Ahhhh, what’s more relaxing than a cup of tea?   Make it a cup of green tea, and you can also enjoy its many health benefits.  I find green tea soothing and slightly stimulating, and I love having a cup or two in the afternoon.  It gives me a gentle boost of energy and increases my motivation, and this was so helpful when I was working full time and needed to focus on some painstaking task that required my full attention. 

Green tea is made from a plant called the Camellia Sinensis.  It’s prepared by steaming, pan-frying and drying its’ leaf bud, leaf, and stem.  

All tea contains polyphenols, which are natural compounds with health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and fighting cancer. What distinguishes green tea from other teas is that it has a catechin (natural antioxidant) called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).  It helps prevent cell damage and reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules. Research has proven its ability to help treat various diseases.  

Health Benefits:

·       Improved brain function

·       Lowering the risk of some cancers, in particular, breast cancer

·       Decreased risk of heart disease

·       Increased fat burning

·       It may help prevent type 2 diabetes

·       It may help prevent cardiovascular disease

Green tea originated in China. There are different types of green tea grown and produced all over the world, including Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Hawaii and even South Carolina. 

You can purchase loose, dried leaves, tea bags, or matcha- a powder made by taking the young tea leaves and grinding them into a bright green powder.  Whatever type of green tea you decide to drink, I recommend purchasing only organic green tea to ensure its’ purity  

Green tea is a stimulate and contains caffeine, but not as much as coffee or black tea.   If you are sensitive to caffeine, then I would avoid drinking green tea in the evening. 

Caffeine comparison: 

·      An 8-ounce cup of green tea contains between 30 and 50 mg of caffeine. Powdered green tea like matcha contains more caffeine than loose-leaf or green tea bags.

·      Black tea contains 39–109 mg

·      Instant coffee contains 27–173 mg 

·      Plain, brewed coffee contains 102–200 mg

Tips

Drink it daily 

Steep it for at least 10 minutes

Avoid sweeteners 

Create a moment of mindfulness and presence by sitting and sipping slowly

Peace and blessings.  

Anita