Green tea – what is it good for and how to brew it?

In a world where the hustle and bustle of everyday life constantly tests our inner balance, there are rituals that allow us to find peace and harmony. One of the most beautiful moments is a cup of green tea. This is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, proving that simple green leaves can be incredibly valuable for our health and well-being.

In this article we will tell you, why drinking green tea has been synonymous with health and longevity for thousands of years. You will find out, What secrets does green tea hold, what are its unique properties and how to brew it properly?to fully enjoy its unique flavor and wealth of benefits. This is a story about how a simple infusion can become your daily elixir of vitality.

What is green tea?

All real teas – black, white, oolong and green tea – all come from the same, unique plant. They are made of leaves Camellia sinensis. The secret to their distinctiveness lies in the processing of the harvested leaves. In the case of green tea, what is not done is crucial. Unlike black tea, its delicate leaves are not subjected to the oxidation process.

To stop this process, the green leaves are exposed to high temperatures immediately after being harvested. – in Japan, it's steam, in China, roasting in large woks. This process deactivates the enzymes responsible for oxidation, allowing the tea to retain its beautiful green color, fresh aroma, and, most importantly, its almost intact biochemical composition. This is precisely why the properties of green tea are so unique and valued worldwide.

What is green tea good for? Health benefits of green tea

The unique flavor of tea is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of regular consumption. Its taste is definitely outweighed by its health-promoting properties. This traditional infusion is a powerhouse of antioxidants and polyphenols, which have a positive effect on the entire body.

Green tea is a bomb of antioxidants

When we talk about the benefits of drinking green tea, we enter the realm of hard scientific evidence. Green tea is one of the richest natural sources of polyphenols, and the real stars among them are catechinsThese are powerful antioxidants that protect our bodies against the destructive effects of free radicals.

The most important and The most potent compound found in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)This substance is responsible for most of its health-promoting properties. Regularly supplementing the body with EGCG helps combat oxidative stress, which causes premature cellular aging and the development of many lifestyle diseases. Green tea naturally supports our bodies in combating these threats.

Pure green tea extract is so rich in these compounds that it is often used in dietary supplements and cosmetics. However, nothing replaces the pleasure of drinking a natural, well-brewed infusion of green tea.

Green tea is an ally of weight loss

One of the most researched aspects of green tea's properties is its impact on metabolism and weight management. Weight loss is a complex process, but green tea can provide valuable support. How does it work?

Compounds contained in green tea, mainly epigallocatechin gallate combined with a moderate caffeine content, have a thermogenic effect. This means they naturally stimulate the body to expend more energy, which can boost metabolism. Research suggests that drinking green tea may increase fat oxidation, the process of burning fat for energy.

Regularly incorporating green tea into a balanced diet can have a positive impact on weight loss and even contribute to reducing body fat, especially in the abdominal area. However, remember that while green tea aids weight loss, it's not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.

Green tea supports the health of the circulatory system and heart

Drinking green tea regularly helps lower levels of "bad" cholesterol, which is fat that can clog arteriesAdditionally, the ingredients it contains make blood vessels more flexible, facilitating the free flow of blood. This, in turn, supports heart health and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Improving cognitive functions and supporting brain function

The properties of green tea are also invaluable in supporting brain function. a combination of caffeine and amino acid L-theaninethat green tea has, provides a state of "calm alertness". Caffeine gently stimulates and improves concentration, while LTheanine promotes relaxation and increases the activity of alpha waves in the brain, responsible for a state of calm attention. The result is a state of "calm alertness," which allows for effective mental work and improved memory without the feelings of nervousness or irritability often associated with drinking coffee.

This an ideal drink for people who study, work creatively and anyone who wants to naturally support their cognitive functions.

Healthy and radiant skin

The dream of healthy and radiant skin can be supported not only from the outside but also from the inside, and drinking green tea regularly is one of the most effective natural ways. rich in strong antioxidants, especially EGCG, is a real protective shield against free radicals.

These reactive molecules damage skin cells and accelerate the aging process, leading to wrinkles and loss of firmness. By drinking green tea, we provide our body with compounds that help protect valuable proteins such as collagen and elastin, responsible for the elasticity and smoothness of the skin.

