The calming effects of Green Tea provide the healthiest and perfect sanctuary.

The ritual of drinking Green Tea began in China around 2737 B.C. as it continues today to be one of the healthiest teas known to man.  Historically the health benefits of what the ancient Chinese people physically witnessed by using the leaves for medicinal purposes are the same evidence-based research reports today.  Green tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant, of which it is through the art of drying and steaming of the leaves produces the legendary herbal tea.  Researchers close examination of the leaves reveals a high concentration of a plant-base compound known as phytochemicals or polyphenols.  The specific polyphenols in the leaves of the tea plant are Catechins, which provides health benefits.    There are three types of Catechins:  epicatechin, epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

Among the various types of Catechins, EGCG is the most potent, providing many of the health benefits.  The leaves of green tea contain two-thirds of EGCG and one-third of the other two.  Due to the high concentration of EGCG, green tea retains its title as an Herbal Legend.

Evidence-Based research shows the following Benefits of EGCG-green tea:

• Strong antioxidant activity. The most crucial property of EGCG can destroy free radical  Free radicals are highly reactive particles that can cause damage to cells within the body.  Studies show that excessive free radicals are responsible for oxidative stress, the underlying cause of chronic diseases. 
• Green tea supports cardiovascular and metabolic health. According to a study indicates a dose-response relationship observed in several studies that pronounced cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits occur with regular daily consumption of green tea.  The study concludes green tea is a food component useful for the maintenance of cardiovascular and metabolic health.
• Cancer-green tea may lower the risk of certain cancers such as breast, prostate, and A recent study provides evidence to support a potential beneficial influence of breast cancer associated with a moderate level of tea consumption (three or more cups per day) among younger women.  However, more research should follow to confirm the association.  The National Cancer Institute is evaluating the safety, efficacy, and mechanisms by which green tea catechins prevent the progression of prostate cancer.
• Viral Illnesses: Experimental studies reports regular consumption of green tea decreases the incidence of influenza infection rates and some cold symptoms. Research points out that those who consume green tea daily were less likely to catch the flu. Green tea has antiviral properties that may play an essential part in inhibiting other viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B, and C, herpes simplex, Ebola.
• Clams and Relaxes Green tea provides the amino acid L-theanine which promotes a state of calm awareness. The anti-anxiety effect of L-theanine works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain and decreases blood pressure.  A study reports green tea produces relaxing results without drowsiness 40 minutes after ingestion.

There are many more positive potent health benefits drinking green tea provides — however, all things in moderation.  Excessive consumption of green tea (EGCG above 800 mg) can have adverse side effects such as liver toxicity.  Also, Green tea can bind to various minerals resulting in deficiencies. Please note an 8oz cup of green tea will safely provide 50-100 mg of EGCG.  An old Chinese idiom states, “When things reach an extreme, they can only move in the opposite direction.”

As evidence-based research shows, it has both nourishing and calming aspects.  Perhaps the ancient Chinese people understood the benefits of both as tea rituals always included a cup of Herbal Legend.