Random Thought #1 - Green Tea is Good.
November 20, 2008 – 5:12 amGreen tea is gooood. Really good. In fact, it is so good I have made it a daily ritual over the past month to come to Citizen Cafeand drink an entire pot of it - usually right before I go beat women up in my kickboxing class.
Some facts about Green Tea you may not know:
~ Green tea is made from the same plant (Camellia sinensis) as other teas such as black and oolong, but with a different process.
~ Green tea is green because it is not fermented (very similar to green beer - just kidding, dork).
~ Green tea retains more health benefits than black tea because the fermentation process used to make black teas causes the destruction of many nutrients.
~ All teas contain the potent antioxidants known as polyphenols, but green tea contains the most potent forms.
~ Green tea has been shown to increase calorie burning and fat oxidation.
~ Epigallo catechin gallate (EGCG) is the most important active component in green tea, and it is many times a more powerful antioxidant than vitamin C or vitamin E.
~ Health Benefits of Green Tea: Prevent Cancer, Heart Disease, Arthritis, Liver Damage, Tooth Decay
~ Research indicates that green tea may play a part in preventing cancers of the esophagus, stomach, bladder, colon, rectum, pancreas, liver, lung, and prostate. Studies show that green tea protects the heart by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, and reducing the risk of heart attack. The antioxidants in green tea may reduce heart attacks and strokes by reducing clotting.
~ Green tea may also ease the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, by reducing inflammation.
~ Beneficial molecules in green tea may protect the liver from toxins, including those from tobacco smoke and alcohol.
~ Green tea appears to have protective effects on the teeth, possibly by reducing the decay causing bacteria that exist in the mouth. Green tea also contains natural flouride, which is a known cavity fighter.
