How does green tea affect blood pressure - does it increase or decrease it? Beneficial properties of green tea.

How it is grown and what properties it has. But it was not by chance that this tea gained such popularity. The rich composition of tea leaves and the peculiarities of its production make it a very valuable product.

What's in tea

Looking at a green tea leaf, it’s hard to believe that it contains more than 2,000 chemical components. Most are beneficial to human health. The components of tea can affect the condition of the body. It is not without reason that in China, the birthplace of this drink, for several centuries it was used only as a medicinal remedy. It entered the daily diet much later. Let's look at the chemicals of green “under a microscope” to understand what elements make the drink so healthy.

Green tea does not undergo a fermentation process, so all the healing substances that could be destroyed by oxidation remain in the tea. The main chemical elements found in tea leaves include:

catechins,
theanine;
amino acids,
vitamins,
caffeine,
essential oils,
minerals.

Sweetness and taste come from amino acids and theanine, bitterness from caffeine, and astringency from catechins. By the taste of tea, you can determine which substances are more abundant in a particular variety.

Catechins - what are they?

This group of substances includes strong polyphenols and flavonoids. They are powerful antioxidants that are characteristic of weakly fermented teas. Research conducted by scientists has shown that tea owes its protective properties to catechins. There are four components of tea catechin: EGCG, EC, EGC, ECg. Epigallocatechin gallate is considered the strongest. It is almost a hundred times more powerful than vitamins E, C and β-carotene.

One cup of green tea is much healthier than broccoli, carrots, spinach, apples, because it contains up to 40 mg of polyphenols. Catechins easily stick to proteins, preventing viruses from destroying cells. They are also able to counteract toxins.

Scientists from the American National Cancer Institute have proven that catechins are able to cleanse the body of oxidizing agents before they harm cells and lead to tumors. The high antioxidant activity of catechins contained in green tea is highly valued. Nutritionists around the world use green tea in their programs. This is the best natural fat burner.

Catechins help with various diseases:

destroy free radicals;
eliminate inflammation of the gums and oral cavity;
slow down aging;
improve intestinal health;
reduce cholesterol levels;
help with radioactive exposure.

Beneficial properties of theanine

Theanine is an amino acid; in tea it counteracts caffeine and creates a calming effect. In total, green tea contains more than 20 types of amino acids, 60% of which consist of theanine. Japanese scientists have proven that theanine is an opponent of caffeine; it absorbs its excess, preventing it from penetrating into the blood. Theanine does not cause drowsiness, although it has a calming effect.

This substance is considered a natural antidepressant, L-theanine strengthens the immune system, eliminates depression, reduces anxiety, relieves insomnia, restores nerve cells, and helps the kidneys remove water.

Effect of caffeine on the body

Caffeine affects the nervous system, it increases endurance, stimulates brain function. A cup of green tea contains up to 30 mg of caffeine. For comparison, the same cup of coffee contains about 100 mg of caffeine. Thanks to caffeine, green tea affects hangovers by removing alcohol from the body. Tea made from young leaves contains more caffeine than older leaves, but also more theanine, which counteracts the effects of caffeine. Caffeine has diuretic properties, drives away sleep, eliminates headaches, has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, and accelerates blood circulation.

Action of minerals

Minerals are necessary for normal development; they activate enzyme systems and interact with vitamins and hormones. Green tea contains up to 7% minerals, including phosphorus, copper, manganese, calcium, potassium, and zinc. Copper and zinc are elements for the formation of antioxidants. Minerals control water balance, give strength to the skeleton, and maintain balance in the body.

The effect of vitamins on the body

Green tea contains many vitamins of different groups. Each of them makes their contribution to the common cause of improving the health of the human body and maintaining it in excellent shape. Vitamin P is necessary to protect cells and strengthen blood vessels. It helps reduce blood pressure and normalize thyroid function.

Vitamin A or carotene improves vision, strengthens the immune system, maintains hair condition, and helps prevent aging. Scientists have discovered several types of carotene in tea leaves, of which β-carotene predominates.

Vitamin B1 or thiamine quickly relieves fatigue, improves mood, and improves brain function. Essential for improving metabolism. Since the supply of vitamin in the body must be constantly replenished, you need to drink several cups of green tea a day.

