Useful properties of green tea. Benefits of green tea for the body

Green tea is a drink with a rich thousand-year history. Its healing power has been known for several hundred years before our era. Once, in general, it was used only for medicinal purposes, and by everyone - from the poor to the nobility, and was presented as a gift to the gods. But over time, it began to be used daily. A peculiar culture of leaf cultivation and preparation arose, and consumption turned into an extraordinary ceremony.

A magical infusion of camellia leaves has been guarding the physical and mental (nervous) health of a person for thousands of years. The extraordinary power contained in it is capable of miracles.

Healing properties

How useful is green tea? His first targets are the "organs of fire". This is the name given to the small intestine and heart in Chinese medicine.

The infusion speeds up the final breakdown of food in the small intestine. It helps to digest undigested, remove toxins. By the way, this organ is like a “stove”. It warms everything inside the human body. Problems with this peculiar stove lead to fullness, because a person is forced to save heat with the help of fat. Tea improves the functioning of the body, therefore, it helps to lose weight.

If you use the drink correctly, it will be good for the heart. The medical treatise says that it generates love and acceptance in this organ, which contribute to the elimination of diseases. It is believed that these feelings are responsible for a person's ability to resist colds, infections, viruses and stress. Fills or not with love infusion, but it really improves the work of the main muscle. A healthy heart adjusts the whole body to the correct rhythm.

What else is green tea good for?

• It contains caffeine, but not in its pure harmful form, but in such a way as theine. This substance also gives vitality, strength, energy, improves performance. But at the same time, theine acts much lighter than caffeine and quickly leaves the body.
• This is a wonderful antimicrobial agent, used even in the treatment of dysentery.
• It stimulates not only the work of the small intestine, but, in general, has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Improves the activity of each organ of this system.
• It is able to remove some serious elements of radiation, thereby saving a person from possible dangerous diseases. It protects against harmful radiation, neutralizing bad effects. Therefore, it is very good for those whose work is connected with a computer. It is also useful when, on duty, you have to constantly “hang” on a cell phone.
• Green tea is an antioxidant. With regular and proper use (and proper preparation), it preserves youth, health and beauty.
• Infusion - a prophylactic against diabetes mellitus (reduces sugar), increased fragility of bones, hypertension.
• It normalizes weight.
• Strengthens blood vessels, restoring the elasticity of tubular formations. It accelerates the cleansing processes, reduces the amount of bad cholesterol and protects against the occurrence of insidious atherosclerosis.
• Improves blood circulation.
• Removes allergic manifestations.
• Stops the development of cancer.
• The drink contains vital vitamins, minerals, various elements.
• Nutritionally, it is equal to legumes.
• The infusion has a healing effect on the nervous system. Accelerates the reaction to the world, increases vitality and concentration. Removes fatigue. Is an antidepressant. It happens that it brings insight, illuminating problems from a different angle so that a solution is easily found. Increases creativity.
• Improves eyesight.
• It is also diaphoretic, which reduces the skin's tendency to irritate. In general, it has a great effect on the dermis, which allows you to use the beneficial properties of green tea for the production of cosmetics.
• Increases lifespan.

The quality and composition of the leaves have a beneficial effect on health. But besides, this valuable infusion has certain properties that make it also useful and harmful separately for men and women.

Harmfulness and usefulness for women

Regardless of age, drinking tea gives a lot to a woman. How useful is green tea for the fair sex?

Benefit

• Brew six tablespoons of leaves with boiling water (0.5 l.), insist a little and pour into water.
• It is used in cosmetology, having the ability to soothe, relieve irritation, and rejuvenate the skin. This effect can be achieved not only by taking the drink directly into food, but also by using masks, creams and baths in self-preparation. For example, to tone up and renew the skin, you can prepare such an infusion for a bath:
• Diuretic, intestinal stimulating and diaphoretic properties, the ability to remove toxins and toxins, plus low calorie content makes it useful for weight loss.
• The infusion reduces the possibility of breast cancer, and by 90%. This has been proven by ongoing research. And more than half reduces the risk of other types of cancer.
• It minimizes the chance of a hip fracture in older women.
• Let's get back to the cosmetic effect. It treats greasy hair if it is rinsed after washing. The tea leaves mask on the face eliminates the network of small vessels, has a tightening effect in the withering dermis. Ice from a strong infusion, if used regularly to wipe the face, improves the appearance, makes the skin noticeably younger.

How does tea work during pregnancy?

In this golden time, you think about every step. Therefore, many expectant mothers are worried about what should be consumed and what should not, so as not to harm the unborn baby.

