The health elixir - Green Tea! This tea originating mainly in Asia - China, Japan and Korea is believed to do work wonders for one's overall health and well being. It is made from Camellia sinesis leaves that are subjected to very little oxidation. The main secret of green tea is that it contains high amounts of catechin polyphenols and flavonoids. These substances have anti-oxidative and anti-carcinogenic properties. Antioxidants are those substances that fight free radicals which are compounds that are harmful to cells and can even cause cell death. Free radicals are naturally occurring in the human body and at the same time are aggravated by other environmental and lifestyle factors. It is believed that these free radicals are one of the contributing factors of health problems. The anti-oxidants in the green tea supposedly do exactly this - fight free radicals.

The Chinese and Japanese are well versed with the secrets of green tea. However, now green tea is becoming a health fad even in other cultures. Many studies have been conducted on the benefits of this miracle tea. Cancer prevention, reducing hypertension, bringing down blood sugar levels, cutting down on cholesterol, liver protection, reducing atherosclerosis risks, inflammatory bowel disease prevention, diabetes prevention, antibacterial and antiviral functions, metabolism stimulation, anti-ageing, tweaking immune system functions, oral health benefits and stress-relieving properties; these are just some of the advantages of drinking green tea.

Green tea

All research is not conclusive but green tea may be beneficial in preventing many types of cancer. Not only does green tea prevent the growth of new cancer cells, but some experts believe that it may even have cancer cell destroying properties. The antioxidant EGCG, that is, Epigallocatechin Gallate is the protective substance in green tea doing this good work. EGCG is a lot more powerful that Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Many studies show that bladder cancer, Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, Lung Cancer, pancreatic cancer, Prostate Cancer and skin cancer can be prevented by drinking green tea regularly. Similarly, it brings down the level of unwanted cholesterol and ups the "good" cholesterol levels. Diabetic patients can also drink green tea to reduce their blood glucose levels. Effects of hypertension can also be considerably reduced. Drinking green tea also helps main oral hygiene as it kills plaque-forming bacteria. More so, bad breath can also be avoided by drinking green tea. Some also believe that green tea strengthens our immune systems and therefore we can be protected against different infections and diseases such as cold, flu, fever and diarrhea. Green tea is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and therefore can help prevent Inflammatory Bowel Disease of IBD.

Due to green tea's metabolism stimulating properties, many dieticians are strongly advising its consumption for weight loss. Green tea is believed to burn fat and helps digestion. However, having green tea alone will not help shed those excess kilos. Green tea is only an aid in weight loss as it is believed to accelerate the burning of calories. The right kinds of diet and adequate physical activity have to be followed in the battle of the bulge. Green tea is also used as a beauty aid. Drinking green tea is supposed to do wonders for the skin due to the presence of free radical killing anti-oxidants in green tea. More so, the market is full of beauty products with green tea. At the same time, some beauty experts advise using green tea concoctions that can be made at home. A pot of green tea made with the leaves can be prepared. After straining the tea, soak a soft cloth in it and this can be gently applied to the face. If this liquid is stored in the refrigerator, it can also be used as a toner for the face.

What makes green tea stand above other teas? The secret lies in its preparation. Black tea and oolong tea are also made with the same leaves, yet why is green tea more of a health elixir than other teas? This is because while preparing green tea, the leaves are not fermented, whereas black tea is prepared from completely fermented leaved and oolong tea is made of partially fermented leaves; the more the fermentation the lower the level of polyphenol.

So how exactly do you prepare green tea? Preparing a cup of tea is called steeping. As for green tea, the steeping time will vary with different types of green tea. Brewing temperatures can be range between 90 and 70 degrees Celsius. Time of steeping can be anywhere between 30 seconds to three minutes. Better the quality of the tea, shorter is the brewing time and lower the steeping temperature and lower the tea quality longer the brewing time and higher the brewing temperature. Everything depends on how quickly and how well the tea diffuses in water.