Thursday, February 7, 2008

Green Tea And Antioxidants

Active MansGreen tea has been used in ancient Chinese culture for thousands of years and was only drunk by the most fortunate of people. It was not until many years later that the public was allowed to consume the tea. Many teas can be found in China but it is said that green tea has the most medicinal and health purpose.

Todays biggest focus of green tea is the antioxidants that are found in the tea. By not fermenting the tea the antioxidants are kept in the tea to where as with other teas that are fermented they are lost. The traditional Japanese way of steaming the leaves stops the oxidation process. The Chinese use flat pans to dry the leaves to stop oxidation. By stopping the oxidation the tea retains its medicinal properties. Antioxidants are used by the body to keep are healthy cells from oxidizing premature and becoming unhealthy. They also help to keep free radicals from attacking and damaging healthy tissue.

Green tea has many health benefits people who drink at least two cups of tea a day are said to live longer. It helps in the prevention of different cancers, heart disease and liver problems. The Epigallocatechin gallaten antioxidant found in green tea is said to be 100 times more potent than vitamin C and 25 times stronger than vitamin E at protecting cells and DNA.

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