Of course, there are doubts about the usefulness of the drink for women during this period. Concerned about the presence of caffeine in the leaves. And also the fact that the infusion interferes with the absorption of folic acid, which is so important during gestation, which is responsible for the proper development of the fetus. But it should be understood that it all depends on the preparation and the amount drunk per day. If it is illiterate to do it, and besides, “sip” it all day, then, of course, it will only bring harm to women, especially pregnant women.

But tea leaves should be limited or excluded from the diet at the very beginning of pregnancy. In addition, a woman at this time has a special sensitivity to the components. Therefore, the invigorating effect of the drink can become exciting, which will also affect the baby. After all, it affects any state of the mother.

Can pregnant women drink green tea? It is possible, but very carefully. Properly brewed infusion, not strong, and in very moderate doses (no more than 2 cups) will give mom only benefits.

Lactation

Another question that women are extremely concerned about is whether green tea is possible while breastfeeding?

Yes. But it is permissible to drink it in low concentration, in small doses and only during the day. In the evening, he will prevent not only mom, but also the baby from falling asleep.

Harm of tea for women

Harm for women lies in the excessive consumption of the drink. Especially they are abused by those who want to lose weight.

• The magical properties mysteriously disappear if it is not properly prepared and consumed.

Often the fair sex drink the infusion after intensive training in the gym. So, this is harmful, because after exercise the body needs only clean water!

Harm and benefit for men of a healing drink

Tea has a positive effect on potency. Violation of sexual abilities is often very frustrating for men with age. The infusion helps restore this male ability. How does green tea affect potency?

• Impotence occurs when there is a violation in the muscle of the male genital organ, blocking the outflow of blood at the right time. She is untrainable. Muscles need zinc to function properly. This element is sufficient in green tea. The best result can be achieved if it is used together with foods that also contain zinc. Plus, it affects the normal production of testosterone.
• It has long been known that a long time spent at the computer and TV negatively affects the sexual ability of men. Harm brings radiation. This phenomenon neutralizes the infusion of green tea leaves, diluted with milk.

In addition to restoring potency, the drink can give the representatives of the stronger sex a lot of good and useful things. The harm lies only in non-compliance with the measure in use, improper brewing and intake in the case when it is contraindicated.

Harm of tea, restrictions and contraindications

The benefits and harms of green tea are always there. For example, it is useful to drink it for the prevention of osteoporosis in the elderly, but at the same time it must be limited, since it can have a bad effect on the joints in these years. Yes, it is advisable to reduce the consumption of the drink after 60 years (or even 50) to one or two cups per week. Especially if you have kidney disease.

It is better not to drink tea in large quantities if there is a predisposition to the formation of stones, especially when they are already present.

Exacerbation of ulcers and gastritis is also a contraindication to the use of infusion.

Enhances the harmful effect of the use, combined with alcohol.

Also, tea leaves from green leaves are not allowed:

• with hypotension;
• arrhythmias;
• insomnia;
• gout;
• heat (high temperature);
• glaucoma;
• high nervous excitability.

And more tips:

• You can not drink a drink on an empty stomach.
• The fortress does not add benefits, but, on the contrary, has a bad effect on well-being.
• From long brewing, the infusion becomes bitter, tasteless, and degrades its nutritional properties. Stale it becomes harmful.
• Do not drink pills and other medicines with tea, they may not be absorbed.

A drink of health and longevity, beauty and youth, a tea worthy of emperors and kings... It even helped to survive the nuclear disaster in Japan without any consequences for those who regularly used it. Is it worth doubting it? Of course not. The main thing is the measure and the absence of contraindications.

Green tea gained popularity in our area not so long ago, unlike China, where its use has been around for several centuries, and many ceremonies are held in honor of this drink. We know everything about the benefits and harms of green tea from the Chinese, who use it not only to enjoy a delicious drink, but also to prevent and treat about four hundred diseases.

Many mistakenly think that the difference between greens lies in the plant used to make them. However, both for one and for the other species, the same leaves are collected - the tea bush or camellia sinensis. The only difference is in the pretreatment of the leaves.

So, green tea is subjected to oxidation, its fresh leaves, before they get to our table, go through the process of steaming.

Let's figure out what we can get from the regular use of green tea?

You have no idea how many beneficial properties green tea leaves have, thanks to which the drink will help to cope with an abundance of health problems. This is due to the rich chemical composition of the drink, the components of which have universal properties.

