Giulianas Restaurant & Food Recipes

Archive for the ‘Tea’ Category

Overview
Green is one of the varieties of tea available. Other popular varieties include black and oolong. It is distinguished by the way leaves are processed. Green tea leaves are unfermented. According to the medical center at the University of Maryland, or UMMC, tea is the second most popular beverage in the world-first water-and has been used for over 5,000 years in India, Japan, Thailand and China.

Description
Camellia sinensis is the official name of the plant from which black, green and oolong teas originate. Asia is a native perennial shrub or tree that can grow over 25 feet tall, but usually kept pruned to about 3 feet are easier to manage the plantations. Camellia sinensis is related to the magnolia tree and has white, fragrant flowers and dark green leaves. Small leaves, young people are used in making tea. Trees are usually 3 to 5 years old before they are ready for picking. Camellia sinensis prefers warmer climates and do well at altitudes up to 7,000 meters above sea level.

Nutrition Facts
Green tea leaves are made with very hot water provide more nutrients in tea. The first use of the tea bag provides more nutrients than later use. A serving of 1 cup of green tea produced provides 5 mg of vitamin C, 0.1 mg of vitamin B5, 2.5 mg of vitamin A, 24 international units or IU, of vitamin d and 76 mg of caffeine. Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants.

Medical benefits
According to the National Cancer Institute, green tea contains catechins which are antioxidants that may reduce the growth of cancer cells, especially skin, liver and stomach. Scientific Affairs U.S. veterans Santosh Katiyar published an article in the Oct.16, 2009, the online edition of the “Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry”, which states that “the polyphenols in green tea have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. “These polyphenols also increase production of interleukin-12 in the body, DNA repair and prevention of skin cancer. UMMC also says that green tea has been shown to prevent artherosclerosis and high cholesterol.

Herbal Benefits
Grass, green tea has a stimulant, diuretic and astringent properties that work specifically in the liver. According to herbalist Michael Tierra, green tea contains tannins that are useful in treating diarrhea. 1 to 2 cups daily drinking is suggested to help prevent certain cancers.

Precautions
Green tea contains caffeine and should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women, those with heart, liver and stomach disorders, and those suffering from anxiety. Eating large amounts of green tea for an extended period of time could overdose of caffeine, with symptoms such as headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and insomnia. Green tea may interact with some antibiotics, anticoagulants, beta blockers and those taking chemotherapy. Before drinking green tea or take green tea supplement, you should talk to your doctor.