The Pros and Cons of Green Tea

To date, the only harmful side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia owing to the fact that it contains caffeine. Nevertheless, green tea holds less caffeine than coffee: there are just about thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six - eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee.

Green tea is also antibacterial and the trace element fluorine helps to combat tooth decay. Just one cup of tea a day will be beneficial in the prevention of decay. Green tea is also ideal after dinner as a palette cleanser.

In addition to significant health claims, green tea has been said to aid in weight loss efforts. It emerges that much of the fat loss benefits claimed regarding green tea lies in its thermogenic effects. Whether looking for health benefits, weight loss, or both, some studies have suggested the consumption of as many as ten cups per day to see benefits. Because green tea contains caffeine, this may pose a problem for some people. Decaffeinated green tea is available but that could cancel some of the thermogenic properties if weight loss is the goal. Health food stores also offer capsules as an option to drinking the tea although the health benefits may be different.

A range of cosmetic and beauty care products including body lotion, shampoos, conditioners, face creams are out in the market today with green tea extracts. Tea Tree Oil, a tree native to Australia, is also being largely used in anti-aging cosmetic products. The leaves of this plant Melaleuca alternifolia, was used by Australian aboriginals as a substitute to tea leaves. It is used to treat several skin diseases.

Brewing the tea for 2-3 minutes will give you a pleasant tasting but highly stimulating tea. As with other kinds of food and drink, organic teas are becoming recognized as a healthy choice with consumers. Many believe that the organic versions are healthier options while providing environmental benefits. In grocery stores everywhere, the tea aisle has become an absolute joy for organic food shoppers. In addition, it is easy to find a variety of sources on the Internet of quality organic green tea.

China is the major producer of Green tea, while Japan and Korea also contribute significantly. Green tea comes from the same plant as black tea, Camellia sinensis. What makes it different nonetheless is the way in which the plant is processed. It is the least processed of the commercial teas. The leaves are picked and then instantly 'fired' -- a tea processing term, which means the leaves are either steamed or heated. The leaves are then dried. This process also lends a hand in retaining the antioxidants that hold back the aging process in human beings.

Any other food or drink reported to have as many health benefits as green tea? The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. In her book Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years.