Chinese green tea is the stuff of legends according to many. It has been known to have lots of benefits for the human health. For thousands of years, Chinese green tea has been talked about and written about because of its countless positive effects.
It’s been said that the first person to ever taste Chinese green tea was the Emperor Shen Nung in 2737 B.C. The legend says that while boiling some water for drinking, some leaves fell into his pot from a nearby tree. Chinese green tea leaves when boiled smelled and tasted so wonderful that Shen Nung even urged his people to drink it. The fame of the Chinese green tea spread quite rapidly to other regions. It is believed that in 800 A.D, Chinese green tea was brought to Japan by monks who studied Buddhism in China.
What sets Chinese green tea apart from all other teas?
The plant that produces green tea is the Camellia sinensis, the same plant where the oolong and black tea are derived. However, even though they all come from the same herb, the Chinese green tea really stands out as an exceptional health drink. What is it that makes Chinese green tea different?
Well, the difference lies in the production method used for Chinese green tea. Black tea and oolong leaves are traditionally oxidized and then dried. But when it comes to Chinese green tea, the leaves are steamed and then dried. This method of producing Chinese green tea actually preserves most of the beneficial antioxidants present in it.
Chinese Green Tea for Weight Loss
There were findings made of significant value that point to the benefits of Chinese green tea in weight loss. Some researchers of the University of Geneva have said that Chinese green tea has thermogenic properties which provide much aid in weight loss. In their study, they investigated the weight loss benefits of Chinese green tea by observing the interaction between the caffeine in Chinese green tea and a compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). When these two substances in Chinese green tea react, it causes the thermogenesis of the body to increase by four percent. The ability of Chinese green tea to enhance metabolic rates has given people reason to believe that Chinese green tea has weight loss benefits as well, not just health benefits.
Other studies concerning the weight loss benefits of Chinese green tea were also conducted. The results of one particular research showed that people who consume Chinese green tea have a better propensity for weight loss. Drinking Chinese green tea allows the body to burn an additional 70 calories a day, a feat that all weight loss enthusiasts would relish.
Chinese Green Tea for Health
Although it is already a widely known fact that Chinese green tea contains several health benefits, modern scientists were able to provide concrete proof of the positive effects of consuming Chinese green tea. The antioxidants in Chinese green tea are said to be the ones responsible for making it very beneficial.
Recent studies show that the antioxidants in Chinese green tea have the ability to reduce the levels of cholesterol in a person; can reduce blood lipids; and can improve the way blood vessels function. Research also showed that Chinese green tea can have an anti-inflammatory effect and may provide protection against cardiovascular diseases.
Today, Chinese green tea is widely available as a beneficial beverage for our health, and as an ingredient for weight loss products.
For passionate green tea drinkers, Timothy Eisden runs The Green Tea Blog at
http://green-tea-health-benefit.blogspot.com
