Healthy reasons to drink green tea

April 22, 2:27 PMSeattle Women's Health ExaminerKellie Fielding

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A cup of green tea

“A good woman is like a tea bag - you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.”
          - Eleanor Roosevelt

Since ancient times, people have been utilizing the health benefits associated with drinking tea. While there are many different varieties, today’s focus is specifically on how green tea can improve your health. Although several cultures are associated with green tea, it is believed to have originated from China. Historically it has been used to promote good health of both the mind and the body.

The leaves come from the camellia sinensis bush. When it is cultivated, the leaves are processed immediately which categorizes them as being unfermented. This process maintains a higher level of the catechins, which are antioxidants, and is one of the main reasons green tea is held in such high regard for promoting good health. Below are some of the benefits that have been associated with green tea:

• Weight loss: According to clinical studies, green tea extract may help to jump start your metabolism
• Cholesterol: It is believed that green tea may help lower your total cholesterol and even assist in raising your good (HDL) cholesterol
• Heart disease: Green tea has been shown to be effective in helping to prevent abnormal blood clots from forming
• Cancer: Researchers have been studying the polyphenols contained in green tea and believe they may help in the prevention of cancer

Green tea is available in several different forms. There are pre-made tea bags that you can pick up at your local grocery store. You can also find it in the form of dietary supplements or as an extract in health food stores around the country. In the past few years, there has also been several specialty tea shops opening that are wonderful resources where you can purchase the loose leaves and brew it fresh at home.

A good pre-made tea bag to try is the Green Tea Super Anti-Oxidant formula made by Yogi Tea. According to the company, this blend is formulated to combat the damaging effects of free radicals in your body, which can accelerate aging. It can be found at many different stores such as Trader Joe’s and many natural food stores. To quickly locate the store nearest you, just visit their website at www.yogitea.com and click onto their store locator tab.