Green tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, right after water. The reasons are not only its delicious taste: the truth is that green tea is very good for the human body and fully deserves the title of "super drink".
Green tea comes from the camellia sinensis, also known as the tea plant, the same one from which all existing types of tea are obtained, from black to oolong, up to white. To obtain green tea, a very particular process is required compared to the one used for the other types. In fact, the leaves undergo a process of drying, steaming and rolling, but they do not undergo oxidation and therefore remain clear, as will the resulting drink be clear and slightly greenish.
Green tea in turn is divided into different types: the most famous are gunpowder, bancha tea, sencha tea (commonly referred to as Japanese green tea) and the matcha tea. The latter, in powder form, is often used as a flavoring for traditional Asian creams and desserts and can be found in Japanese mochi, Chinese moon cakes, but also in ice cream and tiramisu! Most “green” desserts contain matcha and its popularity is also growing in Europe.
The benefits of green tea there are really so many. Here are the main ones:
- Anti-stress
Theanine, an amino acid present in large quantities in green tea, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system: it combats stress and appears to improve learning and memory.
- Draining and purifying
Unsweetened green tea is a classic protagonist in weight loss diets: in fact, this drink helps to cleanse the intestine, reduces water retention and also decreases the absorption of sugars and fats. Green tea also helps to accelerate the basal metabolism, aiding weight loss.
- Ally against diabetes
The polyphenols in green tea help counteract the effects of type 2 diabetes because they reduce fasting blood sugar and insulin levels.
- Antioxidant
Green tea contains the so-called EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate, an active ingredient useful for fighting free radicals and oxidative stress.
- Ally against high blood pressure
It seems that the polyphenols in green tea can help those who suffer from high blood pressure to keep their values under control. Green tea is also useful for cardiovascular health, given its ability to lower “bad” cholesterol.
- Ally against cancer
The precious polyphenols contained in green tea help fight inflammation, which in turn can lead to cellular degeneration. In some ways, therefore, it is an ally in the prevention of tumors.
- Ally for the health of your mouth and hair
The EGCG in green tea can inhibit the effects of testosterone, one of the hormones that cause high levels of male hair loss, so tea can be considered a hair protector. Green tea also helps prevent tooth decay, leaving your mouth healthier and cleaner.
These are just some of the many benefits of green tea, a drink that deserves to be consumed every day, preferably sugar-free.
