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Green tea comes from the plant species Camellia sinesis, the same plant from which white tea and black tea also come. In the case of green tea, it is made from its leaves placed by steam to then be dried and packaged for sale. This process prevents oxidation and preserves the nutrients in the herb’s components.
Green tea is the most popular tea in Brazil and came from China, with an estimated 80 to 90% of Chinese tea production. Today it is grown all over the world.
Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea has the concentration and variation of nutrients related to the way the plant was cultivated, treated and fertilized, in addition to its region. Therefore, several different brands of green tea can bring some differences in their nutritional tables.
But in general, one of its greatest properties is in the composition of flavonoids, including catechins, which are associated with several health benefits. And tea also has a lot of caffeine, which ranges from 10 to 86 mg per leaf.
Slimming
One of its catechins present is responsible for controlling the metabolism of fats in the body: it is Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG). Fats, with the use of tea, are broken down and better used by the body, which promotes weight loss. This also benefits the adipose composition without accumulations of fats located in the body, which reduces the risk of diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Some studies have been done with green tea in this regard.
Cholesterol Decrease
The decrease in cholesterol is also due to EGCGs that act on the absorption of fat, consequently reducing LDL, the bad cholesterol. Other polyphenols present in tea also work together to reduce cholesterol, which are tannins.
Green tea catechins also produce more satiety by binding to the hormone Leptin receptors. Thus, it favors the intake of foods in smaller quantities. And, in addition, the drink speeds up the metabolism, with the thermogenic property of caffeine, which also favors weight loss.
Green tea is still a great antioxidant, which eliminates free radicals from the body’s cells, reducing premature aging and the risk of cancer. Its antioxidant power surpasses that of vitamin C.
Anxiety Control
Green tea has amino acids, such as L-theanine, which improve mood through the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. The flavonoids present in the drink also regulate norepinephrine, which at high levels would produce anxiety.
Improves Digestion
Green tea still contains some bioactive compounds that improve digestion through the action of the intestinal flora, which contributes to healthy immunity and good functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
How to Prepare Green Tea
In the preparation of a portion of green tea, its dry leaves are used, which should not be boiled to avoid losing nutrients. For every 500 ml of boiled water, 10 tablespoons of green tea leaves are added after turning off the heat.
The container should rest muffled until it is warm, and then just strain and the drink is ready for consumption. The properties of green tea only last for 24 hours , when it should be consumed, cold or hot.
Indicated Consumption
The recommended amount of consumption is 3 to 4 cups of green tea per day , or up to 600 ml. This amount should not be exceeded, as too much tea can have side effects.
Contraindications for Green Tea
One of the side effects of green tea is excessive diuresis, that is, greater production of urine. Therefore, over 600 ml of tea a day of green tea runs the risk of dehydrating the body. In addition, green tea in high doses can be harmful because of the concentration of caffeine in it. We all know that too much caffeine causes symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety and gastritis.
Iron and calcium can also be malabsorpted with excess green tea, which should be avoided during menopause . In pregnancy, tea is also contraindicated for pregnant women , due to the risk of reduced blood flow to the placenta.
Another group that is not indicated to take green tea are patients with hyperthyroidism, which by themselves already have an accelerated metabolism. Patients with hypertension, glaucoma and gastritis should also avoid tea.
Green Tea Curiosity
There is a Chinese legend that says that in the year 2737 BC, an emperor named Shen Nung used to boil water before drinking it, to gain longevity. Until, one afternoon, some leaves of the herb flew out the window and fell into the container in which he drank. Thus, Shen Nung loved the bitter taste of tea and started to use the leaves of the plant.
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My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.