ANOTHER HEALING NATURAL DRINK FROM THE ANCIENTS –GREEN TEA--THE FAVORED ALL- PURPOSE HEALTH ELIXIR

The potential effects of tea on health have been known in hot drinks made from the plant Camellia sinensis for over 4700 years; ever since its discovery was attributed to the legendary emperor, Shennong. The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing claimed its taste and stimulative properties were useful for treating tumors, abscesses, bladder ailments, lethargy, among other conditions.

Serious scientific research in both Asia and the west today is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol. Also it shows the tea slows the formation of abnormal blood clots, which is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke. The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant.

New evidence is emerging that green tea can help dieters. Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can 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. Evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea from deodorants to creams are starting to appear on the market. The difference between green tea and black tea is that the green tea is steamed during processing and the black tea is fermented. Fermentation seems to remove some of the wonderful chemicals necessary for the healing effects. Adding milk to tea will block the normal, healthful effects that tea has in protecting against cardiovascular disease. Drink some each day and stay healthy.