• Strengthens the nervous and endocrine systems of the body. Green tea is one of the best remedies for depression, polyneuritis and headaches. Its components have a good effect on the stress-exhausted nervous system. Its use also stimulates brain activity, improves concentration. The benefits of the drink are also noted for problems associated with hormonal disruptions. Also, green tea helps to cope with nausea while traveling in a car;
• Prevents cardiovascular disease. This drink lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood, helping to prevent the development of atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular disease and many other heart problems. Daily moderate consumption of green tea is useful for lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Also, tea drink increases the elasticity of blood vessels and strengthens their walls, which is very useful to prevent the possibility of internal hemorrhages. The polyphenols that make up the tea prevent the accumulation of blood clots. In the end, green tea is worth drinking for the reason that it halves the risk of a heart attack and stroke;
• Improves the functioning of the digestive system. This tea drink well removes toxic substances from the body in case of food poisoning and dysbacteriosis. If you have an upset stomach, then strong brewed green tea will help neutralize harmful microbes in the stomach and intestines, as well as increase intestinal tone and improve the motor functions of the digestive organs. Its regular intake improves digestion due to the content of tannin, which ensures the normal digestion of food. Thanks to the catechins contained in the drink, green tea is used as an antimicrobial agent for dysentery, the presence of coccal and typhoid bacteria in the body. It is also useful for colitis, accompanied by severe pain;
• Promotes weight loss. Many women who want to lose weight resort to taking green tea, as it speeds up metabolic processes, removes excess fat from the body and controls the level of norenaline, which is responsible for the formation of body fat;
• Has powerful antioxidant properties. Scientists have not yet figured out the exact mechanism of action of green tea against cancer, but many are inclined to its ability to cleanse the blood of carcinogens with the help of polyphenols. Moreover, this product strengthens the immune system, which also plays an important role in the prevention of cancer;
• Cleanses the body. With the help of this healthy drink, you can cleanse your body of toxins and salts of heavy metals, such as mercury, zinc, lead, cadmium and the most dangerous radioactive isotope - strontium-90. A tea drink is also recommended for people who sit in front of a TV or computer for a long time, as it facilitates the effects of harmful radiation;
• Is a natural biostimulant. Green tea is rich in vitamins and components that saturate the body with energy. If you want to be recharged with vivacity, good health and mood for the whole day - a morning cup of green tea will help you;
• Destroys fungi, viruses and bacteria. Regular intake of the drink strengthens the immune system and increases the body's resistance to diseases such as the influenza virus, candidiasis, salmonella, herpes, as well as to many other viral and chronic diseases;
• Has a rejuvenating effect. No wonder green tea is called the drink of longevity. Its reception helps to preserve the health and youth of the skin, improve its color, strengthen hair and reduce their fat content. Due to the content of antioxidants, the drink slows down the aging process of the body. This is confirmed by statistics, according to which the majority of pensioners who have reached the age of 90 drink green tea throughout their lives;
• Prevents the development of diabetes. This is due to the presence of flavonoids, which have an action similar to insulin;
• Protects muscles from injury. This product is recommended for athletes, as tea polyphenols significantly reduce oxidation processes in the body;
• Improves the condition of the ENT organs. With rhinitis, green tea can be used to flush the sinuses. A warm infusion of green tea can relieve pain and inflammation in sore throat, pharyngitis, laryngitis and stomatitis;
• Protects the eyes. Lotions from green tea relieve inflammation in eye diseases such as conjunctiva, and also relax the eye muscles after prolonged visual stress;
• Improves the condition of teeth and gums. The content of fluorine allows you to use a tea drink for the prevention of caries and many other dental diseases;
• Speeds up the healing of burns. The drink contains tannins, which are characterized by a wound healing and hemostatic effect, so iced tea can be used to lubricate burns;
• Stimulates the excretory system. Drinking green tea improves the functioning of the spleen and liver, it is effective in preventing the accumulation of stones in the bladder, liver and kidneys;
• Ensures favorable development of the fetus. Thanks to zinc, green tea is good for pregnant women;
• Has a positive effect on the organs of the reproductive system. Men should pay attention to this tea drink, as it contains minerals that stimulate the production of the male hormone - testosterone.

Harm of green tea

Green tea is a rather specific drink, since, on the one hand, it is very healthy and safe to drink, and on the other hand, it can be harmful to health if it is not prepared correctly and for some groups of people.

Harm of green tea from improper intake

• Overuse. Unwise intake of a drink in large quantities can provoke intoxication, nausea, headache, dizziness and excitation of the nervous system due to excess caffeine. If you drink tea in excessive amounts regularly, it will lead to the formation of kidney stones and gallbladder, as well as disruption of the liver and poisoning due to polyphenols, which in large quantities are not only useless, but also harmful;
• drinking old tea. If you store tea for a long time, purines accumulate in it, complicating the processes of excretion of uric acid, which increases the load on the kidneys and provokes the ingress of uric acid into the intraarticular fluid, and this is dangerous for the development of gout;
• Co-administration with alcohol. This leads to the active synthesis of aldehydes that affect the kidneys;
• Fasting. Tea irritates the stomach lining, which can lead to ulcers;
• Brewing in boiling water. In such water, all the beneficial elements of tea leaves are destroyed, while the amount of harmful substances increases.

