The typical Eastern drink, has its historical roots in a legend: one day the Emperor Shen Nung of China (2737 BC), was sitting by a tree while drinking a cup of hot water, when it fell a leaf in the cup was born tea, a drink which he found refreshing and invigorating. Since that time spread the cultivation of the plant, although originally this drink was reserved to high social classes, the poor must continue to consume "white tea" or plain hot water.
Following the spread of green tea, these passes from being a simple drink to a moment of conviviality and refreshment up to replace meals or assist the preparation of a meal (one typical of the poorer classes was the Ochazuke, or leftover rice immersed in boiling tea with the addition of what you could find, vegetables, a little 'fish or anything).
Over time we have created different mixtures with different qualities and strengths, among them there is green tea, made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis that during work does not undergo oxidation or fermentation, the leaves are subjected to roasting, then dried and rolled . The most valuable qualities can be traced back to the Pu-Erh and Tuocha dynasties and the Song and Ming dynasties.
The plant of green tea is not difficult to recognize: it is an evergreen shrub with oval leaves the serrated edge, of a glossy green, the flowers are small and white with a golden hue in the center date from the stamens. It prefers tropical and subtropical climates.
There are many varieties of green tea, too long to list, due to different zones of origin, different types of crop and variety of processes.
Green Tea: properties and health benefits
The findings on green tea never cease to amaze us. They have millenarian his studies on the beneficial properties of green tea, taken by the monks who have written about this drink books and treatises praising the healing benefits.
In trials it was found that has more antioxidant properties of black tea; that contains less caffeine; It is able to inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells; which can be useful as a natural remedy for various ailments and that it is able to preserve youth and therefore has always been considered a true elixir
We see the chemical composition of green tea:
- vitamins B, K, E and C;
- flavonoids, flavonols and flavonglycosides (kempferolo, quercetin, mirecitina, and their glycosides);
- polyphenols (catechins, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epicatechin);
- alkaloids (caffeine, theophylline, theobromine or protein);
- phenolic acids;
- hydrolysed;
- saponins;
- minerals and trace elements (zinc, aluminum, manganese);
- amino acids.
- tannins, catechins but especially epigallocatechin substances that would help to prevent cancer and various types of viruses;
- saponins which help control the level of cholesterol in addition to protecting the gastrointestinal tract from cancer and strengthen the immune system;
- vitamins, especially the high content of vitamin C which helps the body to defend itself from attack by viruses and tumor cells, while vitamin B protects nerves and brain, favoring relaxation and focus at the same time, helps the proper functioning of metabolism, promotes normal cell growth by strengthening skin and hair while vitamin E fights the spread of free radicals and vitamin K helps blood clotting and the proper functioning of the liver and kidneys.
Let's see a summary of the beneficial properties of green tea:
- fights cholesterol and balances the blood sugar, therefore, is to prevent diabetes and arteriosclerosis, protects and stimulates the functioning of the pancreas;
- It protects the heart, as mentioned above helps to keep clean the arteries from bad cholesterol obstructions;
- It protects the brain, helps brain cells to repair and protect against neurodegenerative diseases and disorders of the nervous transmission;
- It slows the aging of the whole organism, because its components are fighting the spread of free radicals and promote the repair and cell multiplication;
- it prevents the formation of stones, thus consuming green tea is an important gesture that facilitates purifying the diuresis and helps the excretory organs in their task and protects them from diseases;
- It protects and stimulates the immune system, thus avoiding exposure to the virus and hinder their development;
- effects Gastrointestinal benefits, green tea aids digestion, regulates metabolism, it contributes to the elimination of fat and protects against cancer;
- diminishes the sense of fatigue, it helps relieve stress and tension and has an invigorating effect on body and mind;
- anti-inflammatory properties, in fact green tea helps fight inflammatory processes in the bones and joints;
- anticancer properties, green tea prevents the formation of dependent tumors of the lung, breast, colon, stomach, ovary and prostate;
Green Tea: preparation, uses and contraindications
Tips to prepare a good cup of green tea:
- First, the most important advice is to use a ceramic tea pot that already has been boiled tea, because it will be able to appreciate more aroma and flavor. Then you should warm up both the cup teapot and then proceed to water heating.
- Secondly, when you prepare a cup of green tea, the water should not boil, but when heat radiates steam is ready. It is left standing for two minutes without burning.
- Then proceed to the infusion of green tea in the teapot, it seems that if you leave for more than five minutes, the tannins prevail on caffeine making tea less "exciting" unfortunately I have tried it and it does not seem to be true, but it may depend the nerves of everyone, my parents would not tolerate neither tea nor coffee. In fact the infusion should not exceed two minutes.
