

Cholesterol Reduction

Cholesterol reduction also occurs due to EGCGs, which act on fat absorption, consequently reducing LDL, the bad cholesterol. Other polyphenols in the tea, such as tannins, also work together to reduce cholesterol. The catechins in green tea also promote satiety by binding to leptin hormone receptors. This helps you eat smaller portions. Additionally, the beverage boosts metabolism, thanks to the thermogenic property of caffeine, which also aids weight loss. Green tea is also a great antioxidant, eliminating free radicals from the body’s cells, reducing premature aging and cancer risk. Its antioxidant power surpasses that of vitamin C.

Anxiety Control

Green tea contains amino acids like L-theanine, which improve mood through the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. The flavonoids in the drink also regulate noradrenaline, which at high levels can cause anxiety.

Improves Digestion

Green tea also contains some bioactive compounds that improve digestion by acting on the gut flora, which contributes to a healthy immune system and good gastrointestinal function.

How to Prepare Green Tea

To prepare a serving of green tea, use its dried leaves, which should not be boiled to avoid nutrient loss. For every 500 ml of boiled water, add 10 tablespoons of green tea leaves after turning off the heat. Let the container sit covered until it cools to warm, then simply strain and the drink is ready to consume. Green tea’s properties last only 24 hours, during which it should be consumed either cold or hot.

Recommended Consumption

The recommended amount is 3 to 4 cups of green tea per day, or up to 600 ml. Do not exceed this amount, as too much tea can cause side effects.

Contraindications of Green Tea

One side effect of green tea is excessive diuresis, meaning increased urine production. Therefore, drinking more than 600 ml of green tea per day can risk dehydrating the body. Also, green tea in high doses can be harmful due to its caffeine content. We all know that too much caffeine can cause symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and gastritis. Iron and calcium absorption can also be impaired by excess green tea, so it should be avoided during menopause. During pregnancy, green tea is also contraindicated for pregnant women due to the risk of reduced blood flow to the placenta. Another group advised against drinking green tea is patients with hyperthyroidism, who already have an accelerated metabolism. Patients with hypertension, glaucoma, and gastritis should also avoid this tea.

Curiosity about Green Tea

There is a Chinese legend that says in 2737 BC, an emperor named Shen Nung used to boil his water before drinking it, to promote longevity. One afternoon, some herb leaves blew in through the window and fell into the vessel he was drinking from. Shen Nung loved the bitter taste of the tea and continued to use the plant’s leaves from then on. Also read: Uxi Amarelo and Cat’s Claw – Fertility Allies Photo: Polymanu