Vitamin B2 or riboflavin improves skin condition and improves vision.

Vitamin B3 or niacin lowers cholesterol, helps control sugar levels, and improves digestion. Nicotinic acid is necessary in the formation of red blood cells.

Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It influences the synthesis of hormones and prevents colds.

Vitamin E or tocopherol helps in the fight against infertility, is important for the heart and skin. It is also called the fertility vitamin. Acts as an antioxidant.

Vitamin F or fluoride helps relieve swelling, strengthens teeth, and heals wounds. In green tea its content exceeds 40-1900 ppm. There is less of it in young buds than in mature leaves.

Vitamin K strengthens the skeletal system, increases life expectancy, removes toxins from the liver, and has an antibacterial effect. Green tea leaves contain a high concentration of vitamin, but when brewing, most of it evaporates.

Vitamin U normalizes acidity, prevents fatty liver, and controls cholesterol levels. In high-quality tea, this vitamin creates a special aroma reminiscent of dry seaweed.

Action of pectin

Pectin is a natural dietary fiber that is necessary to stabilize metabolism. Its amount in tea is low, but it gives the drink richness, improves intestinal motility, and protects the body from harmful substances.

Beneficial properties of amino acids

Essential amino acids are involved in organic processes in the body. The chemical composition of tea includes: threonine, valine, phenylalanine, leucine and other amino acids. They improve metabolism, cope with fatigue, and maintain nitrogen balance.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) activates brain function, increases respiratory ability, lowers blood pressure, regulates appetite, and improves cerebral circulation. Contained in tea leaves processed immediately after picking. High quality elite green tea is rich in this acid.

So much is said and written about the benefits of green tea that many, having learned about the healing properties of this tea, begin to drink it uncontrollably, in large quantities, replacing all other drinks. Is this acceptable? Does tea really have only a positive effect on the body or can it harm it? Can I drink it often, and in what quantity?

What is good about green tea?

Green tea contains a large number of phytochemicals that have antioxidant properties. The composition contains catechins, alkaloids, vitamins and minerals. The rich composition of this Chinese drink allows it to be used at any age to prevent the development of many diseases and treat ailments. Vitamin P strengthens blood vessels and capillary walls. Vitamin C is involved in the normal functioning of bone tissue and serves as an antioxidant. Black tea contains the same substances as green tea, only in small quantities.

10 reasons daily

Reduces blood pressure. Disputes between scientists on this issue have not subsided for a long time, because caffeine, how can it reduce blood pressure? But recent studies (2004) showed that those people who drank 2 glasses of green tea daily suffered 65% less from attacks of hypertension.
Strengthens blood vessels. Arteries become less elastic with age. The vessels become clogged with harmful deposits, their permeability decreases, and blood supply deteriorates. This leads to stroke and heart attack. If you drink 3-4 glasses every day, you can strengthen blood vessels. The drink helps reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by an average of 30%.
Protects the heart. The epigallocatechin gallate contained in tea can help you recover after a heart attack. It may also reduce the risk of heart failure.
Has a tonic effect. Drinking four glasses of green tea per day improves performance. People who regularly drink tea are not prone to depression and are less susceptible to stress.

Extends life. The studies were conducted in Japan and tested the results for eleven years. It turned out that people who drank up to 5 cups of tea a day increased their life expectancy by 16%.
Promotes weight loss. Taiwanese scientists conducted long-term studies; over 10 years, more than 10,000 people regularly consumed tea. It turned out that tea helps to lose weight, increases the body's endurance, and helps produce energy.
Saturates the body with antioxidants and vitamins. This leads to strengthening of the body's protective functions. A person who drinks tea feels better.
Strengthens the immune system. Antigens contained in tea help cope with any bacteria and viruses. To do this, you need to drink up to five glasses of tea daily.
Provides bone density. Two cups a day or more will help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Long-term use leads to bone integrity.
Protects the liver. Scientists plan to release drugs for the treatment of diseases based on green tea. The tea drink protects the liver from the harmful effects of alcohol and toxins.

How much green tea can you drink?

The daily norm for preventive use of the drink should not exceed 750 ml. Turkish and Chinese experts say that it is safe to drink up to one and a half liters of green tea. The tea should not be strong. When drinking strong green tea, the amount should be reduced to two to three cups.

