Green Tea Anti Inflammatory Benefits

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No matter who you are and what ails you green tea can help! You have discovered one of the most effective naturally grown medicinals, revered by ancient oriental civilizations for its healing power. You are about to experience a new a whole new realm of well being. Keep on reading to discover all the green tea anti inflammatory benefits that can make you feel great again!

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Fun Facts & Interesting Info

Discovered in China back in 2737 BC
Originally available to only the wealthiest members of Chinese Society
Almost 50 tons were dumped into the harbor during the Boston Tea Party
Gets its name from the color of its leaves
Most often drunk between meals
Has less caffeine than black tea
Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
Only about 20% of all tea consumed globally is green
Many skincare products contain green tea extract
Can be used as a cleaning agent
Da Hong Pao green tea can sell for as much as $35,436 per ounce

Why Go Green?

Green tea (Camellia Sinensis) has the most effective anti-inflammatory properties of all plants. Tea leaves are harvested and then processed quickly to retain their green color, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

The most active antioxidants are polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins. The principle anti-inflammatory catechin in green tea is EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate).

Antioxidants in green tea promote tissue healing by preventing free radical damage and EGCG is the most potent among them. Antioxidants help give this tea it’s detoxifying properties. For more information see Foods High In Antioxidant – Eating Smart For Better Health.

People drink green tea for a variety of reasons but mostly for its ability to relax and heal the body. Some people use this tea to “detoxify” their system. Green tea typically has less caffeine than black tea. Meditative and wellness disciplines such as Tai Chi and yoga commonly utilize it before or after each session to help bring together mind, spirit, and body.

The “Great Green Healer”

Although there is much conjecture about the healing benefits of green tea, it is one of the most studied plants in anti-inflammatory research today. There have been many testimonies from Naturopathic Doctors and Holistic Health Practitioners over the years on the merits and uses of green tea. It has been used to heal a variety of ailments all over the world for thousands of years.

Green Tea has been used to:

Decrease anxiety, stress, and depression – see How To Deal With Depression Alone – A Rejuvenating Self-Help Guide
Increase energy and sense of well being
Treat obesity by assisting in weight loss
Promote healthy skin growth, healing, and moisturization
Protect skin from ultraviolet sun damage – see Protect Skin From The Sun Naturally – Stay Young Looking!
Lower cholesterol and fat levels
Improve symptoms of cardiovascular disease
Improve the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Reduce muscle fatigue and pain – see When Does TENS Therapy Work? – Best Ways To Use TENS!
Improve bone strength and tooth health – see Build Bone Density Naturally – Make Your Bones Strong!
Help the immune system fight cancer cells – see How To Build A Strong Immune System Naturally
Improve memory
Slow the progression of Alzheimer’s dementia and Parkinson’s disease
Improve symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis
Help control blood sugar in diabetes

Types Of Green Tea

Although all teas are made from the same plant (Camellia Sinensis), there are literally hundreds of varieties available from around the world. Physical characteristics and taste can vary based on things like geographic climate, growth, harvesting, and processing.

Here are seven of the most popular types and their main taste characteristics. There are many varieties of each type and taste can also vary from one variety to the next.

Gyokuro – Light and smooth
Genmaicha – Full-bodied and nutty
Sencha – Vegetal and grassy
Biluochun – Nutty and smooth
Hōjicha – Mellow and “roasty”
Longjing – Mild and sweet
Matcha (made from ground tea leaves) – Pleasantly bitter and grassy

Purchasing, Storing And Preparing Your Tea

Green tea is grown in many parts of the world and its taste will vary accordingly. It is most commonly purchased from China, Japan, and Korea. Here is an extensive list of green tea organized by country.

Start by using high-quality tea leaves. Fresh tea leaves usually have the best flavor and the most potent medicinal effect. Avoid using tea leave bags, which are more convenient but may not release all the healing ingredients.

Always buy just the amount you need to keep it fresh. Check the expiration date on the package and keep it out of the sun, at room temperature, and in an air-tight container. Green tea storage containers can be purchased in many shapes and decorative configurations.

When heating your water it is important to keep the temperature between 160 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not allow it to come to a full boil, with bubbles breaking the surface. Water that is too hot will produce a bitter-tasting tea, while water that is too cold will not release its full flavor and richness. If you have poor quality tap water with high mineral content consider using spring water or purchasing a water filtration system.

Learning how to properly prepare your tea is crucial. If your tea does not taste good then chances are that you’re doing something wrong. It will most likely take you several tries before you get everything just right. Tea measurement and steeping times will vary according to tea type and your personal taste.

