As a budding Food Technologist, I want to tell you about the amazing properties of tea, with which you can reduce weight. Two glasses a day and I lost extra pounds. This fact wasborne out of my few months research on green tea.
What Is Green Tea?
Unbeknownst to many, green tea actually comes from the same plant where normal tea is obtained. Scientifically, it is known as Camellia Sinensis. In fact, it is the same tea but it is processed differently. The normal black tea is obtained by fermenting the tea leaves. This fermentation changes its color and flavor while raising the level of caffeine and tannin in it. On the other hand, in the case of Green Tea, the tea leaves are dried or slightly steamed but not fermented. This is what makes it look green when it’s brewed.
Green Tea Nutrition Facts
Along with caffeine, which gives green tea its characteristic taste, bitterness, and stimulating effect, green tea is also rich in a group of chemicals, called Catechin Polyphenols (Commonly known as Tannins, which contribute to bitter taste and astringency). These Catechin Polyphenols include Catechin, Epicatechin, Epicatechin Gallate (ECG), Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), and various Pro-Anthocyanidins. They are also known as flavonoids and are very powerful antioxidants. Flavonoids, together with some amino acids like Thiamine, are responsible for the potent flavor of green tea.
Furthermore, green tea also contains Amino Acids such as Theanine, Butyric Acid & Liganin; Xanthine Alkaloids such as Adenine, Dimethylxanthine, Theobromine, Theophylline, and Xanthine; Pectin (also found in fruits); saccharides (sugar), Chlorophyll, and Triterpene Saponins. Some vitamins, like vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, C, and E are also found in green tea. After that impressive list, perhaps you are beginning to understand how packed green tea is with nutrients and beneficial components.
Health Benefits Of Green Tea
The health benefits of green tea are primarily due to its antioxidant properties that come from its caffeine, Catechin Polyphenols, and Theonine content. The major health benefits stemming from antioxidant effects are listed below.
Reduces Aging
The free radicals created in the body are responsible for corroding the body in various ways, one of which we see as the signs of aging and the related symptoms. The main job of antioxidants is to neutralize the oxidants or free radicals present in the body and green tea is very rich in antioxidants. The Catechin Polyphenols present in green tea are hugely responsible for the antioxidizing effects, the most powerful among them being the Epigallocatechin Gallate. Therefore, regular consumption of green tea can effectively delay the signs and symptoms of aging.