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The green tea plant is the same as the ones that black teas are derived from. It is called camellia sinensis. The difference between the two is that black tea leaves are oxidized using heat and humidity. The process is called fermentation, but it does not produce a fermented or alcoholic beverage. Green tea leaves are not oxidized. The plants originated in China, but are now grown in many Asian countries, as well as the Middle East. There are many varieties from China, Japan and Ceylon, as well as other countries. Some of them are not actually camellia sinensis. For example, there is a barley-based tea from Japan and another that is made from brown rice. “Jade Dew” is considered the highest grade from Japan. It has a higher caffeine-content, but the presence of L-theanine reduces the affect that the stimulant has on the body. All teas, whether black or green, have potentially beneficial effects on human health, because of the phytochemicals (plant compounds) that they contained. The green varieties were used by traditional healers for a variety of purposes including to regulate body temperature, blood sugar levels and promote digestion. A book written in 1191 by a Zen priest first described how they could benefit the heart and the body’s other vital organs. Modern researchers began evaluating the green tea plant for a variety of reasons, but primarily because it may be responsible for the Japanese paradox. There is a lower than expected incidence of heart disease among Japanese smokers, a decreased incidence of stomach and throat cancers have also been seen in those that drink a liter or more of green-tea per day. Researchers learned that the green tea plant contains antioxidants known as catechins. Most subsequent studies have been conducted using this extract, rather than the tea, itself. There are numerous health supplements on the market that contain the extract, but the quality varies greatly. Some manufacturers do not list the catechin content, presumably because they don’t measure it. As a weight-loss aid, additional caffeine is often included in the product, because caffeine is still considered an appetite suppressant, even though most people get too much caffeine, as it is. At one time, it was believed that the caffeine explained the health benefits, but numerous researchers have shown that the caffeine-content does not explain the benefit that has been seen. Extracts from the green tea plant have been shown to increase fat oxidation and insulin sensitivity during exercise. In cell cultures, grown in the laboratory and in laboratory animals, it has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors and prevent their formation. It is believed to help prevent heart disease, as well. Many plant extracts are known to have anti-cancer and anti-heart disease activity. The better supplements contain a variety of these, in appropriate dosages and in forms that are readily absorbed by the human body. Extracts from the green tea plant, as well as others, may provide the tools that we need to wipe out cancer, in our lifetimes. If you have two minutes to spare, please take a look at my website now. Gordon Hall is fervent about enabling you and everyone to live a healthy lifestyle, and is an ardent reviewer of herbal, vitamin and mineral extracts. To discover which supplements Gordon recommends after far ranging and extensive research. Visit his website now at : http://www.your-supplement-resource-site.info
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