Green tea is becoming a delicious, tangy alternative to those who wish to transfer their tastes from over-brewed, stewed, ordinary tea into something a little more exotic, with an added attraction of possible medicinal and health benefits.
What is Green Tea?
Originating in China and associated with Asian culture per se, green tea is tea that has undergone minimal oxidation and originates from the leaves of the shrub Camellia Sinesis.
An extract from one green tea website states that the bush thrives in "high altitude conditions," and is leathery green in nature due to the mineral rich soils and hot Asian climate. As green tea does not lose it's oxygen, it therefore keeps its healthy properties.
Health Benefits
Like most teas, the green variety is believed to give the consumer added health benefits. The high amount of anti-oxidents means that the body is less likely to be damaged by free radicals. Another green tea website, gives an extensive list of the possible benefits that the consumption of tea drinking brings. These range from;
- Weight loss, as green tea is known to boost metabolism
- Improving one's skin
- Improving dental hygiene
- Slowing the aging process
Of course, skeptics may not want to believe the research that has gone into green tea and are pessimistic about the "miracle" health benefits. Still, a hot drink of any variety always goes down well in winter.
Also unlike caffeinated drinks, green tea does not cause energy slumps. Indeed this Asian drink is better for the teeth than fruit laden teas, as it has a gentle effect on the palate and does not destroy the enamel.
Availability of Alternative Teas
For those wishing to switch to green tea, the great news is that it is readily available to buy from all major supermarkets and are also available from specialist websites.
Even major tea firms such as Twinings and Tetley are capitalising on the green tea boom, bringing out new lines of flavoured and alternative teas as people look for the added health benefits in their daily cuppa.
For those that wish to try this new experience, pure green tea should only be tried by the brave and with required tastes, as this can be quite bitter and sharp on the old taste buds. Lighter flavours such as green tea with lemon is refreshing, whilst the blend of bergemot Earl Grey is a metallic but not unpleasant sensation. Jasmine green tea smells fragrant and is also delicious, but the new taster should not have any problems trying out the range of new flavours and textures in green tea.
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