make yourself a cup of tea!

Today I wanted to make a quick note about green tea because people are often not aware how beneficial it really is!

What makes green tea so special?

So here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful:

• cancer
• rheumatoid arthritis
• high cholesterol levels
• cardiovascular disease
• infections
• impaired immune function

It is also rich in EGCG, powerful antioxidants which besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots.


Other benefits?

New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.

Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market.

Harmful Effects?

To date, the only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine. However, green tea contains less caffeine than coffee: there are approximately thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six - eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee.

(based on http://chinesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa011400a.htm)

It all sounds a bit scientific but, all in all, it is a hell of a healthy drink and I truly enjoy its taste!

There's lots of different flavours but I like the pure green tea the best.

I usually drink 5-6 cups a day.

Sometimes I add a slice of lemon or a spoon of honey to give it a little twist:)

So ladies, grab your cups and make yourselves a cup of green tea! LOL

xoxo