wrote by Stephanie Oswald Certified Health Coach (IIN, graduated 2014) and an Registered Holistic Nutritionist.
Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world after water, and for good reason. Green tea and black tea both come from the same plant Camellia Sinensis, black tea goes through a fermentation process which causes it to contain far fewer polyphenols then green tea. Green tea is toted for its potent antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties due to its high flavonoid, catechin and polyphenol content. Consuming antioxidants regularly is critical for our health. We live in a toxic world and encounter free radicals on a daily basis, we also create free radicals in the body through normal metabolic processes. Antioxidants remove these potentially damaging free radicals that contribute to aging and tissue degeneration.
Some studies have shown green tea may be a promising tool for modest weight loss and management; this is mainly due to its ability to oxidize fat, suppress apatite, promote metabolic health and aiding in blood sugar balance. Drinking just one cup of green tea a day has been found to be protective against heart disease. EGCG a particular type of polyphenol, has been shown to be able to penetrate cell walls to protect DNA from free radical damage. Green tea contains 10 times more EGCG then black tea. Epidemiological studies show green tea may help protect against the development of cancers due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. It has also been shown to lower HDL cholesterol levels, can help lower blood pressure and is well known for its immune boosting qualities. In one study it was shown to reduce the occurrence and symptoms of colds and flus.
In the Okinawa, Japan drinking green tea daily is considered essential. This area is one of the “Blue Zones”, with a large number of their population living some of the longest and healthiest lives on the planet. Green Tea contains the Amino acid L-Theanine, which aids in calming anxiety, reducing stress, promoting relaxation and improving sleep. L-Theanine from tea, has the ability to pass through the blood brain barrier so it can affect the brain directly. This helps to boost the production of GABA and the concentration of Serotonin and Dopamine in the brain, helping with mood and lowering anxiety levels. It contains caffeine, so it boosts energy, stimulates cognitive functions and increases mental clarity, while the L-Theanine also keeps the brain relaxed without sleepiness. Because of this, you are much less likely to get jitters or a crash from green tea like you can from coffee.
Land Art’s Green Tea concentrate is a delicious way to get a concentrated dose of that green tea goodness! It has a potent antioxidant content and is an excellent aid for detoxification. It is a diuretic, promoting the elimination of urine and increasing blood circulation. If you are hung over, it can help accelerate the elimination of alcohol and other toxins from the body, so you can feel better faster. There is 22 mg of caffeine, 150 mg of EGCG and 375 mg of Catechins per 15 ml serving, so you get about a fourth the caffeine as a drip coffee and with a large dose of antioxidants.
I love to enjoy my Land Art Green Tea Concentrate in a latte or iced tea daily. I find it great for a morning boost, so I can have a productive day, or in the afternoon if I’m feeling the need for a pick me up.
- Have it Warm!
Green Tea Latte Recipe
1-2 Tbsp. Land Art Green Tea
1 cup warmed almond milk
Warm almond milk on the stove, do not boil. Create foam with a milk frother and pour in a cup over 1-2 Tbsp. of Land Art Green Tea Concentrate, give a stir and enjoy!
- Have it Cold!
Iced Green Tea Recipe
1-2 Tbsp. Land Art Green Tea Concentrate
1 Tsp. lemon juice
1 cup filtered water
Ice cubes
*Optional add 2 Tbsp. real fruit juice (grapefruit, cherry, blueberry)
Stir Land Art Green Tea Concentrate, lemon juice and water together, add in some ice cubes and enjoy!
Resources:
- 1.“Prescription for dietary wellness, Second Edition.” Author: Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2003, New York
- 2.“The effects of green tea on weight loss and weight maintenance: a meta-analysis.” International Journal of Obesity; 2009 [PUBMED]
- 3.“Staying Healthy with Nutrition.” Author: Dr. Hass, MD.; 2006 edition
- 4.“Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition.” Author: Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- 5.“Flavonoids” Oregon State University [OSU]
- 6.“Green tea extracts reduce leukocyte cell–Derived chemotaxin 2 and selenoprotein P levels in the livers of C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet” Journal of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry; 2018 [BBB]
- 7.“Green tea extract enhances parieto-frontal connectivity during working memory processing” Journal of Psychopharmacology; 2014 [PUBMED]
- 8.“The Blue Zones” Author: Dan Buettner. Washington, DC; 2008