Based on the fact that the volume of cups can be different, scientists have determined the optimal daily dose of dry tea leaves - 10 grams. Women who are expecting a baby can drink green tea, but in limited quantities.

Norm of green tea for treatment

Green tea has healing properties. It is recommended to drink it for gastrointestinal diseases. For depression, the daily dose is 5 cups of green tea. When dieting, Japanese scientists recommend drinking 4-5 small cups of tea, this allows you to burn up to 80 kcal. You just need to drink tea without sugar, you can add lemon. Speaking about whether you can drink green tea every day, we can conclude: you can drink from 1 to 6 cups of green tea without negative consequences.

Can green tea cause harm?

In green. Is it harmful? It can pass into the placenta and breast milk, so it is better for pregnant and breastfeeding women not to overuse green tea.

Tea tannin prevents the absorption of metals from vegetables and fruits. Adding lemon to tea compensates for this effect.

It is not recommended to consume green tea and certain medications. You should not drink tea with antibiotics, ephedrine, aspirin, or oral contraceptives. Concomitant use with alcohol is dangerous for the body.

Green tea, like other types of tea, is obtained from tea bush(tea or camellia sinensis), which is a plant of the genus Camellia families Teahouses. From the name “Camellia sinensis” one can correctly conclude that the tea bush was first cultivated in China. From there it came to Japan, then the Dutch brought it to the island of Java, and the British brought it to the Himalayas. After this, tea spread to India, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Indonesia, and South America.

The difference between green tea and its more popular black “brother” lies in the processing of the tea leaves. Let's talk in more detail about how green tea is obtained.

Green tea production technology

Green tea production technology consists of the following stages: fixation (steaming), curling, drying and sorting.

Fixing (steaming) is the treatment of tea leaves with steam at a temperature of 170-180 o C (Japanese method) or frying the tea leaves in braziers (hemispherical metal cauldrons), where it is heated to a temperature of 80-90 o C (Chinese method). The purpose of this stage is the inactivation (elimination of activity) of enzymes and associated chemical transformations. Thus, the main feature in the production of green tea is that they try to stop the fermentation process (oxidative reactions) in it, and not intensify it as in the case of black tea. Steaming or roasting makes the tea leaves elastic, making them easy to roll. After the moisture content of the tea leaves drops to approximately 60%, the rolling stage begins.

The purpose of twisting is to crush the leaf tissue, after which cell sap is released on its surface.

After the twisting stage, the raw material is sent to drying. There the tea acquires an olive green color, and its humidity does not exceed 5%. Drying is carried out with hot air at a temperature of 95-105 o C.

Sorting is the final stage of green tea production, which consists of grouping teas according to their uniform appearance (leaf tea or broken tea, tea leaf crumbs or seeding).

Important components of green tea

Alkaloids

Green tea has in its chemical composition caffeine, the content of which is higher than in natural coffee. The amount of caffeine directly depends on the correct tea production technology, as well as the initial growing conditions of the tea bush. Green tea also contains theobromine And theophylline.

Polyphenols

Up to 30% of the composition of green tea consists of polyphenols, in particular catechins, of which the greatest interest is Epigallocatechin gallate. This tea also contains tannin, the content of which is 2 times higher than in its black counterpart.

Vitamins and minerals

Green tea also contains vitamins (P, C, A, B1, B2, B3, E, etc.) and minerals (calcium, fluorine, iron, iodine, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chromium, manganese, selenium, zinc, etc.).

Benefits of green tea

Green tea has undergone many scientific and medical studies, and to this day continues to arouse interest in its properties, as well as its effect on human health. The results of these studies often contradict each other, but in general the following can be said about green tea:

