Health, beauty and longevity with a cup of green tea

It is a well-known fact that tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water. A green tea is also one of the healthiest drinks on the planet. It is prepared from the top leaves of the tea bush (Camellia Sinensis), which are subjected to minimal oxidation during processing. Black tea and oolong tea, which are well known to everyone, are also made from the same plant.

The significant difference in the nutritional profile of green tea due to its different processing. The petals are processed using a steam-drying method that preserves their antioxidant content. The level of antioxidants is determined by the quality of the tea, the method and the time of preparation.

The origin of green tea is China, but it is also associated with many other East Asian countries, such as Japan and South Korea. In China, unlike the Western world, the word 'tea' refers specifically to green tea. This tea is grown not only in Asia, but also in many other places around the world, so its taste can vary according to the different conditions under which the tea bush is grown.

The drinking of green tea strengthens the spirit of man and increases his tone. It has an invigorating effect, which is why it is also recommended for overwork.

Green tea also contains zinc - this makes it suitable for moderate consumption by pregnant women.

Although some species green tea, such as Japanese Sencha, once brewed appear deep green, most are a pale yellow color when cooked properly.

Among the different variants and herbal combinations, the flavors of the pure Green tea, Sencha green tea, Jasmine green tea и Green tea with Ginkgo Biloba, ginger and lemon. According to the taste, they can be eaten in their pure form, but a curious and not so discussed fact is that they are also wonderfully combined with sweets and even with chocolate. The pleasure of this 'magic' drink is not limited to the taste.

Green tea contains small amounts of the following immunostimulating trace elements:

• Zinc: extremely important for the normal function of the immune system. It contributes to proper cell division and DNA synthesis, normal cognitive functions, optimal absorption of micro and macro elements; good skin, nails, hair, vision, joints, cardiovascular system; fertility (in men it helps the normal state of the prostate); normalizes testosterone levels.
• Selenium: stimulates the immune system to fight infections. Selenium is also involved in one of the most important antioxidant processes in the body. Contributes to normal brain and cardiovascular activity; thyroid function; spermatogenesis in men.
• Honey: increases the activity of natural killer cells that protect the body from viral infections.
• Vitamin B2: Riboflavin: improves antibody function against viral infections.
• Vitamin B12: increases the production of immune cells.

Green tea helps restore both physical and mental balance and health. It contains many healthy bioactive compounds and valuable ingredients such as:

• Polyphenols - powerful antioxidants that reduce the formation of free radicals in the body and protect cells and molecules from damage.
• Minerals - the tea plant is known as a fluorine accumulator and even the lower quality varieties have plenty of fluorine.

Green tea can improve brain function because the key active ingredient in it is caffeine. It contains less caffeine than coffee, but enough to produce an impact without causing the side effects. Research shows that caffeine can improve various aspects of brain function, including mood, alertness, reaction time, and memory, but it is not the only ingredient that helps to do so. Green tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which has a calming effect. The combination of the two ingredients has a particularly powerful effect in improving brain activity.

Green tea not only can protect the brain from aging. It's a solid helper in the prevention against diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by strengthening memory and brain health. The bioactive compounds in green tea may have various protective effects on the brain and reduce the risk of dementia, which is common in the elderly.

Green tea contains powerful antioxidants that may protect against certain cancers. Multiple studies have shown that people who consume it regularly have a lower risk of various types of cancer.

Green tea  can help prevent type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar levels.

Green tea  may help prevent cardiovascular disease by lowering total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as protecting LDL particles from oxidation. Studies have shown that people who drink it have a lower risk of heart disease.

Green tea helps maintain a healthy body weight. Its consumption aids weight loss and suppresses appetite, speeding up metabolism and calorie burning through a process called thermogenesis. ( It is not expected that one can lose weight simply by drinking green tea regularly. For this purpose, it is also necessary to follow a healthy balanced diet, exercise regularly to achieve overall weight loss). Adding this type of tea to the diet helps to detoxify the body, improve skin condition and helps to deal with stress and fatigue.

Green tea is not a panacea, but with its beneficial composition and properties it can be part of everyday care for good health and a full life.