The harm of green tea in certain diseases

• With exacerbations of gastritis, ulcers and erosion of the stomach. This is due to the fact that regular intake of green tea increases the acidity of gastric juice;
• At elevated temperature. The composition of the drink includes theophylline, which increases body temperature, which can aggravate the patient's condition;
• With hypotension. The ability of a tea drink to lower blood pressure is dangerous for people suffering from low blood pressure;
• For gout. As we mentioned earlier, green tea contains purine bases that provoke this joint disease;
• With cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, insomnia and excessive excitation of the nervous system. Green tea contains a lot of caffeine and alkaloids, which are stimulating components. Therefore, people with these diseases should use this drink with extreme caution.

Summing up, we can say that there is a very thin line between the benefits and harms of green tea, so if you decide to improve your health with this product, carefully study its properties, in which cases the drink is recommended, and in which cases you should refuse it. use. We hope this article will help you figure it out.

It has been known for its healing properties over 4000 years ago. This tea is obtained from the same tea leaves as other types of tea, which differ in the way they are processed. Green tea is not fermented, which allows you to keep the nutrients in it to the maximum. This type of tea has a rich history, shrouded in legends.

Green tea: what legends and history say

The story goes to distant China. There, tea began to be cultivated there even before our era. The "Divine Farmer's Classic Book of Plants", written over 2500 years ago, tells the story of the Yellow Emperor practicing medicine. Research on various plants led him to poisoning. The leaves, brewed in a vessel, helped him to detoxify and avoid death.

Another legend tells of Bodhidharma, the founder of the Chan teaching. During his nine-year sitting meditation in the Shaolin Temple, he tore out his eyelids, which closed against his will, and wonderful tea bushes grew out of them. Green tea leaves have since served as a sleep aid for monks.

In China, tea began to be used as a medicine. There were special officials responsible for the storage of tea and its consumption in the emperor's palace. Ordinary people could also be treated with tea, tea bushes grew in many provinces.

In the era of the Tang Dynasty, it began to be used as a drink, and tea drinking became a kind of philosophy. Tea trees began to be grown in Buddhist temples, and important visitors to the temples were treated to a delicious drink. Lu Yu created the famous tea ceremony by researching tea. He wrote about the culture of drinking the drink in The Canon of Tea.

Features of green tea production

The technological chain of green tea production is arranged in such a way that all useful substances are kept in an active state. After picking, the tea leaves are left outdoors to dry. The leaves become wilted and soft, after which they are dried with hot air. Such drying does not allow the leaves to undergo oxidation. Tea leaves are subjected to twisting, the process is carried out in various ways, which makes it possible to obtain varieties of green tea with a unique appearance.

Tea leaves can have a different look:

• Strongly twisted along the transverse axis. Such tea in China is called pearl. Tea is marked with the Gunpowder icon, which means gunpowder. It actually resembles balls or peculiar scales.
• Weakly twisted. The tea leaves of this tea are practically not twisted, the tea looks like whole leaf tea.
• Strongly twisted along the longitudinal axis. Tea looks like twisted spiral sticks. A striking example of this type of tea is a subspecies of elite gyokuro tea.

The process of twisting tea leaves increases the shelf life of tea leaves, while maintaining its best properties, allows you to control the process of extracting essential oils during brewing. What kind is better? Strongly twisted tea leaves produce a richer and stronger green tea. Twisting of leaves of elite grades of green tea happens manually. High-quality tea has a natural green tint, darkening of the leaves is considered a marriage.

The main producers of tea are Japan and China, although green tea is also grown in India, Ceylon, and Kenya. Zhejian Province is a mass producer of medium quality tea, while Fujian Province produces tea of ​​higher quality. Elite tea is grown in Japan in the province of Uji.

Composition of green tea

• Tannins. These substances make up more than one third of the composition of tea. They include various compounds of polyphenols, tannin, catechins. High-grade green tea is rich in tannin, the amount is 2 times higher than the content of tannin in black tea. When combined with caffeine, it forms caffeine tannate, which stimulates the nervous system.
• Alkaloids: caffeine, theophylline, theobromine. Green tea contains 1 to 4% caffeine, which is more than coffee. The amount of caffeine depends on the growing conditions of the tea, the size of the tea leaf, the processing method, and the brewing temperature.
• Vitamins. Vitamin C contained in tea helps to improve immunity. The content of carotene exceeds the amount of vitamin A in carrots. This vitamin is good for vision. Green tea contains all the B vitamins. They help fight viruses, regulate the body's carbohydrate balance, lower cholesterol, and have an antioxidant effect on the body.
• Minerals and trace elements. These are iron, fluorine, potassium, sodium, gold, magnesium, calcium. The leaves contain a sufficient amount of essential oils, some of which is lost during processing.
• Enzymes and amino acids. Japanese green tea varieties are rich in the best protein composition. When drinking tea without sugar, you can not worry about extra pounds. Green tea has no calories.