Here is a video from “Ying & Yang Living” that shows you how to make green tea the right way:

https://youtu.be/H9TIzhMtKT0

How to Make Green Tea the Right Way! (https://youtu.be/H9TIzhMtKT0)

Enjoying Your Green Tea

Enjoying a cup of green tea starts with buying a high-quality product and storing it properly. Experiment with different varieties until you find one that suits you best.

If you are just beginning your journey into the world of green tea then it may take a while to get accustomed to its taste. The preparation of this tea is crucial and cannot be rushed. It is a delicate process that will eventually become a labor of love. If you enjoy a sweeter tea then your best bet is to use a small amount of high-quality honey.

Plan to drink this beverage when you can make time to relax. Find a place to enjoy your tea that enhances your overall experience, perhaps a favorite spot in your home or yard. Drink it alone for a more meditative experience or enjoy it with family and friends. Change into comfortable clothing and surround yourself with things you like, such as music and art. It will quickly become a ritual to look forward to and a positive part of each day.

Matcha Powder

Matcha powder is made from actual green tea leaves, which are ground to a fine powder to increase the potency of its medicinal ingredients. It contains much higher concentrations of antioxidants, as well as other vitamins and minerals. Be aware that tea leaves may contain lead, which is typically absorbed from the soil during the growing process.

Check with your healthcare provider, who can advise you on consumption practices & monitor your lead level if you drink it frequently. Limit your daily intake of matcha powder to an average of one cup, with no more than three cups a day. Always buy a high quality of matcha powder to ensure good quality and taste.

You may want to sweeten your drink with honey or sugar if you notice a “grassy” or subtle bitter taste. After a while, you will most likely become accustomed to drinking it unsweetened and grow to appreciate it’s complex flavor. Many people incorporate matcha powder into their favorite entrees and desserts. It is often consumed during periods of meditation. For more information see Mind Relaxation Techniques – A Healthy Escape From Reality

To prepare matcha powder, add about 1 to 2 teaspoons of powder in about 2 to 2 1/2 ounces of hot but not boiling water. Whisk the mixture to a frothy texture and drink while warm.

You may want to invest in traditional tools, to make preparation an easier, more authentic, and fun experience. Consider purchasing the following items:

Bamboo Spoon (Chashaku) – Allows you to add just the right amount of matcha powder to the ceramic bowl. With a little practice, you will be able to do this quickly and accurately.
Ceramic Bowl (Chawan) – The receptacle that is used to prepare and drink the matcha tea. These bowls come in all sizes and decorative patterns.
Sifter (Furuli) – A metal sifter with a fine mesh is used to remove small clumps of matcha from the powder to create a smooth and silky tasting tea. It is held or seated directly over the ceramic bowl.
Bamboo Whisk (Chasen) – This tool allows you to whisk the matcha powder to a frothy liquid after the water is added. This is the most important step in the process and will give much better and more authentic results than using a metallic whisk or milk frother.

Here is a video from “The Simple Green” that demonstrates the basic steps in Matcha preparation:

https://youtu.be/4kLV-uIzr8U

I highly recommend that you try this high-quality 2nd harvest organic Japanese Matcha Powder from Amazon. It has over 15,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars and is absolutely delicious!

Final Thoughts

Drinking green tea can be an excellent way to add a relaxing break to each day. There are many varieties of tea from different countries. Taste can vary considerably from one type to another. It might take you a while to find one that you enjoy and eventually you will learn to fully appreciate its unique and complex flavors.

This tea is not meant to be consumed in a hasty manner or “on the run”. Enjoy your tea in an environment that best compliments the overall experience. Select a room or area in your home or yard that is relaxing and meditative. Consider listening to or playing a traditional selection of music that pairs well with your beverage.

Green tea has been used for thousands of years for its many curative properties. It contains powerful antioxidants that may improve the symptoms of many different ailments. This tea is frequently prescribed and highly recommended by naturopathic practitioners. If you have a history of medical problems you should speak with your healthcare provider before consuming green tea or matcha powder on a regular basis.

Storing and preparing your tea correctly is very important. A high-quality tea prepared with purified water typically gives the best results. If you desire a sweeter tea then you can add a small amount of all-natural honey. Use traditional tools to prepare your tea and aim for consistency to achieve the best final product.

Tell Us What You Think

Please let us know what’s on your mind in the comment section, or if I can help you with anything.

Do you have any additional tips or suggestions for making green tea?
What tools are you currently using to make your tea?
How likely are you to try green tea after reading this article?