If you’re the type of person who doesn’t do tea, you may want to reconsider adding a cup or two to your diet. Tea, specifically Green Tea, is widely regarded as the healthiest beverage in the world. Read on for a quick history of the beverage followed by its most impressive health benefits.
History of Green Tea
Incredibly enough, Green Tea was discovered in 2737 B.C. when Chinese Emperor Shennong, accidentally drank water that had a dead leaf in it. Impressed by it’s refreshing flavor, the beverage has been a staple in China and consequently the world, ever since. When Green Tea arrived in Early America, the colonists loved it so much that British Parliament imposed a ‘tea tax’ which instigated the infamous Boston Tea Party of 1773. Today, green tea can be found in numerous beverages ranging from Matcha to Konacha. As more and more research is conducted, more evidence of Green Tea’s impressive health benefits are emerging.
Health Benefits
Green Tea’s numerous health benefits are a result of the drinks rich catechin content. Catechins are natural antioxidants produced by plants like berries, cocoa, and tea. While there are numerous types of catechins in green tea, EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate, is the most significant in terms of antioxidant properties and thus, health benefits. EGCG’s primary function is that of eliminating free radicals. Free radicals have harmful effects on the body since they are the major causes of diseases, aging, and stimulate tumor promotion. EGCG may also lower cholesterol levels and inhibit abnormal blood clots, the latter of which is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke. Green tea also contains anywhere from 30-50mg of caffeine, depending on the blend of tea. With a long list of published health studies, caffeine may also contain additional health benefits, which only increases Green Tea’s overall benefit.
An Ideal Brew
No matter how amazing these health benefits are, they’re not universal across all green tea brands and blends. The most important aspect of green tea is the way it’s brewed. The powerful antioxidant EGCG is only achieved when the actual oxidation of the green tea leaves is halted by quickly boiling the leaves in water before the leaves have time to whither. Unlike green tea, black tea is allowed to wither and oxidize, which gives the leaves their brown color and robust flavor.
Hot brewing green tea inevitably destroys some of the beneficial catechin content. At NOBL, our green tea is cold brewed in order to preserve these precious antioxidants. Cold brewing tea also offers a smoother, less bitter tasting beverage. We also add fresh ginger for increased health benefits and pure lemon juice for a hint of sweetness.
Controversy
While there are numerous studies supporting green tea’s aforementioned benefits, additional research suggests some controversy. The difference derives from a long list of variable factors, such as diet, consumption rates, brewing methods, and leaf source. Despite the controversial research, Green Tea has been widely regarded as the Earth’s greatest drink by hundreds of cultures and peoples for thousands of years.
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