Drinking Green Tea for Good Health

Cinzia Cuneo August 27, 2011 Alzheimer's, Cancer, Drinks/Beverages

Although green tea has been part of traditional Chinese medicine for over 4,000 years, it is only in the past two decades that this thirst-quenching and invigorating beverage has become a fad in the West.

Why is it so popular? It has many properties but what makes it so remarkable is the fact that it contains an antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG. According to scientific studies, EGCG and other chemical components in this type of tea can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and some cancers.

But why green tea and not other teas? Because this type contains ten times more EGCG than black tea. This difference is because its leaves are not fermented, unlike those of black tea.

All the different teas in the world originate from one single species of tea bush. However they are classified into 4 categories according to the appearance of the leaves that are ready for consumption: White, green, Oolong and black. For white tea, the leaves are only wilted and then dried; for green tea, they are roasted, rolled and dried; in the case of Oolong, they are wilted, rolled, partially oxidized and roasted; as for black tea, they undergo the same process as Oolong but are fully oxidized.

To get the maximum antioxidant benefits from, infuse about 2 g of tea in a cup of boiling water and let it stand for 8 minutes.

Try our best recipes featuring this type of tea

Avocado and Green Tea Smoothie

Avocado and Green Tea Smoothie

See the recipe >>

Green Tea Ice Cream

Green Tea Ice Cream

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Green Tea Risotto

Green Tea Risotto

See the recipe >>

Originally published in the Journal de Montréal on August 27, 2011.

Author

Cinzia Cuneo

Cinzia Cuneo, founder of SOSCuisine.com, never wanted to neglect the quality of her food. She shares her special expertise to make good food quickly and without complications!