Green tea is essentially the un-oxidized leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis tree. These same leaves are withered and oxidized to produce oolong and black tea. Green tea belongs to China, but the Camellia sinensis tree and shrubs are found predominantly in East and Southeast Asia. Cultivation and production are concentrated in this part of the world, and India is one of the biggest producers of all types of tea leaves. Green tea varieties are determined by the soil conditions, temperature, climate conditions, time of harvest, production process, and the type of Camellia sinensis used for cultivation.
Brewing and Steeping Green Tea
The brewing temperature of green tea should never exceed 87° Celsius, and the ideal quantity is 2g of green tea for 100ml water or about 1 teaspoon for 150ml (1 cup) of water. The ideal steeping time ranges from 30 seconds to 3 minutes, and exceeding this timeframe can lead to the production of tannins in an excess amount that makes the tea bitter. Temperature also plays a vital role in perfectly brewing the tea. It would help if you warmed the container where the tea is about to be steeped before adding the ingredients. Also, it would help if you put the tea leaves first and should gradually add hot water to start the brewing process.
Is Green tea good for your health?
Green tea is considered one of the most beneficial beverages in the world. After black tea, it is also easily the most consumed beverage both domestically and commercially. In fact, many hotels and airlines prefer to serve their guests the best and the choicest green tea for its excellent aroma and health benefits, along with an unmatched taste as well!
Some of the most important health benefits associated with green tea are:
Bioactive compounds for a healthy body: Green tea leaves contain high amounts of bioactive compounds known as polyphenols, which fight free radicals and cancer cells in the body. The catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is abundant in green tea, preventing cell damage and tumor formation. This catechin has known medicinal benefits and is a powerful compound responsible for warding off many diseases in the human body.
Improves brain function and alertness: This one is a no-brainer. Green tea contains caffeine which is a brain stimulant. Caffeine blocks the adenosine (neurotransmitter) and increases the synapse firing rate. It improves alertness and focus. Besides caffeine, green tea contains an amino acid L-theanine, another enhancer of brain function and activity. L-theanine increases the activity of GABA, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This neurotransmitter has an anti-anxiety effect which is helpful for mood upliftment.
Helps control weight: Green tea helps regulate body weight by increasing metabolic rate and breaking down unnecessary fat faster. Since caffeine improves alertness, it can also boost physical performance and fat-burning activities, resulting in weight loss.
Protects the brain from aging fast: Consumption of green tea regularly can prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease, a condition in which the brain cells age or degenerate, causing memory loss. Another similar disease, Parkinson's, can also be avoided with the consumption of green tea. In Parkinson's disease, neurons that signal dopamine production are destroyed, which leads to loss of sensory function and depression. Green tea consumption can reduce the risk of these diseases in older adults by up to 12%.
Improved oral health: The catechins present in green tea can prevent bacteria growth, causing bad breath and gum diseases in the mouth. Green tea prevents the common bacteria Streptococcus mutans from developing in the gum lining. This bacteria is responsible for most oral problems such as tooth decay, plaque formation, etc. Moreover, the aromatic and herbal properties of green tea can remove bad breath from the mouth.
Diabetes prevention: Green tea improves and enhances the activity of blood insulin to reduce blood sugar levels. The active ingredients in green tea act as a catalyst to the working of insulin. Diabetes is caused when insulin levels get disturbed or insulin sensitivity decreases, leading to a higher than average blood sugar level. Consuming two cups of green tea daily can improve blood sugar levels significantly.
Prevention of cardiovascular diseases: The antioxidants present in green tea prevent the culmination of Low-Density Lipoproteins that carry cholesterol to the body's cells. The LDL is responsible for fatty deposits in the arteries that can cause blockages, and consequently, strokes or other major cardiovascular diseases. Consuming green tea regularly can reduce LDL levels significantly and improve heart health.
Anti-aging: The antioxidants present in green tea are responsible for destroying free radicals in the body that can cause aging or saggy skin earlier than expected. A harmful diet and irregular eating habits can cause a lot of free radicals in the body. Green tea helps fight them and improves gut health which helps in removing toxins from the body efficiently.
Final word
Green tea is one of the most sought-after beverages due to its unique taste and incredible aroma. The herbal tea leaves are rich in bioactive compounds that carry a lot of medicinal value with them. This relaxing and healthy beverage can be found worldwide and comes in several different varieties. Hindraj Tea is one of the varieties of green tea, which is known for its unique taste.
The tea leaves are carefully selected so that you find the rich taste and highest quality in every pack of the Hindraj tea! You can order online to experience the magic of a taste like never before and an experience of a lifetime. Write to us to know more about the tea production process and the varieties of green tea available with us!
