Amazing Health Benefits of Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis)

Amazing Health Benefits of Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis).

Green Tea Lovers should know the health benefits of Camellia Sinensis. Green and black tea are made from the same source-Camellia Sinensis(leaves and buds). 

Camellia Sinensis is originated in China but extensively cultivated in many countries in Eastern Asia, including India, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

Camellia Sinensis leaves extracts have been used in China, Japan, and India for the treatment of diseases for thousands of years. 

You can find a big list of the effects of green tea on human health on the internet, but all of them may not reliable. Edumediawellness will provide you the evidence-based information that will help lead a healthy lifestyle.

It is undeniable that green tea is one of the healthiest drinks available on the planet. It has gained popularity because of its antioxidant property. 

Green tea is produced from unoxidized leaves and involves fewer processed than black tea. The natural Polyphenols has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps prevent many diseases. 

Chinese Fresh Green Tea Leaves. Image Source-Pixabay

Various types of green teas are grown and processed in different ways depending upon the requirements and other conditions. To get the optimum aroma and taste, the highest amount of polyphenols and active organic compounds are to be maintained. 

You may learn  Cordyceps Sinensis known as the Chines caterpillar that has many health benefits.

Table of Content

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1. Different Types of Green Teas.
2. Harvesting and Processing
3. Ingredients of Green Tea
4. Health Benefits of Green Tea
5. How to prepare Green Tea
6. FAQ
7. Bottom Lines

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1. Different Types of Green Teas.

Now I am going to introduce Some Popular types of green teas produced in different countries. You'll get a wide variety of green teas with different grades. 

The method of processing, taste, aroma, and appearance of each variety is different.  Furthermore, each type of tea is typically divided into many grades. Eventually, the health benefits of all green tea are not equal.

Some Popular Types of Green Tea produced in China 

The history of green tea use in China is thousands of years old. Green tea is now an integral part of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and is used to treat a variety of ailments. Still today, China is the top producer of green tea in the World. Different types of green teas are harvested in Jiangsu, Xinyang, Zhejiang, Yunnan, Anhui, and other provinces. 

In China, most green teas are produced by the pan-fired process. Besides pan-fired,oven-firing, basket-firing, tumble-drying, and sun-drying are also used.

Gunpowder Tea (Pearl Tea)

Gunpowder tea/pearl tea is made of plant leaves. After drying, each leaf is tightly rolled into a small round pellet that looks like gunpowder.

Screenshot of Wikipedia-gunpowder tea

Gunpowder tea with small-sized shiny pallets is considered high-quality. The leaves unroll automatically when this tea is soaked in hot water during preparation.

Further reading- gunpowder-tea-benefits.

Biluochun (Pi Lo Chun) Tea 

This spiral-shaped tea is produced in Dongtin mountain in Jiangsu and some parts of Sichuan province. It is popular for its fruity taste with flora aroma. The word 'Biluochun' means green snail spring. This naming is based on the shape of the snail-like curled leaves. 

Chun Mee Tea

Chun Mee is a dusty type of tea, usually more acidic and less sweet than other types of green tea. You will find it in different grades. This tea is popular in China and many other countries for its light sweetness with excellent flavor.

Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea

Dragon Well or Longjing tea is widely grown in West Lake in Hangzhou of Zhejiang province. It is roasted soon after picking to stop the oxidation process. It is one of the most popular pan-fried green tea produced by hand.

High-quality Longjing tea has a delicate, fragrant aroma that is long-lasting. It is fresh, smooth, and mild-flavored with natural sweetness. 

Longjing tea again has different types. Each type is characterized by a unique color and flavor. Shi Feng, Mei Jia Wu, Xi Hu are the example of some popular Longjing tea types. Most Japanese drink Longjing tea for stimulating metabolism.

Furthermore, some popular types of green teas such as Lu'an Melon Seed, Taiping Houkui, and Huangshan Maofeng are produced in Anhui province.

Japanese green teas

Around 1200 years ago, Emperor Saga introduced the habit of drinking tea to the imperial family. Later, a Buddhist priest and the founder of the Rinzai school, Eisai brought tea seeds from China to plant in several places in Japan. 

