Naimur Rahman Afid :
Green tea is a popular name to the health concern people. It is a type of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis(tea) leaves and buds. Actually green tea gets its name from the emerald green color created when brewing unprocessed, unfermented tea leaves.
Green and black tea are different because of their manufacturing process. Black tea undergoes fermentation which transforms its color and flavour, whereas green tea remains unprocessed and retains its color. Green tea is grown in higher altitudes, specifically the mountainous regions of East Asia.
Green tea has been used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to control bleeding and heal wounds, aid digestion, improve heart and mental health, and regulate body temperature. As itsprocessing avoids the fermentation process, it retains maximum amount of antioxidants and poly-phenols the substances that give green tea its many benefits. Possible health benefits associated with green tea are listed below:
n Green tea promotes weight loss by increasing the metabolic rate of our body. Green tea is higher in protective polyphenols. The major polyphenols in green tea are flavonoids, the most active of which are catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which function as powerful antioxidants. This component works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which our body turns food into calories.
n Studies have found that green tea consumption is associated with reduced mortality due to all causes, including cardiovascular disease. Green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping keep them stay relaxed and better able to withstand changes in blood pressure and also prevent formation of clot which are the primary cause of heart attacks.
n The polyphenols present in green tea have been shown to decrease tumor growth in laboratory and animal studies and may protect against damage caused by ultraviolet UVB radiation.That the polyphenols help tosuppress cancerous cells.
n Green tea consumption reduces LDL (bad cholesterol) in blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL).
n Green tea may help prevent type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes involves having elevated blood sugar levels, which may be caused by insulin resistance or an inability to produce insulin. Studies show that green tea may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels.
n Green tea can apparently also help with wrinkles and the signs of aging. This is because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can reduce sun damage.
n Green tea may help to fight depression. An amino acid called thiamine is naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and be a great benefit to tea drinkers.
To get the best health effect, one should cool the boiling water slightly before poring onto the tea leaves and allow to brew for 2 to 3 minutes. Lemon can be added as vitamin C makes the catechins a easier to absorb. Honey can be added as sweetener.
Green tea is considered one of the world’s healthiest drinks and contains one of the highest amounts of antioxidants of any tea. To feel better, lower the risks of chronic diseases, lose weight, we should consider making green tea a regular part of our life.
(Naimur Rahman Afid is a B. Pharm Student at Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University.
E-mail: [email protected])