Benefits of green tea

Useful due to the rich chemical composition.

Tea is an excellent energy booster. This is a drink of good mood, well-being, cheerfulness and health. Regular consumption of green tea prevents the occurrence of chronic diseases, favorably affects the immune system, promotes the destruction of bacteria. Green tea has antimicrobial, antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Scientists from Japan believe that green tea has unique properties that can actively fight cancer. It is included in the diet of cancer patients, as it supports immunity, removes carcinogens from the body. Green tea is able to remove salts of heavy metals - a dangerous radioactive isotope of strontium-90, mercury, lead, zinc and cadmium. It neutralizes the negative impact of any radiation. This one is for those who spend a lot of time on electronic devices.

Green tea is a drink of longevity and youth. It regulates metabolism and blood sugar levels. Tea extract is actively used in cosmetology, as it improves complexion, slows down the aging of the body, being an excellent antioxidant. Rinsing oily hair with a decoction of tea leaves improves their condition. Green tea masks are effective, ice cubes from strong infusion tone and refresh the skin of the face.

A cup of green tea can relieve headaches, cope with stress. For an exhausted nervous system, this is a real find, tasty and without chemistry. To activate the work of the brain, the use of green tea will also help, green tea is also useful for concentration.

With poor digestion, indigestion, poisoning, green tea will help. Its properties destroy pathogenic microbes in the stomach, enhance the motility of the digestive tract, remove toxins from the body. Strong tea taken after meals four times a day helps with painful colitis. In case of drug poisoning, it is worth drinking a cup of green tea with sugar and milk.

Green tea acts on the walls of blood vessels, making them more elastic, preventing blood clots. Doctors recommend tea for the prevention of heart disease, atherosclerosis. Dutch scientists conducted a series of studies showing that people who drink four cups of green tea a day avoided a heart attack. In the initial stage of hypertension, a tea drink lowers blood pressure by 10-20 units.

Strong green tea helps with inflammation of the eyes to relieve tension, fatigue. Proven benefits for sore throat, laryngitis, pharyngitis. With rhinitis, it is useful to wash the sinuses with a decoction of green tea. In dentistry, tea is recommended for the prevention of caries for rinsing the mouth.

Green tea is used to prevent the formation of stones in the kidneys, liver, activate the spleen and liver.

Green tea: contraindications

The benefits of green tea have been proven, but it is still not worth abusing it.

• Older people are not recommended due to the fact that tea can trigger negative processes in the joints. It is dangerous for rheumatoid arthritis, gout.
• A large amount of tea has a bad effect on diseased kidneys. Tea increases acidity, so you should not drink it with exacerbation of gastritis, stomach ulcers.
• Due to the fact that the load on the kidneys increases, green tea is not recommended at high temperatures.
• A dangerous load awaits the kidneys if you combine the intake of alcohol and green tea.
• The presence of caffeine makes green tea harmful for hypertensive patients, people who suffer from drops in blood pressure.
• Tea is contraindicated in diseases of the thyroid gland.
• Do not use stale and low-quality tea.
• Do not drink tea very hot and strong, so as not to provoke a headache and not burn the internal organs.
• Women during lactation should be careful when drinking green tea, caffeine can have an exciting effect on the child, worsen his sleep.

The best varieties of green tea

There are hundreds of varieties of green tea. Depending on the country of growth, the time of collection, the processing process, they differ in appearance, taste and aroma. Chinese, Japanese, Georgian and Ceylon varieties are recognized as the best all over the world.

Choosing the best green tea, you need to pay special attention to its brewing. The use of soft water of a certain temperature, good tea will allow you to get a high-quality, tasty and healthy drink. Green tea can deliver indescribable pleasure, produce a beneficial effect, and allow you to heal and rejuvenate the body. Regular consumption of tea is a guarantee of longevity, beauty and youth.

Numerous treatises of Chinese philosophers and Indian healers are devoted to green tea; this drink has many unique properties and is used as a medicine for certain diseases. It perfectly tones, breaks down animal fats, promotes digestion. After all, it's just delicious.

But is it as useful as we used to think? And can a cup of green tea hide not only the elixir of youth and health, but also poison?

Harmful properties of green tea

To begin with, green tea is considered a powerful antioxidant these days, but the actual benefit of oxidation inhibitors is questionable. Numerous studies prove that excessive consumption of antioxidants does nothing but harm - various diseases begin to develop, the body ceases to resist certain types of bacteria.

Therefore, green tea should not be abused. If you drink 5-6 small cups a day, then you won’t harm yourself, but those who drink more than 1.5 liters of strong brewed tea automatically fall into the risk group.