He recommended that all people drink tea for health benefits. Japan produces a small amount of tea but has gained a worldwide reputation for its high-quality tea of various types.

Japanese green teas are characterized by dark green color with a tiny needle-like shape. Most Japanese teas are processed by steaming method that can enhance the color and flavor. Steaming green tea has a grassy flavor and sweeter than pan firing tea.

Some popular Japanese green teas 

Sencha

Sencha is the most popular among all types of tea produced in Japan. Around 80% of the total tea produced in Japan is Sencha. Sencha is harvested throughout the tea season.

Bancha

Bancha is the second most popular regular green tea in Japan. It is a lower-grade of tea plucked from the same tea plant as used for producing Sencha. Bancha is harvested after finishing the production of Sencha. 

There are many grades of Bancha and each grade has its unique flavor. Most Japanese drink it after the meal as it has a good effect on digestion. It contains a high amount of mineral and iron.

Matcha

Matcha is a special type of green tea with a strong color and unique flavor. The word Matcha means "powdered tea".  It is cultivated and processed specially.

The Camellia Sinensis plants used to produce Matcha are shaded for 3 to 4 weeks before harvesting. The stalks and veins are removed during the process. 

Japanese Matcha, A special type of Green Tea. Image-Pixabay

The brewing of Mancha is different from other types of tea. When you brew other green teas, the ingredients of the leaves are mixed in hot water, then the leaves are discarded. In the case of drinking matcha, you are drinking the original fine ground of leaves that is soluble in water. 

Some other popular types of Japanese green teas are-

• Hojicha
• Gyokoro
• Genmaicha
• Kukicha
• Shincha

Some Popular Indian Green Tea

In India, Assam, Darjeeling (West Bengal), and Nilgiri are famous for tea farming. Darjeeling tea is renowned in the world for its flavor.

• Mint
• Tulsi(Basil)
• Jasmine Green Tea
• Pomegranate

2. Harvesting and Processing of Tea

Usually, tea plants are grown in the sun, but certain types of teas are grown under the shade. 

Green teas are harvested thrice a year.

• The first flush takes place in April - May.
• The second flush usually takes place in June - July.
• The third flush takes place in July- August. 

The first flush produces the best-quality tea.

Both artisanal and modern methods are used for tea processing.  Sun-drying and pan-firing are artisanal methods of processing. Oven-drying and steaming are the modern methods.

The processing involves multiple firing.

3. Ingredients of Green Tea

Camellia Sinensis contains a wide range of bioactive compounds including polyphenols (flavanols, flavandiols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids) and caffeine. 

The major components of green tea include the followings:

• Catechins-Epicatechin, Epigallocatechin, Epicatechin gallate, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
• Caffeine
• Theanine
• Chlorophyll
• Vitamins-Vitamin B1, B2, B2, B3, B6, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E
• Minerals-Iron, potassium, magnesium
• Amino Acids.

4. Health Benefits of Green Tea

Immunity Booster

Green tea contains a high amount of antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids that boost immunity and protect you against cough and cold. Drinking a cup of tea helps keep you energetic for a few hours.

Skin Disorder

Several studies have shown that green tea has anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic potential, which can be used for the treatment of various skin disorders.

Memory function

Consumption of green tea may improve your memory function. The caffeine and L-theanine (amino acid) present in green tea helps improve the brain's cognitive function.

According to research published in Psychopharmacology, Green tea enhances functional connectivity during working memory processing.

Lower the risk of cancers

There is sufficient evidence that regular green tea drinkers are less likely to have several types of cancers including colon, prostate, breast, lung, and skin cancers.

Further Reading: Why drinking green tea could prevent cancer

Cardio Vascular Disorder

According to Harvard Health Publications, Consumption of green tea may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. 

An extensive study of more than 40,000 Japanese adults found that people who drank over 5 cups of green tea per day had a 26% lower risk of death from a heart attack, and a 16% lower risk of death from all other conditions.

Although some studies have suggested that consumption of green tea can reduce cardiovascular disease further evidence is needed. More high-quality and long-term trials are needed to confirm the effects of green tea on Cardio Vascular Disorder.

