GREEN TEA

Hello fellow tea lovers! So far we've talked about the amazing health benefits of PU ERH TEA, ROOIBOS TEA, and WHITE TEA. With the May 2019 Tea of the Month being STRAWBERRY MOJITO GREEN TEA, let's talk about why GREEN TEAS are so great!

Green tea is made by withering and oxidizing leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant. This delicate leaf does not like to be steeped in overly hot water as it can quickly become astringent tasting.  We recommend steeping between 170 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit. When prepared properly it is delicate, bright, and earthy. Green teas are high in antioxidants and boost metabolism. Green teas also reduce bad cholesterol, help regulate blood sugars, and improve brain function.

1. Green teas contain polyphenols. Polyphenols and catechins are natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and provide other benefits! Polyphenols make up about 30% of the dry leaf weight! They can help reduce the formation of free radicals in the body. Free radicals affect aging and can cause cancer and other diseases. Green teas can help protect cells and molecules from damage and reduce risk of disease.
2. Green teas contain caffeine and L-theanine. Even though the caffeine content in green teas is considered "moderate," about 20-30 milligrams per cup, there is enough to give you an energetic boost without the jitters! Studies have shown that caffeine, in moderation, can improve brain function, mood, reaction time, and memory. L-theanine is an amino acid that increases dopamine, and decreases anxiety. When caffeine and L-theanine work together, they effectively improve brain function and provide stable energy. 
3. Green teas may boost metabolism, reduce appetite, and prevent weight gain. Not only is green tea fat burning, but the caffeine in green tea has also shown to mobilize fatty acids, which make them more available to be used for energy.  
4. Green teas may lower and prevent your risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Green teas help protect the brain from degenerative neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.  Some studies have shown that the catechins of green tea have very protective effects on neurons in the brain, lowering the risk of developing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. 
5. Green teas are anti-bacterial. Some of the antioxidants and catechins contained in green tea have shown that they can kill bacteria and fight against viruses and infections. These catechins are also good for oral health, reducing the growth of harmful mouth bacteria and reducing bad breath!
6.  Green teas may lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes or insulin resistance. Diabetes is the increase of the amount of blood sugar due to insulin resistance or the inability to produce insulin. Green tea is known to improve insulin sensitivity AND to reduce blood sugar levels. 
7. Green tea reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Green teas reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower high blood pressure- two of the main factors that lead to cardiovascular and heart diseases.  ​

At OBTC, we carry a wide range of Green Teas - traditional CLOUD & MIST, hand-rolled GUNPOWDER GREEN, simple and historic GENMAICHA, and fruit-forward  blends like MANGO PARADISE! We also carry an organic Japanese MATCHA, which is a very concentrated powdered green tea! Check out our complete collection and find one to add to your daily routine!

Sources

Gunners, Kris. "10 Proven Benefits of Green Tea." Healthline. Healthline Media. 17 January 2018. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea#section1.