Catechins contained in green tea are actively absorbed by the lens and retina of the eye, resulting in oxidative stress in the eyes(the process of cell damage due to oxidation) is reduced for up to 20 hours. Hong Kong scientists have concluded that green tea may be promising in preventing glaucoma.
Research conducted in Slovenia has shown that green tea extract has antimicrobial activity.
Epigallocatechin gallate helps protect brain cells. An experiment conducted at the Israeli University of Technology on mice showed that this type of catechin fights Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Epigallocatechin gallate has been laboratory proven to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in prostate cancer. It is also combined with tamoxifen suppresses the development of breast cancer (in vivo experiment, i.e., on a living organism, was carried out on mice, in vitro experiment, i.e., in a test tube, on human cells).
Green tea reduces the risk of developing memory and attention disorders by 2 times. The key to this effect, which has been confirmed in vivo in humans, may lie in the ability of epigallocatechin gallate to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Green tea extract containing polyphenols and caffeine restores thermogenesis(heat generation by the body) and stimulates fat oxidation. As a result, the metabolic rate increases. The number of heartbeats remains the same. Due to these properties, the risk of developing heart disease when drinking green tea is reduced. And this was confirmed by in vivo experience in people who had acute myocardial infarction. When drinking green tea, the mortality rate among such people from a second heart attack decreased by almost 2 times.
By itself, drinking green tea does not reduce cholesterol levels in the human body (although animal studies have shown the opposite). However, when added to green tea extract theaflavine(a pigment that gives dry tea leaves a characteristic shine) contained in black tea, cholesterol levels in the human body are reduced.
Green tea improves human immunity and is also an energy stimulant (due to active fat oxidation).
Systematic consumption of green tea leads to normalization of a person’s body weight.
Containing a large amount of antioxidants, green tea extract prevents skin aging and protects it from ultraviolet radiation.
Despite the lack of scientific evidence that green tea can reduce the risk of developing gastric diseases, as well as help with existing problems associated with them, traditional medicine uses this tea as a remedy for dysentery, indigestion, and also attributes to it the ability to eliminate colitis.
Science has not proven that green tea in any way affects respiratory diseases, but traditional medicine suggests that green tea can treat rhinitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, stomatitis and conjunctivitis (in the form of rinses and rinses). The results of such treatment are unknown.
As for dentistry, green tea contains fluoride, so rinsing your teeth and gums with green tea is a preventative against caries.
Thanks to the same catechins that reduce oxidative processes in muscles, green tea helps keep body muscles toned.
Green tea can reduce the risk of HIV infection. In addition, it is able to stop the development of the disease in the infected person. These studies are only in the early stages and they are all related to the same type of catechin, called epigallocatechin gallate.
Green tea lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Harm of green tea

Excessive consumption of green tea due to its high content of catechins can lead to liver disease. The daily intake of catechins is 500 mg. Many weight loss products are made based on green tea extract and contain more than 700 mg of catechins in a single dose, which poses a health hazard.

Also, excessive consumption of green tea can cause complications on the kidneys (green tea contains purines and their derivatives). In addition, since green tea somewhat complicates the process of removing uric acid from the body, it is contraindicated for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and gout, as well as various diseases of the kidneys and gallbladder.

Green tea should not be consumed by people with increased nervous excitability.

Existing myths about green tea

Green tea tones and calms. Green tea either tones or calms. If you brew green tea for 2 minutes, you will get a tonic drink, which will give us strength. If you brew it for 5 minutes, you will get a soothing drink, relieving stress.
Green tea can be stored in a teapot for a day or more. In fact any tea must be drunk in 1 tea ceremony (in 1 sitting). Within a day, brewed tea will turn into poison, because... the minerals in its composition will be completely oxidized.
It is harmful to drink green tea with milk. It is not true. Simply, when mixing tea with milk, the composition of the tea changes. Tannin forms chelate complexes with milk. In this case, the tea will simply become less tonic.
Coffee and green tea contain equal amounts of caffeine. This is wrong. Green tea contains more caffeine than any type of coffee. This is partly due to the fact that a large amount of caffeine is lost during the processing of coffee beans.
Green tea has hallucinogenic properties. This is pure fiction. Green tea can tone you up and can relax you. But it does not contain substances that can cause hallucinations.

The benefits of green tea have been known to man for more than four thousand years.

Green tea is harvested from the same tea bushes as other varieties. The main difference is in the method of processing the leaves.

This type of drink does not go through the fermentation stage, which allows you to preserve the benefits of green tea and the maximum amount of necessary micro- and macroelements.

You can understand why green tea is beneficial after studying the chemical composition of the raw materials.

