Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea is thought to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. There are water-solubleand water-insoluble compounds in tea that have a diverse range of positive health effects. To take advantage of all the nutrients found in tea, it is recommended to enjoy both tea infusions and matcha daily. Matcha provides all the possible benefits, as well as providing fibre and chlorophyll,since the whole leaf is ingested in powder form and includes the water-insoluble compounds.
Green tea is a rich source of vitamins A, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. The water-insolubleVitamin A is found in matcha, which is good for your skin and strengthens respiratory and digestive organs. There is a wealth of minerals too, including potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, all ofwhich play critical roles in many functions of our bodies.
Other compounds found in tea include the amino acid L-theanine known to keep us feeling calm and peaceful, and caffeine which has a refreshing effect and is a diuretic.
The polyphenols in tea are antioxidants. They are believed to prevent food poisoning and some life-style related diseases including high blood pressure and thought to have anti carcinogenic properties. They have antibacterial benefits: you can gargle with tea, use it topically by applying softened tea leaves on to your skin, or a cloth soaked in a strongly brewed tea.
The antioxidants also have a very practical use and can prevent rust on iron pots and pans by rubbing the surface with used tea leaves. Green tea leaves have a powerful deodorizing effect, again due to the polyphenols. Drinking green tea after a meal can freshen your breath. You can roast old, unwanted tea leaves in a frying pan and use as incense, letting the smoke freshen a room. Dried brewed tea leaves can be placed in a fridge, a car, or shoes to remove any unwanted odours.