Traditional Tea

Green Tea

Green tea makes up only ten percent of the world's produced tea. Itis more delicate than black and oolong tea, and should be appreciated for its light taste and subtle aroma. Generally not part of the afternoon tea tradition although appropriate for hotel use.

All tea comes from the Camellia sinensis bush, a small flowering evergreen, native to China and India which is related to the common camellia. During manufacturing of green tea, preservation of the intact green leaf is of utmost importance. Tea leaves are plucked, steamed or pan fried (which removes the fermentation enzymes), rolled, and then dried. This process yields a chemical composition in green tea similar to the fresh tea leaf.

Green tea has a high content of vitamins and minerals. It contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in amounts comparable to a lemon. Green tea also contains several B vitamins which are water soluble and quickly released into a cup of tea.

Benefits

The limited oxidation or fermentation of tea leaves during processing protects these antioxidant properties from breaking down, making the health benefits of green tea more significant that black or oolong varieties.

• May reduce the risk of many chronic health problems. The naturally occurring chemical compounds in tea, called 'polyphenols,' are powerful antioxidants. Polyphenols give tea its characteristic astringent flavor

• Scientific studies have shown very strong evidence that green tea (which contains high levels of polyphenols) may help lower blood pressure and therefore reduce the risk of strokes and heart disease.

• Further, green tea consumption is also linked with the prevention of many types of organ cancer including: lung, colon, esophagus, mouth, stomach, small intestine, kidney, pancreas, and mammary glands.

• Green tea may also prevent skin cancer, when used both topically and orally. It has also been linked with helping the liver to rid the body of toxins.

• Aid in tooth decay and dieting

Due to the discovery of these many health benefits, not only are more green teas appearing on store shelves, but also many new products containing green tea are being developed. Green tea may now be found as an ingredient in a wide range of products including candy bars, hair care products, body lotions and sunscreens.

To garner the greatest health benefits of green tea, brew the leaves in their natural, original form – rather than use tea bags. Studies suggest that some commercial tea bags contain less then 10% of tea’s original antioxidant properties.

Before starting a tea regime for medicinal purposes, always consult with your doctor and discuss how and whether tea can play a role in your health care.

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