Green tea also adversely affects the nervous system. We, again, are talking about a very rich drink. In concentrated form, it provokes nervous overexcitation, because it contains much more caffeine (theine) than coffee itself.

So strong green tea is not recommended for those who suffer from any diseases of the nervous system, and those who are prone to frequent mood swings. You should not drink it at night, even for healthy people - often it is he who causes insomnia.

With caution, green tea should be consumed by those who have problems with the cardiovascular system, in particular, people suffering from tachycardia and arrhythmia. The substances contained in this drink provoke a rapid heartbeat, which can not only exacerbate diseases, but also cause heart rhythm failure.

What is harmful green tea

In addition, green tea irritates the stomach lining, so you should not drink it on an empty stomach. The fact is that it promotes digestion, which means it enhances the production of gastric juice, and if the stomach is empty, it begins to digest itself, respectively, erosion occurs that can turn into ulcers.

Especially do not drink green tea on an empty stomach for those who already have gastritis or an ulcer. Many sources write that this wonderful drink prevents these diseases, but here, as with poison, it all depends on the dosage and time of administration.

Therefore, at times of exacerbation of chronic gastric diseases, it is recommended either to completely abandon the use of green tea, or to drink it in a not very concentrated form after meals. Then it will really be a medicine and will not provoke a relapse.

Green tea and alcohol

Many believe that a cup of green tea, drunk in the morning, helps to cope with a hangover, because it allegedly removes toxins. However, it is not. The external and momentary effect of relief is incomparable with the harm that is done to the body. First of all, the cardiovascular and nervous systems suffer, and then the kidneys “join” them.

The stimulating effect of green tea, multiplied by a hangover syndrome, can even lead to a heart attack, not to mention neurosis, and renal colic is also not a very pleasant thing. By the way, it is impossible to mix green tea with alcohol not only in the morning - during "libations" this mixture also has a bad effect on the body. Yes, and toxins are not excreted, but, on the contrary, are formed.

In addition, both alcohol and green tea have a diuretic effect, so their combination leads to a sharp dehydration of the body, and this, in turn, leads to nervous excitement, aggression, and then to a decrease in vitality. In addition, the frequent use of alcohol in combination with green tea accelerates skin aging.

Green tea and blood pressure

We often hear that green tea actively affects blood pressure. Surprisingly, both hypertensive patients and hypotensive patients write and talk about it. Someone complains that low blood pressure is getting even lower, someone - that high blood pressure jumps sharply to terrifying levels. But there are also those who speak with gratitude about this drink - in some it increases the low, in others it reduces the high. Which of them is right?

As it turns out, the truth is somewhere in between. For those on whom green tea has a positive effect, it simply regulates the pressure, that is, it raises or lowers it to an acceptable norm by the body. Those who, after drinking, suffer from too low or from excessively high blood pressure, belong to people with a personal intolerance to this drink.

So if after a cup of green tea you feel a breakdown or the back of your head starts to hurt, then this drink is not for you. Do not experiment, but abandon it in favor of teas and infusions, after which you do not experience discomfort. Or at least reduce the dosage or make a weak tea solution.

Green tea quality

What is harmful green tea

Absolutely healthy people should also pay attention to their well-being after drinking green tea. If you do not have high acidity, but at the same time even a small cup of this drink causes heartburn, then you have purchased low-quality raw materials.

Remember that in regions where there are no tea plantations, tea, by definition, cannot be very cheap, because not only processing and packaging costs, but also transportation costs are required. Unscrupulous manufacturers often purchase tea dust, garbage and small crumbs left after the packaging of high-quality tea, "hide" it in bags and attract buyers at a low price.

It is best to buy tea from trusted brands, and not in bags, but in bulk. It should not contain foreign impurities, unless it is provided for by the type of tea, that is, if it is not flavored with flower petals, zest or berries.

If you still prefer tea bags, then get the packaging, in which each of the bags is sealed in foil. This packaging method is not a manufacturer's attempt to increase the price, but the best storage method. It allows you to save all the flavors of tea and its beneficial properties.

Proper brewing of green tea

Incorrectly brewed green tea can also cause harm. Everyone knows perfectly well that a tea leaf that has not undergone fermentation can be poured with water 3-4 times. After the second brew, it only begins to truly open up and give off its taste and aroma. However, at the same time, few people think that the "life" of green tea is short-lived.

Diets and healthy eating 20.10.2017

Dear readers, today I want to talk to you about green tea. Nowadays, it has become very popular, even coffee and black tea lovers are increasingly turning their attention to this drink. And this is fully justified, because in addition to taste and aroma, it gives us health, raises vitality, improves mood. In addition, green tea acts very gently, harmlessly, improving the general condition of our body.