Green tea helps cleanse the body

Classic Green Tea is beneficial affects the natural processes of cleansing the body of toxins. The polyphenols it contains actively support the liver, our main detoxification center, helping it more effectively neutralize and remove harmful metabolic waste products. Additionally, an infusion of green leaves has a mild diuretic effect, which stimulates the kidneys and facilitates the removal of excess water accumulated in the body.

Green tea is a natural immune support

Powerful polyphenols, especially catechins, have the ability to "modulate" the immune response, meaning they help keep it at optimal alert. Research suggests that these compounds may increase the activity of certain immune cells, such as T cells, which play a key role in fighting pathogens. drinking green tea regularly can strengthen our natural protective shield, helping the body defend itself more effectively against bacterial and viral infections, especially in periods of reduced immunity.

Types of green tea

Think all green tea tastes the same? Nothing could be further from the truth! There are many varieties, each offering unique flavors.

• Japanese Sencha Tea: This is the most popular tea in Japan. Its leaves are steamed, giving the infusion a grassy, slightly marine, refreshing flavor and a beautiful emerald color. Sencha is the quintessence of Japanese aesthetics.
• Japanese Matcha Tea: This is powdered green tea with an intense flavor and creamy consistency. When drinking it, you consume the whole leaf, which enhances its properties.
• Ceylon Green Tea: Hailing from the sunny hills of Sri Lanka, Ceylon green tea has a completely different character. It's often more expressive, fuller in flavor, with slightly malty and nutty notes. It's an excellent choice for those seeking depth and strength in their green tea. Ceylon green tea is a testament to the extraordinary diversity of the tea world.

How to brew green tea?

To fully enjoy the delicate flavor and benefits of green tea, you need to know how to treat it. The secret lies in two elements.

• Water temperature: This is absolutely essential for brewing green tea properly. Never pour boiling water over it! Water that's too hot will "scald" the delicate leaves, releasing excess tannins, resulting in a bitter, unpleasant taste. The ideal temperature is 70-80°C.
• Brewing time: Green tea is brewed briefly – 2 to 5 minutes. Long brewing times also lead to bitterness. High-quality loose-leaf green tea can be brewed multiple times, each time revealing new nuances of flavor and aroma. One teaspoon of dried tea is usually sufficient for a cup.

When should you not drink green tea?

Despite the many benefits, there are situations when you should exercise moderation when drinking green tea.

• Due to the moderate caffeine content and its stimulating effect, sensitive people should avoid drinking it in the evening.
• Drinking a strong infusion on an empty stomach may cause discomfort in some people.
  

What does green tea flush out of the body?

The tannins present in every tea may have a slight limit the absorption of plant-based iron. Therefore, people with anemia are advised to drink tea between meals and not during them.

What's the best green tea? Where can I buy it?

Although green tea has many faces, in our opinion the best green tea comes from Sri Lanka. Instead of delicate, herbal notes, Ceylon green tea offers a more robust, full-bodied flavor and a beautiful, golden infusion, making it the perfect choice for those seeking depth and expressiveness.

But how can you find the authentic, highest quality one in the maze of offers? The real guarantee lies in a small but extremely important symbol that you will find on our packaging – the characteristic lion with a sword.The Ceylon Lion logo is an official mark awarded by the Sri Lanka Tea Board, certifying that the tea is 100% Sri Lankan in origin and packaged there, protecting its freshness and authenticity.

What's more, when you reach for our teas, you will see markings such as: OP1 (Orange Pekoe 1). This is not a mysterious code, but a classification denoting long, carefully selected, whole leaves that, when brewed, produce an exceptionally pure and refined infusion.

So when you choose Ceylon green tea with the lion symbol and leaf class marking, you are not buying an ordinary product – you are investing in a guarantee of origin, unparalleled quality and a unique taste experience.

Your daily moment of harmony awaits at Adalbert's Tea online store

Green tea is a true gift of nature. Drinking it regularly is a simple and enjoyable way to support your body, protect against oxidative stress, and improve your overall well-being. It's an investment in your health that benefits both body and mind.

Let every cup of green tea be your little ritual – a moment of pause, appreciation of the delicate taste and the awareness that you are doing something good for yourself.Discover the variety of green teas we offer and find your favorite flavor to enjoy every day.