Everyone has heard of the wonderful benefits of green tea. Although slightly new in its popularity in the western world, green tea has enjoyed a place of reverence in eastern cultures for a long time now. Originating primarily in china, green tea is known for its amazing healing and soothing properties. A warm cup of green tea can be enjoyed by anyone, any time and can help cure and prevent several ailments while having a deeply relaxing effect on your nerves. Historically, green tea has been used by saints and people of oriental cultures to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. A number of books have been written about the healing properties of green tea. Green tea is abundant in a naturally occurring chemical called catechin which imparts high antioxidant properties to green tea. Green tea also has a high amount of flavonoids which are very beneficial for our body and mind.
So what makes green tea so special? Green tea too comes from the same camellia sinensis plant from which black tea originates. The essential difference lies in the way these two are processed. Black tea leaves are allowed to dry in the sun for 15 to 18 hours after which they are left to ferment which brings out the distinctive color and strong flavor. Green tea is not fermented like the black tea is. Its leaves are steamed soon after picking and quickly rolled and packaged, thus allowing minimum oxidation during its processing. This way, there is a minimum nutrient loss and all the naturally found properties of green tea are preserved.
Some of the many benefits of green tea include preventing cardiovascular diseases, fighting against various kinds of cancers, reducing cholesterol, increasing metabolism, controlling blood sugar, and improving cognitive function. But the one thing green tea is most known for is fighting against obesity. Research shows that consuming three to four cups of green tea everyday can help you reduce up to 8 pounds in a year. This is because the catechins in green tea help in significantly raising the basal metabolism rate of the body. Metabolism rate is the rate at which body burns fat. So higher metabolism means more burning of fat. Some studies reveal that green tea can help increase metabolism by up to 4% without increasing the actual hear rate, this is one reason why green tea has gained increasing popularity in the war against obesity.
In order to extract the maximum benefits of green tea, you must ensure the proper way of brewing it. First of all, rinse your drinking cup with hot water. This will help warm the cup and hence keep your green tea warmer for a longer time. Then, boil some water and allow it to cool for about a minute before pouring it over the green tea leaves. Then, let the leaves steep for at least two to three minutes. Then, strain the tea or simply discard the tea bag if you are using one. Many kinds of green tea are offered by both Yogi Tea and Tazo Tea. You do not need to add any milk or sweetener to green tea. Its medicinal and relaxing properties are best enjoyed as it is.
Author Resource:-
Visit this site to get great deals on your favorite Tazo tea. Also be sure to try some delicious Yogi tea here.