How to properly prepare green tea

There are many recipes for preparing this drink, but first of all you need to understand exactly what effect you want to achieve by drinking it. If it's a matter of taste preferences, then you can brew it almost any way you like - some people like the combination of tea with milk or lemon, some choose flavored or mixed varieties, some add a drop of honey or sugar to their taste. If you want to preserve the benefits of green tea as much as possible, then it is better to adhere to the following recommendations:

Use ceramic, porcelain or glass containers for brewing;

Brew tea with not too hot water - 60-80 degrees will be enough (tea will brew even in absolutely cold water). In order to determine whether the water has reached the desired temperature, you need to listen - the bubbles in boiling water should rustle like the wind in a pine forest;

During brewing, you should not add sweet additives - it is better to add them immediately before use;

Various additives to tea will help enhance certain properties of tea -

1. tea with milk will help satisfy hunger;

2. Hibiscus will enhance metabolic processes and give the tea a slight diuretic effect.

Green tea will turn out much tastier if you heat the teapot with steam, pour tea at the rate of a teaspoon per glass, and pour hot water.

You can brew tea with milk, or make tea in the usual way and add milk to taste. This drink will help satisfy hunger and normalize blood pressure.

Chemical composition of green tea: benefits and harms

The complex chemical composition of a properly prepared drink helps to cope with malaise and headaches, equalizes blood pressure and allows you to normalize metabolic processes in the body. You can talk about green tea, its benefits or harm, only by studying the most effective organic compounds that are included in its composition.

1. Catechins and polyphenols, including epigallocatechin gallate. Green tea contains many beneficial substances, but it is necessary to highlight polyphenols separately - phytonutrients that exhibit a pronounced antioxidant effect. Polyphenolic compounds help the body protect itself from the development of cancer. Polyphenols also prevent diseases of the cardiovascular system and diabetes. Polyphenols from green tea are best absorbed when consumed without sugar.

Catechins benefit not only the immune system, but also metabolic processes. What catechins do:

Remove free radicals, slowing down the aging of all vital systems;

Adsorb cholesterol and slow down the development of atherosclerotic plaques;

Catechins are highly bioactive; they help regulate cell tone and permeability;

The antibacterial effect of catechins in green tea is beneficial not only during colds, increasing the body's resistance. In addition, they help destroy harmful microbes.

In the long term, we can note the effectiveness of cahetins in accelerating metabolic processes.

An invigorating drink with a great taste, it contains catechins in significant quantities - about 62 mg per cup.

2. Tocopherols and vitamin E protect the human body from anemia and low activity levels.

3. Carotenoids are responsible for the color and aroma of tea, and on the other hand, they help the body synthesize vitamin A.

4. Ascorbic acid helps reduce body intoxication. Green tea reduces harm from stress, life in a polluted metropolis and harmful substances.

5. Alkaloids Green tea brings undeniable benefits - they increase the flow of energy, vigor and strength. The main alkaloids are caffeine, which is found in tea in the form of theine. Pure caffeine or theine has no odor or color of its own, but has a bitter taste. Due to the theine, green tea can practically not cause harm - it is almost impossible to be poisoned by caffeine while drinking tea.

6. Tannin and other tannins act as a source of vitamin P.

Green tea: benefits for health and well-being

This healthy drink is recommended as an ambulance for various ailments - headaches, problems with blood pressure, feminine troubles and other troubles can recede if you drink a cup of tea on time.

Biostimulation- acceleration of metabolic and metabolic processes allows you to speed up all functions of the life support system. If a person feels unwell, a cup of tea will bring him closer to normal health.

Immunoprotective functions green tea benefits not only regulate blood pressure; green tea is a source of minerals that are involved in the synthesis of antibacterial substances.

Natural energy drink gives a charge of vivacity, raises vitality and, which positively distinguishes this drink from coffee, does not put unnecessary strain on the heart.

Can green tea be harmful?

Any potent substance that affects the human body can cause harm. This is usually accidental due to regular improper preparation of tea or due to individual intolerance.

Those who experience nervous exhaustion are advised to temporarily abstain from green tea - it significantly stimulates the nervous system, which can lead to a loss of energy. Green tea should also be drunk carefully by those who have problems with heart function or insomnia.

