Like all other types of tea, green tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant. But what is so special about green tea for it to be regarded as a superfood? For those who are wondering, a superfood is a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.
Let’s explore some of the health benefits associated with the emerald green drink and why you should consider adding green tea to your daily diet.
High In Antioxidants
The trick with green tea is that it is made from unprocessed, unoxidized dry leaves. This means green tea is high in polyphenol antioxidants. Polyphenol is a natural chemical found in tea which provides it with its inflammation reducing and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Green tea is roughly 40% polyphenol by weight, of which 70% are catechins. Catechins are a type of antioxidants that protect cells and molecules from damage in the body.
Improving Brain Function
Green tea contains caffeine, which is a known mental stimulant. There isn’t as much caffeine in green tea as in coffee but enough to produce a response without causing the unpleasant jittery side effects of drinking too much caffeine. As a comparison, one cup of green tea will contain between 30mg – 85mg of caffeine compared with 100mg- 350mg in the same cup of coffee.
Caffeine has been consistently shown to improve various aspects of brain function, including memory, reaction time, mood and vigilance.
Green tea also contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which increases the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, producing anti-anxiety effects.
The combination of L-theanine with a relatively small dose of caffeine means green tea provides a milder, more tolerable impact than coffee. In general, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, then you should limit the number of cups you drink after lunchtime.
Weight Loss and Fat Burning
According to research, green tea can boost the metabolic rate and increase fat burning. On average, those consuming green tea saw a 10% increase in the number of calories burned.
The short term boost to the metabolic rate also means green tea may reduce body fat, particularly around the abdominal area. It is therefore not surprising that most fat burning supplements contain green tea.
It is important to note that some research did not find any correlation between green tea and weight loss/fat burning. The effects may come down to the individual’s general health and their daily routine. Additional research will need to be carried out.
Picking Which Green Tea To Drink
As with any food or drink, the most important factor that can maximise the potential health benefit is the quality. At Camellios, we specialise in sourcing the highest quality teas from the best growers across the world. We then hand-blend all of our teas exclusively in the UK and use 100% natural ingredients with no artificial flavouring.
If you’re looking for a quality green tea, full of flavour, then check out our award-winning Jasmine & Mint Green Tea. Available in loose-leaf or pyramid tea bags. A floral and refreshing green tea blend with subtle cooling undertones.
