In the days before central air conditioning, folks could often be found gathering outside their homes in the early evening, sitting on porch swings and sipping frosty glasses of iced tea as the little ones ran around the yard chasing fireflies.  While we are blessed today with the ability to keep our homes comfortably temperature-regulated, tea remains a favorite beverage for many, and apparently with good reason.

Green tea in particular has risen in popularity due to the many health benefits associated with it.  While black tea is processed in such a way that allows for the fermentation process to occur, the processing of green tea bypasses this fermentation, and much of its virtue seems to be associated with this fact.  By eliminating fermentation, green tea is able to retain a maximum amount of its naturally-occurring polyphenols and antioxidants, with catechin in particular playing a key role.

While there remains much debate over many of the more “folk-type” remedies attributed to the regular consumption of green tea, nutritionists are beginning to sit up and take notice of more medical-related benefits.  According to Dr.Christopher Ochner, a research scientist in Nutrition at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, “Green tea is beyond a super food.”

Among the many health benefits that have been linked to incorporating significant amounts of green tea into one’s diet, these are the few which have received the most promising results:

• Weight Loss.  The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation, thereby elevating the metabolism and the rate at which the body turns food into calories.  

• Diabetes.  Green tea has been shown to facilitate the regulation of glucose levels in the body, slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes and their resulting fat storage.

• Heart Disease. Scientists feel that green tea may benefit the lining of blood vessels, helping them to remain more relaxed and thus better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. The naturally-occurring chemicals in green tea may also protect against the formation of clots, which are among the primary cause of heart attacks.

Armed now with the knowledge that all tea leaves clearly are not created equally, just how much green tea do we need to consume in order to reap these benefits?  Some scientists feel that 2 cups are sufficient, while others maintain that 4-5 cups a day would be even more beneficial.  There are a few cautionary notes worth mentioning at this point. If you are sensitive to caffeine, green tea does pack a powerful punch, so it may be worth seeking a caffeine-free product.  Also, the tannins present in green tea, especially at 4 cups a day, have the potential of lowering the body’s absorption of iron and folic acid.  Individuals for whom this is a concern, such as pregnant women or those who are trying to conceive, may wish to opt for a different beverage choice.

How does one brew the perfect cup of tea?  The answer, apparently, is ‘carefully”!  If the water in your tea kettle reaches the boiling point, the helpful antioxidant catechin will be destroyed.  Instead, find a reliable kitchen thermometer and strive to use water that is between 160 and 170 degrees.  In addition, since vitamin C helps the body to absorb all of the healthy compounds of which green tea boasts, it is best to add a slice or two of fresh lemon to your cup.  On the other hand, dairy products will render those wonderful catechins much less bioavailable, so unless you find yourself  in England sharing a pot of tea with the Queen, try to avoid pouring milk into your teacup.

Many companies now offer green tea bags with various fruit flavorings added, helping to increase its appeal to a variety of palates.  Whether you choose to cozy up to a roaring fire with a mug, or enjoy the evening breeze outside with a tall cool glass, Dr. Ochner proclaims, “There could not be a more simple way to improve your health.”

Cheers!