Acute forms of hypertension and hypotension also require drinking green tea with caution.

How else can you enhance the benefits and reduce the harm from green tea:

You should not drink a stale drink. Yesterday's tea can make you feel worse.

It is better to refuse low-quality tea - an unpleasant aroma may indicate a violation of storage rules.

Green tea and alcohol go very, very poorly - the negative effect is felt immediately after consumption.

Due to the fact that the drink has a strong effect on its own, it is better to refrain from simultaneous use of the drug and tea.

The most beneficial tea is drunk in the morning.

Green tea: benefits and harms for pregnant and lactating women

Pregnancy has a strange effect on the female body, and sometimes doctors prohibit even the most seemingly harmless things.

But tea and other tonic drinks, even natural ones, cannot be considered truly harmless products. Green tea has a rich chemical composition, so its use during pregnancy should be treated with caution.

If a woman does not experience problems with her health, then a cup or two of green tea is unlikely to cause harm.

During pregnancy, tea will become a source of nutrients, level out the amount of sugar and protect against the development of cancer.

Experts and doctors recommend sticking to the drink consumption rate of 200-250 ml. tea a day, do not drink it instead of water. If a woman also consumes cocoa, Coca-Cola or chocolate, which contain enough caffeine, it is necessary to calculate the permissible amount of caffeine per day to avoid increased blood pressure and heart palpitations.

Green tea for weight loss: benefits, harm and properties

Many people are interested in losing weight, and the vast majority want to do it using some passive methods - they want to brew herbs and not bother themselves with any effort. Of course, this weight loss option is unlikely on its own, but it is indispensable as support during weight loss. How exactly does tea help you lose weight:

Helps break down bad cholesterol and fats - if you follow the principles of a healthy diet, this drink will speed up metabolic processes and help get rid of toxins.

Gives energy and strength. A woman on a diet may experience a loss of energy, and invigorating herself with coffee or energy drinks is very harmful - this puts a lot of stress on the cardiovascular system and can lead to problems with blood pressure. At the same time, a pot of your favorite drink in the morning will help tone you up.

Antioxidants included in the chemical composition of the drink contribute to the rejuvenation of the skin and subcutaneous fats - the silhouette of the figure becomes toned and more slender.

To lose weight, the drink should be consumed without sugar or honey. A drop of milk will help reduce hunger, and a little lemon or ginger will speed up metabolic processes and help burn excess fat during exercise.

Also, people who watch their diet know how destructive failures and deviations from the diet are - in addition to the painful feeling of guilt after junk food or alcohol, there is also a feeling of mild poisoning.

A couple of cups will relieve discomfort, improve intestinal permeability and remove toxins.

Green tea is a controversial drink. It is prepared from tea tree leaves that have not been fermented. The rich chemical composition of green tea is known. What a person eats and drinks affects his health. Drinks sold in stores contain chemicals that are not very beneficial to the body.

There is no doubt about one drink for a long time – green tea. However, it is worth knowing all its features, because green tea can bring health benefits and harm to the same extent.

Compound

Due to the fact that the processing of fresh products mainly consists of evaporating moisture from the tea leaf, the color and composition of the finished tea leaves are as close as possible to the natural original product. Only the concentration of nutrients becomes many times greater.

The chemical composition includes such an abundance of elements that green tea is considered one of the most valuable products for the human body. It contains vitamins, microelements, and macroelements.

Tea composition:

Vitamins – for example, vitamin P, which promotes vascular health and elasticity and supports the overall cardiovascular system; vitamin C, which is found in green tea more than in lemons and oranges; vitamin K, which ensures normal blood clotting; vitamin B, which has a beneficial effect on the nervous system; vitamins A, PP, D and E.
Minerals and trace elements - for example, zinc, necessary for the growth and strengthening of hair, teeth and nails; as well as iodine, which supports the endocrine system; fluoride, which strengthens gums and teeth; potassium is a friend of the heart muscle; copper, which promotes women's health, and manganese. The minerals contained in the leaves help the proper functioning of internal organs, strengthen the immune system, maintain the balance of all body systems and normalize metabolism, which, among other things, promotes weight loss.
Caffeine - well, everyone knows caffeine, its invigorating and tonic properties are familiar to coffee lovers, but with green tea everything is not so simple. The fact is that it contains “another caffeine” - theine, the effect of which is much softer and at the same time more extended. In addition, it is completely eliminated from the body without causing side effects. When I, an experienced coffee drinker, suddenly started to have high blood pressure, my doctor recommended replacing my morning coffee with green tea, and the positive experience inspired me so much that I completely switched to it. Amazingly, my blood pressure returned to normal.
Antioxidants are flavonoids (catechins), which not only slow down the aging process, but even protect against cancer. There is an opinion that green tea, rich in catechins like no other, slows down and even stops the growth of tumors. Catechins also regulate blood sugar, which makes this drink incredibly useful for patients with diabetes.

