Green Mint Tea

Green tea has been used traditionally in many cultures since ancient times. Our forefathers did know quite a bit about keeping good health! Green mint tea is green tea seeped with fresh or dried mint leaves. Green tea is very beneficial medicinally, it was an integral part of the traditional Chinese medicine. Green tea has historic importance in both Chinese as well as Moroccan culture. Hence, entwining them in trade as well with China being the main supplier of a green tea variety; Gunpowder tea to Morocco.

How to Make Green Mint Tea

Here are some traditional and conventional ways of using mint and green tea. Try them all because each have their own benefits.

Moroccan Way: In a large teapot, made mainly of uncoated metal, mix one teaspoon of green tea, the Gunpowder tea variety (imported from China) in two cups of water, equivalent to 250 ml. Let the green tea stand for 10-15 in boiling water. The water should be pre-boiled, and bot boiled with green tea in it. Strain the green tea seeped water into another pot (preferably a stainless pot). Add sugar, two teaspoons, or any other sweetener, but no honey. Bring it to a boil over medium heat and once the sugar seems to caramelize remove from heat. Either add fresh or dried mint leaves to the teapot, or in the serving cups. Serve hot.

Other Ways: For this method one can use loose green tea leaves and a cupful of fresh or dried spearmint or peppermint leaves. After you get this, it is important to blend them. In a clean glass jar, add just a quarter cup of water and a cup full of mint leaves. Close it, and keep in a cool, dry place for a day or so. Now it's time to brew your tea, strain the stored blend, add in another half cup of boiling water and a teaspoon of the infused mint. Steep the green tea for no more than a couple of minutes. You may add sugar if you want to.

Associated Health Benefits

To enjoy the maximum benefits of green mint tea, do not brew it much. With leaves in it, it will get bitter. Green tea is synonymous with herbal tea, it has all the health benefits one can look for. As this tea does not make use of milk or milk powder, it is great for lactose intolerant people too.

Green tea is an excellent source of antioxidants that control and inhibit the growth of free radicals, and is believed to stop the growth of cancerous cells in the body, while ensuring health of the normal cells. It promotes the immune system's health. The tea is quite effective in controlling blood clot formation which is seen as a major cause for thrombosis. Consumption of green mint tea also aids in reducing the levels of cholesterol in the blood, preventing hardening of arteries, thereby reducing the incidence of strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.

This tea is also used as a part of weight loss programs, as it helps to speed metabolism which in turn burns fat speedily while ensuring a good digestive health. Dental care too find uses of this tea to prevent tooth decay by preventing dental plaque. Although not proven - its antioxidant properties help slow down aging and appearance of wrinkles, I am sure the flawless skin of the Chinese women lay testimony to this fact.

Health benefits of green tea and mint can be reaped by having a cup of green mint tea. A steaming glass of the fragrant, sweet, light tea with or without sugar will do wonders for your mind and body.