Let's first look more closely at what green tea is. Despite appearing very different from black tea, the leaves used to make both drinks come from the same plant.
The preparation process is the fundamental distinction between green and black tea. Simply put, green tea goes through less processing, giving it a different color and flavor. The distinctive green tea nutrition is partly a result of the production process.
The Green Tea, Flavour Profile
The tea leaves, and the final brew indicate that green tea will have a "leafy" or "grassy" flavor. While specific blends undoubtedly fit this description, not all green teas do. Green tea can have a complex flavor profile depending on its production.
As a result, you can expect your green tea to have any of the following flavors: Sweet, Bittersweet, Vegetal, Buttery, Nutty, Floral, Fruity, Earthy, and Herbaceous.
The 'texture' of green tea affects how it tastes to you. For instance, a tea that may seem creamy and smooth may taste sweeter or butterier. In contrast, a more energizing or sparkling taste may provide a green or floral flavor.
The Differences in Taste
If you've ever had green tea, you are aware that different varieties can have very different tastes. This is because the following variables affect how the brew tastes:
- The environment in which plants grow
- Non-organic versus organic
- a plant's harvested parts
- The act of pruning
- local crops
- types of heat used for shaping and rolling the leaves
The Advantages of Green Tea for Health
Various advantages of green tea are the reason why this drink is so well-liked. It is crucial to understand the particular benefits of this beverage.
Green Tea May Reduce Cancer Risk
The fact that your beverage contains a lot of green tea antioxidants is a piece of good news because oxidative damage brought on by free radicals is dangerous for health. Catechin content is exceptionally high in green tea. These catechins appear to have two beneficial impacts on cancer. The anti-oxidative processes, first and foremost, prevent cell damage. Additionally, catechins have been shown to induce tumor cell death, having a more beneficial effect.
Green Tea Can Safeguard Your Brain
The benefits of green tea extract also apply to the brain. According to research, catechins have neuroprotective properties. They can lower the danger of different brain cells and circuits degenerating. By doing this, green tea can actively lower your risk of contracting illnesses like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. While further research must be conducted, it does seem that drinking green tea can delay or perhaps stop dementia.
Green Tea Possibly Lowers the Risk of Diabetes
Notably, green tea is said to have an "anti-diabetic effect" and can help lower blood sugar levels naturally. There is some proof that green tea helps stop diabetes from occurring. According to a study, those who regularly drank green tea had a lower risk of contracting the illness.
It Has the Perfect Amount of Caffeine
Caffeine can improve your health when consumed in moderation. It can enhance cognitive function and raise alertness and concentration. It can also increase stamina and endurance. And caffeine can help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism. Yet, you will likely face concerns, including jitteriness and sleep disorders. However, this is not a problem while drinking green tea. The reason is due to green tea's substantially lower caffeine concentration, which ranges from 24 to 40 mg. This implies that you can avoid the adverse effects and take advantage of caffeine's positive advantages.
Cardiovascular Diseases May be Prevented.
In the developed world, cardiovascular disorders are the leading cause of death. Excessive blood pressure and excessive cholesterol are the main contributors to this condition. Fortunately, research suggests that green tea can aid in combating these factors.
Regular green tea consumption can assist in lowering your cholesterol levels. Additionally, it may even lower blood pressure to a normal level. In a nutshell, those who drink green tea have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Green Tea, Enhance Dental Health
Green tea can also help you reduce how frequently you see the dentist. According to experts, drinking the beverage can inhibit streptococcus bacteria from growing. The cause of tooth decay is due to these microbes.
Drinking green tea can also lessen plaque accumulation on the teeth. As a result, managing your oral health on all fronts will be simpler. Additionally, green tea can aid in eliminating foul breath.
How to Keep Green Tea Fresh
As previously stated, green tea has a limited shelf life. As a result, you must use it within six to twelve months after your first purchase. But this isn't everything. The leaves must also be carefully stored to stay fresh for this long.
The leaves should be protected from the sun's rays, extreme heat, humidity, and open air. You should be aware of what other components are stored nearby because green tea leaves are quite good at absorbing odors. Be sure to keep your green tea in a cold, dark location.
Green Tea's History
Green tea originates in China and has been a part of that country's culture for over 3000 years. In actuality, green tea was the first beverage the Chinese people drank. Therefore, when tea was mentioned in history, it usually concerned green tea.
Green tea leaves weren't steeped in the beginning. Instead, they were chewed and consumed for entertainment. The first time the leaves were boiled and consumed was approximately 2737 BC. According to legend, Emperor Shennong was the one who first recognized that the leaves might be turned into tea.
Between the third and sixth centuries, tea became a rare beverage and widely accessible. Tea was a popular beverage, and the Tang Dynasty held tea rituals.
The drink probably arrived in Japan via Buddhist monks. As Buddhism developed in Japan, more and more monks traveled to China to study the religion. They returned with the lectures and some green tea as well.
Tea became popular in many other Asian nations, including Taiwan, India, and Sri Lanka. However, China and Japan remain the two biggest green tea producers.