Green tea contains catechin four main components. Just one of these components is 100 times greater than the antioxidant properties of vitamin C. Studies have shown that one cup of green tea contains up to 40 mg of polyphenols, which is many times greater than the antioxidant effect of the same apples, spinach or broccoli.

Harm of green tea

Green tea contains substances that have both positive and negative effects on the human body. In addition, green tea contains theophylline and theobromine, which have a stimulating effect on the human nervous system. That is why an infusion of tea leaves is not recommended for people with increased excitability and insomnia.

Remember that the recommended brewing water temperature is around 80-90 degrees. Without a thermometer at hand, determining the appropriate temperature is quite simple. You need to open the lid of the kettle and when steam starts to rise, bring your hand to it. The steam should not burn your hand. This temperature will be optimal. Learn once and for all - boiling water destroys most of the beneficial substances in tea, making this drink useless!

A strong drink is definitely harmful in the following situations:

During pregnancy. It interferes with the natural breakdown of folic acid, which is so vital for the developing brain of the unborn baby. All this is due to the content of a large dose of a chemical drug with the unpronounceable name “gallatepigallocatechin”. Let us again mention caffeine, which is contraindicated for pregnant women. It has not been proven for certain whether black tea prevents the breakdown of folic acid, but it does contain caffeine. Just a few cups of any tea per day can cause the birth of a child with low birth weight, stimulate premature birth with possible fetal death.
With an unstable nervous system and diseases of the cardiovascular tract. Of course, theine is harmful to them. But tea is rich in more than just theine; it contains substances that actively influence these systems, which causes its harmful effects, for example, due to theobromine.
For stomach ulcers. Tea is more likely to be contraindicated than actually harmful. Strong tea, and green tea in particular, increases the acidity of gastric juice, and this, in turn, interferes with the natural healing process of wounds. As a result, the patient's condition may worsen significantly.
At a temperature. Tea contains theophylline, which can increase a person's temperature. Therefore, a patient with a fever, drinking green tea, will worsen his condition even more.
With an unhealthy liver. Here we should specifically mention green tea. Some compounds contained in tea are extremely taxing on the liver, especially if you drink this drink in large quantities. But black tea contains very few of these compounds.
For skeleton and bones. Tests carried out by scientists on animals showed unexpected results. It turns out that tea negatively affects the skeleton and, in particular, the density of bone tissue. To be fair, we note that such studies have not been done on humans.
Leaching of beneficial microelements. Tea removes metals from the body. Again because of theine.
For teeth. Although the opposite effect was mentioned here, there is evidence that tea has a detrimental effect on tooth enamel. What to believe? There’s no definite answer, but it’s hardly worth rinsing your teeth with tea when brushing.
Formation of urea. Any tea is rich in purines, which synthesize urea during absorption. It is known to be poisonous and is difficult to remove from the body. Its salts synthesize crystals that develop gout. In addition, green tea disrupts the condition of people suffering from arthritis and rheumatism.

Why green tea in bags is harmful:

The vast majority of brands of bagged teas contain so-called tea waste (damaged leaves, petioles, sticks), which is rejected during the production of high-quality loose-leaf teas. The taste and benefits of such tea dust are minimal.
Many brands of tea bags, in addition to the tea leaf itself, contain various plant components (tree leaves, grass) of dubious quality or origin.
Often, expired tea leaves are used to produce tea bags. The paper in which tea is packaged contains thermoplastic fiber (to give shape). This substance releases various harmful substances when in contact with hot water.

