Green tea, unlike black varieties which are often blended, is from one particular plant and again unlike black teas, they do not go through a whole range of processes before they are ready to drink. Black tea is allowed to oxidise which destroys many of its phytonutrients. Green tea is mostly drunk as an infusion and without milk. Most herbal teas have green rather than black tea as a base if a base is required.
Green tea has been a simple infusion and staple drink for centuries in Asia and the peoples of these countries are not prone to the same sort of diseases as western populations with green tea being cited as one of the reasons.
Nutritionists are advocating the increase of green tea and consequently people are creating recipes to use it in other ways than a drink.
Why is Green Tea a superfood?
As you know the health and nutrition community is still unsure about superfoods because nothing has been proven scientifically but they all seem to agree that anti-oxidants have a huge part to play in the health of our bodies.
The amount of anti-oxidants in green tea are claimed to be hundreds of times more effective than Vitamin C and 25 times better than Vitamin E in helping protect our immune systems by neutralising the effect of damaging free radicals.
Green Tea has anti-viral properties. It contains fluoride which is usually added to tap and drinking water in Western countries as it strengthens tooth enamel and prevents cavities. It also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which help fight plaque and gum disease.
The main beneficial compounds in green tea are catechins, a flavonoid. These are amongst the most potent of the phytonutrients that are believed to have superior health giving properties.
Green tea is often touted as a weight loss product. Again, this is not a scientific fact but a US Government endorsed study has shown that whilst green tea does not raise the metabolic rate enough to produce immediate weight loss, an extract of green tea that contained polyphenols and caffeine induced thermogenesis and stimulated fat oxidation, boosting the metabolic rate by 4% without adversely increasing the heart rate. Prima facie some of the claims have basis in fact and adding green tea to a low fat or low calorie diet may increase weight loss.
Here are some of the benefits that make green tea a potential superfood:
- Reduces LDL Cholesterol
- Inhibits formation of cancerous cells
- Regulates blood sugars and insulin (diabetes)
- Prevents heart disease
- Promotes healthy skin
- Aids digestive functions
- Retards ageing processes
It does seem therefore there are far more reasons to pick up a box of green tea next time you’re at the supermarket, than not.
Food Group: Tea
Nutritional Values: Per 100g
- 0 Calories
- 0g Fat of which 9% is saturated
- 0 Trans fats
- 0g Carbohydrates
Nutrients:
- Anti-oxidants
- Trace elements
- Fluoride