Advantages of Drinking Green Tea
Beauty, younger looks, reduced chances of cancer, and many other benefits

Green tea has been consumed in Japan and in other Asian countries since ancient times. Even these days, green tea is drunk all over Japan, especially during business meetings. Green tea is popular among people of all ages despite the increasing acceptance of coffee (evident from the the fact that Starbucks is aggressively expanding in Japan).

In 1970s, some Japanese scientists discovered that residents of Shizuoka prefecture had low rates of cancer, and it did not take them to long to establish that green tea could significantly reduce the chances of cancer since people there drank large amounts of green tea.  The growing popularity in part has been caused by the several health advantages attributed to this popular oriental drink. The beautiful skin of oriental and Japanese women has been attributed to green tea and the low rate of cancer in Japan is also sometimes attributed to green tea.  The FDA, however, disagrees with this claim.  Two studies do not show that drinking green tea reduces the risk of breast cancer in women, but one weaker, more limited study suggests that drinking green tea may reduce this risk. Similarly, one weak and limited study does not show that drinking green tea reduces the risk of prostate cancer, but another weak and limited study suggests that drinking green tea may reduce this risk. Based on these studies, FDA concludes that it is highly unlikely that green tea reduces the risk of breast or prostate cancers.  Mayo Clinic has, however, concluded in its research that green tea extract can improve the condition of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).

Advantages of green tea
More and more products are coming out these containing green tea, from cosmetics to supplements. Articles in popular consumer magazines showcase the benefits of drinking green tea, contributing to even higher popularity.

Green tea is believed to help in the following:

1- Weight loss (as is evident by slim bodies that most Japanese women have) 
2- Prevents cancer 
3- Prevents heart disease 
4- Helps to prevent osteoporosis 
5- Fight free radicals helping the skin look younger

Green tea contains antioxidants that combat free radicals also called oxidant radicals. Free radicals are byproducts of the human body and cause damage to cells and tissues. The antioxidants neutralize free radicals so they cannot cause any harm. Free radicals are one of the causes of many illnesses and they are one of the reasons for our aging.

Green tea contains vitamins, particularly a large amount of vitamin C, minerals (fluoride, in particular), and amino acids. Although vitamin C is very sensitive to heat, a large amount remains in a hot cup of tea, because vitamin C in green tea is combined with another substance and is thus protected from heat. Chris Tiffany is also pointing out to us that the Vitamin C in green tea reduces
chloramines in drinking water, and heating the water to make tea drives off tricloromethane (a carcinogen in chlorine- and chloramine-treated water). Black tea, on the other hand, contains only one-tenth as much vitamin C because it was destroyed during the fermentation process.

As mentioned, green tea also contains fluoride which is a mineral that helps prevent cavities. This fact has been known in Japan for a long time, and, still today, Japanese children are encouraged to drink a cup or two of green tea after a meal. In this respect, recent studies have made it clear that the polyphenols in green tea, in particular EGCG, control the enzymes of the streptococcus bacteria which stimulate the formation of plaque.  (Related article:  Teeth whitening options)

The caffeine content of green tea is also less than that of black tea and it is absorbed at a slower rate by the body. Thus, the harmful impact on the body is slower.  According to Dr. Lawrence Osman, the constituents of green tea have already proven effective in helping to prevent skin cancer in the lab. Accordingly, drinking green tea, in addition to avoiding prolonged sun exposure, the regular and proper use of sunscreen, and regular examinations by a board-certified dermatologist, may help prevent skin cancer in life.

How to drink green tea?
Do not brew green tea with boiling water since the beneficial chemicals may be destroyed by higher temperatures.  To get the maximum benefits, it is recommended that green tea be drunk few minutes before a meal and then during a meal.  While large volumes of green tea only increase benefits, it is suggested that minimum daily consumption should be around one liter.

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Japanese tea garden