Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Facts About the Nutritional Value of Green Tea
For centuries in Asiatic countries, green tea has been valued as a real elixir of health and longevity. In western countries, green tea is just beginning to gain popularity and respect. So what are the useful properties that you should know about green tea?
Modern research has shown that green tea contains vitamins C, P, B, K, A, D, E, and trace elements such as fluorine, zinc, iodine, copper, manganese, phosphorus, and calcium.
Green tea has a strong antioxidant content that helps the body fight various viruses and infections, boosting the immune system. Green tea has an enormous amount of vitamin P, so it has a large positive effect on the circulatory system; it improves the elasticity of the vascular wall. It contains vitamin K, which is involved in the formation of prothrombin in the liver, helping to maintain normal blood clotting in the body. In addition, it contains a large amount of catechins, which allow green tea to regulate blood sugar levels. Research suggests that adding vitamin C or citrus juice to green tea can increase the absorption of its useful components.
The rich iodine content which green tea has, give it a positive effect on the functioning of the endocrine system, so it is beneficial to drink it in diseases of the thyroid gland. And because of the high concentration of fluoride in green tea, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with good, freshly brewed tea for the prevention of dental caries, periodontal disease and oral disinfection.
Regular consumption of green tea helps the process of disease prevention. It protects the body against cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, atherosclerosis and hypertension. It is good to drink it to prevent dysbiosis, food poisoning and colitis. It has been recommended to drink 10 cups a day of green tea to reduce the risk of cancer.
Green tea is able to rid the body of heavy metals and toxins, it neutralizes electromagnetic radiation. It speeds up the metabolism, causing the breakdown of fat. It also helps to strengthen the tendons and bones; it is extremely useful in diseases of the heart, and supports normal cholesterol levels. This drink can even prevent addiction to alcohol, for example, in order to avoid a hangover after drinking alcohol you should drink several cups of green tea.
The addition of green tea to cosmetic products is extraordinarily widespread. It is used in anti-aging creams, masks, facial tonics and shampoos. It is able to preserve the youth and beauty of the skin; it improves the complexion and slows down the aging process.
Green tea is exceedingly useful in the summer, because it perfectly quenches thirst, replenishes essential trace elements and clears pores. However, be aware that it is better not to drink cold green tea, as it contributes to the accumulation of phlegm in the body.
Green tea should be drunk without sugar or milk, as their inclusion reduces the concentration of nutrients in the tea. You can add honey to it. It is also crucial to remember that it is best to drink freshly made green tea, and do not use the same tea leaves more than 2-3 times.
Enjoy your tea!