Since its discovery, green tea has become renowned for its pharmacological properties. While green tea is not classified as a medicine, it does contain medicinal substances. It is ranked as a leading health-giving substance in traditional Chinese medicine. The Zen priest Eisai of Japan listed several of its effects in his book, Kissa Yojoki: It has a sobering effect and prevents sleepiness; It gives a general sense of well-being; It prevents rashes; It has a diuretic effect; It prevents poor digestion; It energizes; It’s great medicine for beriberi; It satisfies thirst.Well, that sounded way too good to be true, but hey it’s only water with some collor so why not drink it. So I have been drinking it for some months now and I must say that but skin looks better but I don’t know if that has anything to do with the tea. I started drinking more water at the same time and stopped smoking. No wonder my skin looks healthier…duh! I don’t sleep better, I don’t have more energy….but it satisfies thirst! That just deserves another DUH!
But this piece is not about my skin but about tea, so back to the teabags. This week, I don’t know why, I suddenly asked myself ‘Is green tea really that good?’ So I did some research again and came across some interesting things with the help of Wikipedia.
‘There are three main varieties of tea -- green, black, and oolong. The difference between the teas is in their processing. Green tea is made from unfermented leaves and is reputed to contain the highest concentration of polyphenols, chemicals that act as powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals -- damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA (genetic material), and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoke, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. Free radicals are believed to contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants such as polyphenols in green tea can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.
Green tea has been extensively studied in people, animals, and laboratory experiments. Results from these studies suggest that green tea may be useful for the following health conditions:Atherosclerosis, High cholesterol, Cancer, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Diabetes, Liver disease, Weight loss
How to Take It
Adult
Three cups of green tea per day (3 g soluble components, or 240 to 320 g polyphenols) or 300 to 400 mg per day of standardized green tea extract (extracts should contain 80% total polyphenols and 55% epigallocatechin) is the recommended dosage.
Precautions
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.
People with heart problems, kidney disorders, stomach ulcers, and psychological disorders (particularly anxiety) should not take green tea. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid green tea.
People who drink excessive amounts of caffeine (including caffeine from green tea) for prolonged periods of time may experience irritability, insomnia, heart palpitation, and dizziness. Caffeine overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and loss of appetite. If you are drinking a lot of tea and start to vomit or have abdominal spasms, you may have caffeine poisoning. Lower your caffeine intake and see your health care provider if your symptoms are severe.’
My conclusion: Green Tea seems to be okay, just don’t drink it all day. Three cups is the limit. But that’s not surprising is it; too much of a good thing is never good!
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