Reduce Blood Sugar level

Drinking green tea (without the addition of sugar) helps reduce the sugar level in the bloodstream. One of the main chemicals, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) helps metabolize sugar. Thus it is helpful to control type 2 diabetes.

Weight Loss

Many nutritionists recommend green tea for weight management. Drinking green tea may help you to lose weight. Studies suggest that the flavonoids and caffeine present in green tea can help increase metabolic rate and fat oxidation.

But all types of teas may not work. Moreover, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that it is effective for weight loss.

Notable Points about the Effects of Green Tea on Health 

According to the  National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)-

Although various studies have been done on green tea including its extracts, obvious conclusions cannot yet be reached on whether green tea is helpful for most of the purposes for which it is used.

Effects on Cancer- 

''Studies of green tea and cancer in people have had inconsistent results. The National Cancer Institute does not recommend for or against using green tea to reduce the risk of any type of cancer''.

Effects on Liver

In some exceptional cases, liver problems have been reported in some people who took green tea in pill form. 

So the recommendation of NCCIH for people with liver disease is should consult a health care provider before taking products with green tea extract. If any symptom such as abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice develops, discontinue the use.

Safe doses for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding 
For pregnant and breastfeeding women, the recommended dose is  6 cups (300 mg of caffeine) per day.

Effects on Cardio Vascular Diseases
"A small number of studies suggest that both green and black tea might have beneficial effects on some heart disease risk factors, including blood pressure and cholesterol. The research has limitations though, including how the data was evaluated and differences in study populations, so no definite conclusions have been reached''.

Effects on Obesity/Overweight

Green tea has not produced satisfactory results in weight loss.

The good news is that the FDA has approved a specific green tea extract ointment as a prescription drug for treating genital warts.

5. How to prepare Green Tea

Green Tea Preparation Demo in Beijing.  Image- Personal File.

The method of preparations is not the same for all types of green teas. Each type may have different instructions for brewing temperature and steeping time. That's why most tea packages contain instructions.

Some general Tips for tea brewing are given below:

• Preheat the teapot to get your drink warm.
• Use soft water for preparing your tea. Springwater is ideal, but if you don't have it use filtered water.
• Let the boiling water rest for a few minutes before pouring it over your green tea leaves. If you pour too hot water on tea leaves, it may release excessive bitterness and astringency. 
• Green teas are usually brewed in little infusions (140 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit).
•  Use 2 grams of loose leaf tea per (8 oz.) cup of water but may differ depending upon the variety or grade of the green tea. 
• Green tea should be steeped for 30 seconds to  3 minutes depending upon the type and quality. 
• Cover your steeping teapot for keeping the heat into the vessel.

You should follow the instructions for the preparation of your tea package to get optimum health benefits.

6. FAQ

Why Green tea is green?

Ans. 

The processing of green tea involves less oxidation that helps chlorophyll (greening agent) to remains in the tea leaves. So it is the chlorophyll (greening agent) content that makes the color green.

What are the Similarities and Differences between green and black tea?

Ans.

Similarities between the two 
Both are made from the same tea plant (Camellia Sinensis). Green and black tea- both provide health benefits.

Differences between the two 

Ans.

• Green tea is non-fermented. It needs minimal processing. It contains high catechins and low caffeine. Infused leaves of green tea are green.
• Black tea is fermented. It needs extra processing. It contains low catechins and high caffeine. The color of black tea is typically dark-brown.

How much Caffeine consumption per day is safe for my health?

Ans.

According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is safe for an adult depending upon the sensitivity to caffeine.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit the use of caffeine. People with symptoms of headaches, restlessness, or anxiety should also limit caffeine intake. 

How to check the Quality of Green Tea?

Ans.

The brewed leaves of high- quality tea will produce an olive green color in your cup. But If you see the ready drink becomes black or brown, you may consider the tea is lower- grade.

7. Bottom Lines

Drinking 4-5 cups of green tea per day may have many positive effects on your health. But you should avoid overconsumption. If you want to use green tea for the treatment of any disease, you should consult your physician. For general maintenance of health, green tea is evergreen.

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