The Power of Green Tea

Although green tea has gained much of its popularity in the recent past, its use has been dated as far as 5,000 years as it has been used in Japan and China for many years due to its health benefits. Your green tea, much like any other cup of tea, comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant. What gives green tea its unique colour and flavour is that it is made from minimally processed and unfermented tea leaves. Additionally, green tea is generally made from tea grown in higher altitudes and is plucked by hand to ensure only the youngest leaves are harvested. Furthermore, the type of green tea could vary based on how it’s processed. Sencha and Matcha are two common types of green tea. 

Nutritional Profile 

Much of the popularity of green tea has been built surrounding its nutritional value. Many tea connoisseurs consider green tea to be the healthiest beverage on earth! Claims for health benefits of green tea come from both traditional sources where it has been used in oriental medicine to treat illnesses for years and from scientific research. Most of the nutritional values in green tea can be attributed to the lack of extensive processing. This is also why green tea has more nutritional value compared to black tea. Here are some nutritional and health benefits of green tea. 

• Rich in antioxidants - A category of Flavonoids named Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) are responsible for the high content of antioxidants in green tea. Antioxidants help to fight off free radicals in your body which can in turn, help to fight off diseases such as heart disease and cancer. 

• Improves brain function - One of the primary ingredients in green tea is caffeine. Although it does not contain as much caffeine as coffee does, it is sufficient to significantly stimulate brain activity. Multiple studies have concluded that green tea helps to improve attention, memory, mood, vigilance and reaction time. Additionally, evidence shows that catechin compounds in green tea can help to avoid the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. 

• Aids weight loss - Studies show that green tea helps to burn body fat - especially in your abdominal area - through enhancing your metabolism. This is why green tea is on top of any ingredient list for fat burning! 

• Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease - This mainly includes heart diseases and strokes, which are very common causes of death worldwide. According to studies, green tea can help to avoid the risk of cardiovascular diseases through helping to reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. 

Basilur Tea Master’s guide to brewing green tea

Brewing green tea the right way is crucial to ensure you get to enjoy its authentic flavours and nutritional benefits. 

To brew the perfect cup of loose leaf green tea, 

- Measure one teaspoon of tea leaves (about 2g) per person into a teapot per 180-200ml water.

-  When the water has boiled (about 80°C/176°F ), pour out into the pot and close the lid. Whenever possible, place the leaves inside an infuser that can then be lifted out of the liquid once the tea has brewed. 

-  Stir the tea after one minute, replace the lid and brew for two more minutes.

-  Then lift the infuser or strain all the tea into cups or into another heated pot to keep warm.

-  If the tea is too strong for your taste, add more boiling water. Milk or sweetener is not recommended for green tea.

Along with its unique flavour and nutritional profile, green tea is a treat for any true tea lover. Making green tea a regular part of your routine is sure to help you feel better and have a healthier life!