Organic Green Tea Benefits

Green tea is the popular beverage of China, which has attained global recognition as a healthy beverage, mainly due to its numerous health benefits. To know more about organic green tea, read on.
Green tea is a type of tea, prepared with the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis. Green tea basically differs from the other types of tea, such as black and oolong tea, by the fact that it is the least processed version. The leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant undergo minimal processing while preparing green tea. The tea leaves are simply weathered and then steamed to make green tea, instead of fermenting which is done in the case of black and oolong tea. Minimal processing of the tea leaves helps to preserve the nutritional value of green tea, and this is the reason why it is considered to have more health benefits than the other types of tea.

Organic green tea is the tea prepared from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plants, which are grown organically without the use of any chemical or artificial fertilizer and pesticide. Its taste and flavor are superior than its counterparts.

Organic Green Tea Nutrition Facts

Green tea can provide an abundant supply of antioxidants. It contains catechins, flavonoids, polyphenols and the compound epigallocatechin gallate, all of which exhibit strong antioxidant properties. The catechins and epigallocatechin gallate are considered as the main active ingredients of green tea. However, these are not the only nutrients found in this tea. It contains a significant amount of vitamins and minerals, out of which the most important ones are, vitamin A, B complex vitamins, Vitamin C, D, E and K, manganese, chromium, zinc and selenium. Apart from these, it also contains amino acids, caffeine and proteins.

Advantages of Drinking Organic Green Tea

Green tea originated in China and it has been highly valued there, and other parts of Asia since the ancient times. Being the least processed form of tea, green tea is abundant in powerful antioxidants, which can be attributed for much of the health benefits of this tea. A large number of scientific studies have been conducted over the last few decades, in order to reveal or determine whether green tea is really good for health or not.
  • The catechin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) found in green tea is an extremely powerful antioxidant that can neutralize the highly reactive free radicals, and thus, protect the cells and tissues from the oxidative damage.
  • The free radicals, as we know damage the cells and tissues and thereby, speed up the aging process. But, antioxidants minimize the effects of the free radicals, which in turn, can help to delay the entire process of aging. Its extract is used in the cosmetic industry due to this reason.
  • Regular consumption of green tea is known to lower the level of LDL cholesterol, which is blamed for heart disease at large. By lowering the level of LDL cholesterol, green tea helps to improve the ratio of HDL (good cholesterol) to LDL cholesterol, and thus, boosts heart health.
  • It has been found that green tea consumption can lower the risk for cardiovascular diseases, heart disease and inhibit atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries due to fatty deposition inside the arterial wall).
  • Green tea can also thin blood and prevent the formation of blood clots. This in turn, can prove immensely helpful for improving blood circulation and reducing the risk for stroke. Blood clots formed within the arteries is one of the main risk factors for heart attacks and stroke.
  • It may help to treat obesity. Green tea can lower the level of LDL cholesterol. It contains caffeine which might help in fat oxidation as well. For this reason, many believe that there is an association between this type of tea and weight loss.
  • Green tea can also lower the risk for several types of cancer including esophageal cancer, skin, prostate and ovarian cancer. The antioxidants found in green tea can inhibit the proliferation of cancerous cells.
  • Apart from these, green tea may provide benefits in conditions like, hypertension, bad breath, glucose intolerance or diabetes.
With a mere look at the nutrition facts and health benefits of green tea, one can realize why this tea was cherished for its medicinal properties in ancient China. Even now, the popularity of green tea is increasing rapidly as a beverage to boost health and well-being throughout the world.
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Last Updated: 9/20/2011
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