The powerhouse!. Review on Green Tea

I was first introduced to Green tea while I was dining in a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. As I was having it with my food , its very mild and subtle flavour left quite an impression on me and here I am after almost one and a half years and can be easily pass on as ''green tea fan ''

Most of the world's supply of green tea comes from China and Japan. While there are numerous different flavours available, the plain green tea is the base for all. The different Chinese versions include the infusion of various flowers such as jasmine, rose , plum etc. As far as different versions Japanese green tea are concerned, they are mixed with roasted rice to give them different nutty flavours. However green tea should not be confused with herbal tea as they are not same. Herbal tea is just a concoction of different herbs and may or may not contain green tea as base.

Coming to the health benefits of green tea :

(1)The Anti-oxidant It is a powerful source of anti-oxidant. Our body produces free radicals which are a source of aging and various other health problems since green tea is rich in catechin poly-phenols, particularly E.G.C.G. This is a powerful anti-oxidant. * I am trying to put the full form of E.G.C.G. but somehow in editing its giving me spelling error so I am unable to put it . Please see the full form in google.com , if interested.

(2)The cancer fighter The E.G.C.G present in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells and it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.

(3)Lowering Bad Cholesterol It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The leading cause of heart attacks and stroke is the formation of abnormal blood clots.

Now that I have listed the benefits of green tea, I would like to touch upon the availability of green tea in India . Though Darjeeling produces green tea but I am not very sure its available in India easily or not as I have not been to India after I started drinking green tea . So the readers in India please accept my sincere apologies for my lack of knowledge about its availability there. However, in the US its available with much ease and although China town is the most appropriate place to buy it but you can get it at any supermarket without any problem.

Having said that , I would like to draw your attention about a couple of more things.

Lipton Green label should not be confused with green tea as it is black tea made with premium quality leaves which gives it milder and more flavourful taste.

Secondly, the so called green / herbal tea sold on T.V. for approximately Rs. 1000 / for a months supply which apparently works wonder for diabetes and weight loss etc. should not be used without consulting a doctor . And I am not sure whether its green tea or some herbal formula sold as green tea . So it is advised that you please do thorough research before getting into it.

And for those who suffer for insomnia , green tea does contain caffein but in less quantities than other teas and coffee . So if possible , go for the decaffeinated versions available if you are not a moderate tea drinker.

Now coming to the procedure of making green tea . Its usually available in the form of tea bags. So just seep in one bag ( or 1 tea spoon of loose tea ) in a cup of hot water for 2-3 minutes and enjoy it . Believe me , it doesnt require any additives and just in case if you wish to have a change in taste , just put in a few drops of lemon juice and enjoy your cup of nature's miracle food.

I am summing up my review with this ancient Chinese proverb :

''Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one''