Mongols, Buryats, Tibetans, Uighurs knew in ancient times how useful green tea is, they have been drinking it for centuries and still drink it. He helped them survive the cold winters, save themselves from the heat in the summer. Today, this invigorating drink is drunk all over the world. In Russia, it has become popular relatively recently. If we associate black tea with a samovar, home comfort, pies, then many do not consider green tea to be tea at all, at the first dose it seems bitter and devoid of taste.

Many years ago, this amazing tea of ​​different varieties was brought to me from China, since then I start my day with a cup of this invigorating drink, I find it unusually tasty and even the taste of the usual tea has faded before its green counterpart. To appreciate the taste of a drink, you need to buy a good quality product from a trusted manufacturer, and most importantly, you need to be able to brew it correctly. Today we will consider the benefits and harms of green tea and all the subtleties of its preparation.

The composition and calorie content of green tea

Many may have a question - how many calories are in green tea? Calorie-free green tea without sugar is so low that it can be considered zero, it does not contain fats, proteins and carbohydrates. So what is green tea and how does it differ from black? Let's figure it out.

Green and black tea. What are the differences?

Green and black tea are differently fermented leaves of the same plant. Fermentation is a complex labor-intensive process of processing a tea leaf, which results in one or another color, aroma and taste. To obtain the necessary qualities, the fermentation process of tea leaves is suspended after a certain time, which allows you to keep the green color and fresh aroma. In such a drink, the maximum amount of useful substances is preserved, for which it is valued all over the world.

Compound

The composition of green tea contains the most important amino acids for our body, catechins and other flavanoids, vegetable glycosides, tannin, chlorophyll and other useful substances. Green tea saturates us with vitamins C, E, A, F, U, K, P, as well as the most important B vitamins. The drink is also rich in mineral salts, including potassium, fluorine, zinc and others. In total, more than a hundred different substances and compounds were found in these green leaves.

About caffeine

A reasonable question - is there caffeine in green tea? It contains several alkaloids, including caffeine. Although, for the sake of clarity, it must be said that the caffeine contained in tea differs in its effect from the caffeine that is rich in coffee. Tea contains one of the varieties of caffeine - theine, which acts much softer, but its effect is longer. Therefore, green tea invigorates us more than coffee, and there are much fewer negative side effects. The content of caffeine in green tea depends on the place of growth of the tea bush, on weather conditions, on the time of collection, so it is always different for different varieties and varies from 60 mg to 85 mg per cup of tea.

Green tea properties

Green tea has many useful and medicinal properties, but the most important thing for us in this drink is its ability to slow down the aging of the body and resist the development of oncological processes in it. How useful is green tea? Let's take a look at its other properties:

• It is an excellent tonic;
• Smoothes the negative impact on our body of the computer and TV;
• Strengthens the immune system;
• Accelerates metabolic processes in the body;
• Promotes the removal of toxins and toxins from our body;
• Eliminates excess calories, promotes weight loss;
• Beneficial effect on sexual function;
• Prevents fatty liver;
• Beneficial effect on the work of the heart;
• Improves blood supply;
• Relieves spasms of cerebral vessels;
• Strengthens the nervous system;
• Reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke;
• Reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol;
• Improves the state of stress and depression;
• Has a slight diuretic effect;
• Has a rejuvenating effect on the skin;
• Stops the development of caries;
• Has antipyretic and anti-inflammatory action;
• Improves thermoregulation of the body.

Green tea is not just a tonic drink, as many of us believe, it is a healing tool that will help improve well-being and prevent many health problems, green tea is useful for women and men, and there are very few restrictions on its intake.

Green tea - benefits and harms to the body

As you can see, the benefits of green tea are obvious, if you drink it regularly, but within reasonable limits, then there should be no harm. Green tea can harm the human body only in case of excessive passion for this drink, but we will talk about this at the end of the article.

For the heart and blood vessels

A tea drink is good for the heart and blood vessels, as it contains potassium, ascorbic acid, rutin and other flavonoids that affect the vascular wall and the work of the heart muscle. It is a good prevention of atherosclerosis. Especially useful for capillaries and other small vessels, it improves peripheral circulation. But in no case should you abuse it, 1 - 2 cups of tea during the day is enough. If you drink it in unlimited quantities, you can provoke arrhythmia and failure of blood pressure.

For the skeletal system

Vitamin K in the composition of the tea drink is involved in the proper absorption of calcium in the body and its interaction with vitamin D, without which, as you know, calcium is practically not absorbed. Drinking the drink regularly, we strengthen our bones, teeth, nails.

