Blog/Lucky Cuppa Green Tea – Benefits & A Delightful Recipe

Lucky Cuppa Green Tea – Benefits & A Delightful Recipe

Flavour Profile: Herbal tea

Green tea has for a long time(thousand of years) been enjoyed by many worldwide, with its origins being traced back to ancient China. Over the centuries, this aromatic beverage has spread across the globe, gaining popularity not just for its pleasant taste but also for its numerous health benefits.

In recent years, green tea has become a staple in many keto diets and health-conscious individuals’ diets. The green tea benefits surpass most tea flavours being praised for its potential to boost wellbeing and prevent various ailments. Let’s dive into the world of green tea and explore what are the health benefits of drinking green tea.

What is Green Tea?

Green tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same source as black, oolong, and white teas. The key difference lies in the processing. While black tea is fully oxidised, green tea leaves are minimally processed, typically heated quickly after harvesting to prevent oxidation. This preserves the leaves’ natural green colour and delicate flavour profile.

Does green tea have caffeine? According to healthline.com, green tea contains relatively small amounts of caffeine.

There are various types of green tea, each with its unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include:

Sencha: The most common Japanese green tea, known for its balanced flavour.
Matcha: Finely ground green tea powder, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies.
Dragon Well (Longjing): A Chinese green tea with a mellow, sweet flavour.
Gunpowder: Rolled into small pellets, this tea has a strong, slightly smoky taste.

What Are The Benefits Of Green Tea

1. Rich in Antioxidants

Green tea is packed with polyphenols or in normal language antioxidants. we help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of various chronic diseases.

2. May Improve Brain Function

The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in green tea can have positive effects on mood, alertness, and cognitive performance. Some studies suggest that regular green tea consumption might even help protect against age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

3. Potential Fat Burning Properties

Some research indicates that green tea can boost metabolic rate and increase fat oxidation, potentially aiding in weight loss efforts. However, the effect is likely to be modest and works best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

4. Possible Cancer Risk Reduction:

While more research is needed, some studies have found associations between green tea consumption and lower risks of certain types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer.

5. Potential Protection Against Cognitive Decline

The antioxidants in green tea may help protect brain cells from damage, potentially slowing the progression of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

6. Oral Health Benefits

Catechins in green tea can inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay and bad breath, potentially improving overall oral health.

How To Make Green Tea

To create the perfect green tea you’ll need;

3 Lucky Cuppa green tea bags
2.5cm (1in) piece root ginger, peeled and finely sliced
Thinly pared zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon
60g (2 1/2oz) clear honey
Ice
1.5 litre (2 1/2pts) sparkling water

Method

Pare zest from the lemon. Put the ginger and lemon zest in a small pan with 600ml (1 pt) cold water. Bring to the boil and simmer, uncovered, for 5 mins.
Put the tea bags in a heatproof jug and add the boiled ginger and lemon water. Leave for 4 mins and then remove and discard the tea bags, lemon zest and ginger.
Stir in the honey and lemon juice and then leave to cool. Put a few ice cubes in 6 tall glasses and divide the tea mixture between them. Top up with sparkling water.

How To Incorporate Green Tea In Your Diet

Green tea has a lot of goodness and in order to reap the maximum benefit aim for at least 3 cups of green tea per day. However, even 1-2 cups can provide health benefits. Here are some tips for incorporating green tea into your routine:

Start your day with a cup of Lucky Cuppa green tea instead of coffee.
Enjoy a cup mid-morning or mid-afternoon for a gentle energy boost.
Try iced green tea as a refreshing alternative to sugary drinks.
Use matcha powder in smoothies or baked goods for an antioxidant boost.

What would be the best times to drink green tea; Between meals to help with nutrient absorption, before or during exercise to enhance fat burning and in the afternoon to provide a gentler caffeine boost than coffee.

Green tea offers a wide array of potential health benefits, from supporting brain function to potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. While green tea is not a cure-all, incorporating it into your daily routine can be a simple and enjoyable way to support your overall health and wellbeing.

Remember, the key to reaping the benefits of green tea lies in consistent, moderate consumption as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. So why not brew yourself a cup of this ancient elixir and toast to your health? Your body and mind might just thank you for it.