Despite its growing popularity, many people still think that Chinese green tea is the stuff of legends. But recent research has shown that green tea has been known to be very beneficial to human health. The Chinese didn’t have scientific research, yet for thousands of years, green tea used for its health benefits and was written about because of its countless positive effects.

According to legend, the first person to ever taste green tea in China was the Emperor Shen Nung in 2737 B.C. It is said that some leaves fell into his pot from a nearby tree while he was boiling some water for drinking. The tealeaves smelled and tasted so wonderful when boiled that Shen Nung urged his people to drink it. It is believed that green tea finally started spreading to other countries in 800 A.D., when monks who studied Buddhism in China brought it to Japan.

What makes green tea different from all other teas?

Green tea is produced from Camellia sinensis, just like oolong tea, white tea, and black tea are, yet, even though they all come from the same herb, green tea stands out as the most exceptional health drink in the eyes of many. So what makes this tea different?

The difference lies in the method by which green tea is produced. Oolong and black tea leaves are traditionally fermented by being oxidized and then dried while green tea leaves are steamed and then dried. This method of producing Chinese green tea helps preserve most of the beneficial antioxidants present in it.

Chinese Green Tea for Health

While in China it was already common knowledge that green tea has several wonderful health benefits, modern scientists were able to provide concrete evidence pointing to the positive effects of green tea. The antioxidants in green tea are said to be the elements responsible for making it so beneficial.

Recent findings show that these antioxidants can reduce cholesterol levels in a person; can improve how blood vessels function; and can reduce blood lipids. It was also discovered that green tea can have an anti-inflammatory effects and may provide protection against cardiovascular diseases. Chinese Green Tea for Weight Loss

Significant findings were made that demonstrated the benefits of green tea in weight loss. According to the researchers of the University of Geneva, this tea has thermogenic properties that significantly aid in weight loss. In their study, they investigated the weight loss benefits of green tea by observing the interaction between the caffeine it contains and a compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). When these two substances in react with each other, thermogenesis of the body increases by four percent. The tendency of green tea to enhance metabolic rates has given people reason to believe that it has weight loss benefits as well.

Another study concerning its weight loss benefits of was also conducted. The results of the research showed that green tea drinkers have a better propensity for weight loss. Drinking Chinese green tea allows the body to burn an additional 70 calories a day, which might not sound like a lot, but is actually quite when it comes to weight loss supplements! And what’s more, it’s a safe and natural one at that.

Thanks to its recent international popularity, today Chinese green tea is widely available as a beverage and as an ingredient for weight loss products. While it is a great overall drink, remember that it should not be the sole ingredient for weight loss – a healthy lifestyle should include a good balanced diet and exercise.

"Tea first. Then be ready."

-Twin Peaks
Episode 5