For the liver and pancreas

Green tea contains in its composition biologically active substances that help cleanse the liver, participate in the removal of toxins from the body, prevent stone formation and improve the enzymatic function of the pancreas. It can be drunk with pancreatitis, with diseases of the liver and gallbladder, but not more than 1 - 2 cups.

For the nervous system and mental activity

In addition to the invigorating effect, a positive effect of a tea drink on brain activity is noted, it is very useful for people of mental labor. Reduces the impact of stressful situations, prevents the development of depression. But in large quantities it can cause overexcitation and sleep disturbance.
On the benefits of green tea, I suggest watching the video.

Green tea. Benefits and harms for women

The benefits of green tea for women are in the presence of substances necessary for the female body in its composition. These are vitamins A and E, catechins and other flavonoids, thanks to which the drink serves as a prevention of breast cancer. Green tea is useful for women during menopause, it improves the general condition, affects the health of the urogenital area.

Green tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Can Pregnant Women Have Green Tea? The benefits of this drink for women during pregnancy are often questioned, and there is good reason for this. Although you can drink green tea during pregnancy, you should not get too carried away with it. Tea contains caffeine and can overexcite the nervous system. You also need to know that the substances contained in tea reduce the absorption of folic acid, which is necessary for the health of the unborn baby, as well as iron. For this reason, you can not drink tea with food.

All this applies to breastfeeding mothers. Green tea while breastfeeding is not prohibited, but one cup of not strongly brewed tea in the morning is enough to get only the benefit from the drink. The drink will become even more useful if you add milk or a little honey to it if you are not allergic to it.

For youth and beauty

The presence of a large amount of antioxidants in green tea is beneficial in maintaining the youthfulness of the skin and the whole body. It contains a number of these substances indispensable for our health, which are constantly fighting free radicals that lead to aging.

Green tea for weight loss

Green tea promotes the oxidation of fats and prevents their absorption by the body, reduces appetite, so it is recommended to anyone who strives to achieve their ideal weight. Various weight loss diets are now very popular, including the green tea diet. I am against all kinds of diets, I think that all foods are good for the body, but within reasonable limits.

You do not need to drink tea in liters and replace water with it in order to lose weight, this may not be safe for health. It is enough to drink two to three cups of green tea per day, but without sugar and provided that moderation in food is a priority.

The benefits and harms of green tea for men

What are the benefits of green tea for men? The drink is very useful for the strong half of humanity, as it maintains the level of male sex hormones. Tea is one of the strong natural antioxidants, which allows us to talk about its undoubted benefits in the prevention of adenoma and prostate cancer. The drink contributes to the recruitment and retention of muscle mass at the proper level, improves physical condition, endurance, and gives muscle strength.

Is green tea good for kids?

Green tea can be given to children only from the age of three, brewing is not strong and only in the morning. Children do not like the taste of tea, so many parents give their babies green tea with honey, but here you also need to take into account the age of the child, his reaction to honey.

Do not let your child drink green tea at night, as it acts as a stimulant and can lead to sleep disturbance and anxiety.

It is best for small children to brew, it will soothe the tummy and help the baby sleep soundly.

How to drink green tea

Dear readers, the blog has articles on how to brew and how to drink green tea, where you can find detailed information on these issues.

But in short, when brewing green tea, you need to follow a few simple rules in order to get the maximum benefit from the drink.

• The teapot must be warmed up before brewing.
• Do not use boiling water for brewing, the water temperature should be about 90 degrees.
• Take a teaspoon of tea leaves in a cup of water.
• Pour a small amount of hot water over the tea leaves and drain this water after a few seconds. After that, finally brew tea. This is what tea connoisseurs do in China, Morocco, and Japan. By doing this, we reduce the amount of caffeine in the drink and disinfect the tea leaf.
• Do not brew the drink for too long, 1-2 minutes is enough, after which you can brew the leaves twice more, each time increasing the brewing time by a minute.
• Store tea in a glass or ceramic container with a ground-in lid, as it is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture, which will adversely affect its quality.

Very often there are questions about green tea, as conflicting opinions can be found both in the press and on the Internet. Here are the main ones:

Is green tea invigorating or calming?

Very weak, repeated brewed tea is virtually devoid of caffeine, so a sedative effect is also possible. But a full-fledged, properly brewed drink invigorates, as it contains caffeine in its composition.

Green tea weakens or strengthens?

This question is often asked by people too. But the fact is that green tea does not act so monotonously, it does not have either a laxative or fixing effect, but it will be useful both for diarrhea and constipation, since the substances that make up it regulate digestion.

Can you drink green tea every day?

Here there can be only one answer - you can drink a drink every day in the absence of contraindications, but not more than 2 cups.

Harm of green tea and contraindications

All of the above applies only to moderate consumption of good green tea, only in this case we can talk about its benefits. If you drink it too often and a lot, then you can get harm instead of good.