Benefits Of Taking Green Tea Supplements
Green tea has a long history dating back to China five thousand years ago. However, it did not reach Europe until the sixth century, when it was introduced by Turkish traders. Green tea, black tea and oolong tea are all derived from the same plant.
Most of us have heard about the multiple benefits of green tea due to the important antioxidant properties. We know heart disease, weight loss, cholesterol levels and a myriad of other chronic ailments and conditions can be controlled by this ‘Wonder Tea.”
The reason green tea is different from black tea is because the leaves are steamed before oxidation occurs. These antioxidant polyphenols are called catechins and are only found in green tea. Catechins are known to keep bacteria and viruses from sticking to the cell walls enabling our bodies to fight off disease and maintain a strong immune system.
However, not all brands of green tea contain these necessary antioxidants. Many companies outsource their production to Third World countries where little or no regulatory laws exist.
Taking green tea in supplement form, particularly when purchased from reputable companies that are FDA approved can eradicate any worries as to the exact content. Controlling the amount of polyphenols that go into our bodies is important because too much can cause liver and kidney damage.
There are other advantages to taking supplements, aside from the security of knowing exactly what is going into your body. Many people do not actually like the taste of green tea. If it is over-brewed it can be very bitter and thoroughly unpleasant to drink. If the tea is left to cool too much the valuable catechins are broken down.
Not everyone has the time to make tea and some may find brewing instructions to be daunting, notwithstanding trying to decide whether to use tea bags, loose tea, metal infusion devices and tea strainers, all necessary to make the perfect cuppa.
Taking green tea in supplement form is easy and convenient and can in two 450mg capsules give the equivalent of six cups of tea. One cup of green tea has the antioxidant effect greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots and strawberries.
We all lead fast paced lives and know the effects of stress is detrimental to our overall health. The expense of buying organic fruits and vegetables and the time it takes to fuss over tea making does not always fit into our lifestyles. Green tea has been around a long time and if you supplement your life with it, you be will too.