What makes green tea so special?
The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.
Harmful Effects?
To date, the only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine. However, green tea contains less caffeine than coffee: there are approximately thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six - eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee.
How to Brew a Cup of Green Tea ?
Producing the perfect cup of green tea is a tricky process. If not handled properly,
those same polyphenols that provide health benefits can ruin the flavor, making the tea
taste "grassy." It's particularly important not to overbrew green tea. While it's best to
follow the manufacturer's instructions for each variety of green tea, here are some
general instructions:
- Use one tea bag, or 2 - 4 grams of tea*, per cup.
- Fill a kettle with cold water and bring to a boil.
- After unplugging the kettle, allow it to stand for up to 3 minutes.
- Pour the heated water over the tea bag or tea, and allow it to steep for up to 3 minutes. If using a tea bag, remove the bag.
- Allow the tea to cool for three more minutes.
*One to two teaspoons, depending on the variety of green tea you are brewing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_tea
http://chinesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa011400a.htm
http://www.theteacentre.com.au/pages/GREEN-TEA-%E2%80%93-MIRACLE-CURE.html
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