Green tea is no doubt one health commodity that has enjoyed unwavering popularity over the course of history. From being a traditional beverage in Asia, it has evolved into a medicinal powerhouse. Today it is the subject of a seemingly never-ending chain of health practices involved in both conventional and alternative medicine. As a matter of fact, public opinion equates green tea with good health.

History and Cultural Practices

Now enjoyed as refreshment in China, green tea was initially picked and gathered for its medicinal properties as early as the third century B.C., when it was believed to boost alertness and ease gastric illnesses. The Chinese began growing Camellia sinensis in increased amounts during the Tang Dynasty, and soon green tea moved out of the realm of herbalism, becoming a drink tied to national identity. In the 9th century A.D. there was a growing interest in incorporating tea preparation in traditions of hospitality and politeness, which developed into sets of rules that encompassed a larger cultural practice. Tea travelled to neighboring nations as Buddhist monks set off on pilgrimages in China and back. Japan in particular has treasured the ceremony associated with tea consumption, which up to now remains an important art form. European traders brought tea from Asia to in the 16th, but it was only in the past few years that green tea has experienced a surge in popularity owing to recent studies focused on differences in levels of antioxidants between green and black teas.

Antioxidants in Green Tea and Benefits

Make no mistake about it: green tea contains more potent antioxidants than black tea. The polyphenol antioxidant catechin found in green tea is responsible for regulating the body process called oxidative stress brought about by free radicals. A chemical reaction called redox, also known as oxidation-reduction, gives rise to a harmful chain reaction when byproducts called reactive oxygen species, free radicals for example, increase to undesirable levels, subsequently contributing to damage of all sorts of cells. It has recently been noted that free radicals pose greater danger by playing a direct role in certain diseases. Antioxidants stop the chain reaction by cleansing the body of free radicals, either killing them in the process or rendering them inactive. Furthermore, epigallocatechin gallate, abbreviated as EGCG, is a catechin not found in black tea that removes unwanted plaques and debris formation in the body.

Further Studies

Green tea continues to attract researches across the globe, but there is conclusive evidence for some of its purported health benefits to human beings. First, people who include a steady intake of green tea in addition to a healthy diet are noted to show 26 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular diseases as opposed to people with less than a cup of daily green tea consumption. Second, it is recently concluded that there is a link between green tea ingestion and low incidence of cognitive impairment. Third, continued consumption of the catechins found in green tea contributes to decreasing amount of body fat.

Green Tea in capsule, tablet, bulk powder, or tea bag form is available at your local or internet vitamin store.

Author Bio: Remember, always buy Green Tea in name brands to ensure quality and purity. VitaNet(R), LLC carries name brands at discount prices. http://vitanetonline.com/searchs/EGCG/EGCG/

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Powerful Antioxidants, Green Tea, EGCG, Catechins, Fight Free Radical Damage