Stick the kettle on luv....

Stick the kettle on luv....

I have been researching TEA this week and found that recent scientific studies have been confirming something that the Chinese have known for over 4000 years…Green tea is one of the healthiest things on the planet.

What does that mean exactly? Well, more and more evidence shows that green tea is packed with a whole host of health benefits. Even moderate consumption of green tea can give you these positive effects. Here are just a few things that green tea can do:

Increase your metabolism
Increase energy
Block fat absorption
Boost the immune system
Promote healthier skin
Enhance focus and mental function
Fight the aging process
Promote oral health
Protect the body against diseases

What is Green Tea?

All teas come from the same plant (Camellia sinensis), and can be grouped into four main types: white tea (which arguably could be called green tea), green tea, Oolong tea, and black tea.

Tea type is determined by a process called oxidization. I will spare you the boring details, just know that the more oxidization a tea undergoes during processing, the darker it becomes. Heavily oxidized tea is very dark with more flavours and more caffeine. Green tea is un-oxidized. This means it has less aroma and caffeine, but it retains much more of its powerful nutrients and antioxidants.

Flavour & Variety

Green tea has fewer flavours than Oolong or black tea, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious. Its flavour is best described as “fresh” and “light” (said in a very upper class tone of voice), and is wonderfully refreshing over ice (you don’t need to drink it hot!). Speaking of flavours, there are so many different varieties and flavours of green tea that it would take a lifetime to try them all!

Green Tea & Weight Loss

One of the more exciting and well known benefits of green tea is its ability to aid in weight loss. Along with giving you an extra energy boost, green tea stimulates the metabolism while at the same time helping to block fat absorption.

You should know that there are some weight loss claims about green tea that haven’t been properly tested by scientific studies. But nevertheless the evidence is adding up. There’s certainly enough for me to confidently say that green tea should be the beverage of choice for anyone who’s trying to lose the pounds.

Green Tea’s Health Benefits

I found that in 2006, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that tea is a healthier choice than almost any beverage, including water. Yes, you read that right…Green tea is healthier for you than pure water! Not only does green tea hydrate the body like water does, it also provides nutrients and powerful antioxidants that protect against a wide variety of ailments such as: diseases, cancer, strokes, heart problems, viruses and more.

For other tips and advice direct your fitness/nutrition based questions to tom.horton@cadburyhouse.com.