Going Green

With its blood clot-preventing, cancer-fighting, metabolism-boosting skills, green tea is like Superman for your body.

Black tea has been the beverage of choice for millions of people, especially in India. However, green tea has been a secret health potion for the Chinese and Japanese for centuries. It is only now that the world is waking up to the numerous health benefits offered by green tea.

So what is the difference between black tea and green tea? The difference lies in the composition and total amount of antioxidants present in the beverages. The manner in which these teas are processed influences their nutritive qualities. Green tea consists of the dried green leaves of the camellia sinesis plant, whereas black tea is fermented to enhance the taste and flavour. While both contain antioxidants, green tea has more antioxidants than black tea and it is this abundance of antioxidants that makes it more beneficial.

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The do-gooder

Free radicals damage the cell membrane and are responsible for diseases like cancer, diabetes and even cardiovascular problems. Antioxidants fight off free radicals and better your chances of looking younger and living longer. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants such as catechins and quercetins — also present in black grapes, onions and red wine — which are crucial for good health and longevity. The antioxidants present in green tea are far more powerful than the vitamins C and E in preventing cellular damage induced by free radicals. How green tea fights ageing.

n Green tea prevents the formation of blood clots and helps dissolve existing ones, protecting you from heart disease. It protects the arteries by maintaining their flexibility, thus helping them withstand fluctuations in blood pressure.

n Tea seems to help stop the spread of cancer. It works in different ways to block the formation and growth of malignant tumour. Green tea’s ability to prevent the rapid division of cancerous cells and their spread to other parts of the body, is well-documented.

n Green tea drinkers have healthier gums and teeth. The polyphenols in the green tea prevent germs from sticking to the teeth, thus preventing tooth decay.

n Green tea drinkers have far better immunity levels than those who drink plain water or black tea. The antioxidants in the tea are able to ward off inflammatory reactions, which are a typical feature in disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.

n Drastic fluctuations in blood sugar levels are responsible for extreme hunger pangs and conversion of sugar into fat — a truly vicious cycle. Green tea blocks this cycle and prevents the drastic fluctuations in blood sugar.

n Interestingly, green tea also improves body metabolism and helps in weight loss. Researchers have found that drinking just five cups of green tea can help you lose up to 70 to 80 calories.

Making green tea

To reap the maximum benefits from green tea, it is necessary to pay close attention to its preparation. To make a cup full of flavoured green tea, steep a teaspoon of loose leaves or a tea bag in hot water for three minutes, strain through a sieve and drink it warm. Remember not to add milk or cream while making green or black tea. The protein in the milk will bind with the phenol in the tea and you will not get its antioxidant benefits.

With a host of studies linking green tea with several health benefits, there is little doubt that it will be greatly beneficial for your lifestyle. Considered as the latest ‘food fad’ amongst the health conscious, the popularity of green tea is here to stay. Anjali Mukerjee is a nutritionist and founder of Health Total, a nutrition counselling centre.