Green tea, the healthiest beverage on the planet, is made from Camellia sinensis leaves that have not undergone the same withering and oxidation applied when processing Camellia sinensis into oolong tea and black tea. Green tea originated in China, but its production has spread to many countries in Asia. It has been used as a medicine for thousands of years. The reason that green tea has more health benefits attached to it than other teas, especially black tea, is apparently due to its processing. Black tea is processed in a way that allows fermentation process whereas green tea’s processing avoids the fermentation process. As a result, green tea retains maximum amount of antioxidants and poly-phenols, the substance that gives green tea its many benefits. That’s why I call it “The Wonder Tea”.

Here’s a list of some amazing benefits; some of which are still being debated, so please do your own research if you want to use green tea for medicinal purposes.

Weight Loss. Green tea increases body metabolism. The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories.

Diabetes. Green tea apparently helps to regulate glucose levels, thereby slowing the rise of blood glucose after eating meals. This can help prevent high insulin spikes and resulting fat storage.

Heart Disease. Researches have shown that green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping them stay relaxed and enabling them to withstand changes in blood pressure. It may also protect against the formation of clots, which contributes majorly to heart attacks.

Cholesterol. Green tea reduces low-density lipoproteins, also known as “bad” cholesterol, in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.

Tooth Decay. Studies suggest that the chemical antioxidant, catechin, in green tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that causes throat infections and other dental conditions.

Depression. Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves.It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and also, a great benefit to tea drinkers.

Skin Care. Green tea can apparently help with wrinkles and this signs of aging due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes. It also helps to relax the muscles around the eyes by placing pre-cooled, used tea bags on the eyes for a period of time.