An extremely hot drink should not be consumed in large doses. Therefore, if you constantly drink overheated tea, burns to internal organs will inevitably occur. They become deformed, shrink painfully, and cracks form in the tissues. These types of burns certainly increase the risk of cancer. It should be noted here that this is not a harm to tea as such.

Benefits of green tea

The beneficial properties of green tea have long been used in Asia - China, Japan, and Central Asian peoples drink this “health cocktail” every day: chilled in the heat, hot in the cold season. Look at Japanese women - their wonderful skin, youthfulness and slimness have long served as a model for all women.

Of course, a diet rich in seafood also plays an important role in maintaining youth and health, but the “drink of life” - green tea - is one of the most important components of this diet. Do you think it’s in vain that movie stars and glamorous divas in their expensive spas long ago started the fashion of indulging in a cup of green tea, which perfectly helps cleanse and rejuvenate the body?

The product has a huge number of useful properties, but the most important of them are:

Reducing the growth of cancerous tumors. The ability to stop and delay the growth of various types of tumors and fight the activity of cancer cells (however, according to some studies, green tea is ineffective against breast tumors).
The ability to remove free radicals from the body and protect against exposure to increased radiation.
Prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system, including heart attacks and strokes, lowering blood pressure.
Breakdown of fats, removal of harmful cholesterol from the body, normalization of metabolism and weight control.
Fighting oral diseases, eliminating periodontal disease and bad breath, preventing tooth decay.
Normalization and maintenance of healthy intestinal microflora.
Removing toxins, salts, including radioactive metal compounds from the body.
Maintaining vigor and daily activity, combating decreased vitality, drowsiness, and headaches.
Improving brain (mental) activity and reactions.
Relieving anxiety, depression, stress, normalizing sleep (if used correctly).
Reducing the harmful effects of tobacco on the body.
Fighting urolithiasis and cholelithiasis. Restoring water balance in the body.
Slowing down the aging process, increasing the overall tone of the body.
Improving the functioning of the endocrine, cardiovascular, immune and digestive systems.
Maintaining visual acuity, good skin and hair condition.

How to properly prepare green tea

use ceramic, porcelain or glass containers for brewing;
brew tea with not too hot water - 60-80 degrees will be enough (tea will brew even in absolutely cold water). In order to determine whether the water has reached the desired temperature, you need to listen - the bubbles in boiling water should rustle like the wind in a pine forest;
During brewing, you should not add sweet additives - it is better to add them immediately before use;
various additives to tea will help enhance certain properties of tea - tea with milk will help satisfy hunger; Hibiscus will enhance metabolic processes and give the tea a slight diuretic effect.

Green tea will turn out much tastier if you heat the teapot with steam, pour tea at the rate of a teaspoon per glass, and pour hot water. You can brew tea with milk, or make tea in the usual way and add milk to taste. This drink will help satisfy hunger and normalize blood pressure.

Does green tea raise or lower blood pressure?

As you know, the terms arterial hypertension and arterial hypertension are considered synonymous. Although, to be precise, “hypertension” means an increase in vascular tone, and “hypertension” means “an increase in pressure in the system.”

Increase in blood pressure to 140/90 mmHg. is not always associated with an increase in vascular tone. High values can be observed with their normal and even decreased tone due to an increase in cardiac output for one reason or another. Therefore, discussions about the benefits of green teas for lowering or increasing blood pressure continue.

According to one point of view, there is no change in indicators. The caffeine contained in the composition stimulates cardiac activity, which initially increases blood pressure. At the same time, the vasomotor center of the medulla oblongata, which is responsible for the narrowing or expansion of blood vessels, gives the command to reduce tone, as a result of which the indicators quickly return to normal. Research has found that green drinks have the property of thinning the blood and making it more fluid. As a result, the load on the heart muscle is significantly reduced, blood pressure levels are normalized, and the risk of stroke is reduced.
Other studies, with varying degrees of certainty, confirm the benefits of green tea for reducing the level of “bad” cholesterol, strengthening and increasing the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels due to its high content of tannins. The best effect is achieved by consuming high-quality varieties made from the upper young leaves.
Green teas are beneficial due to their diuretic effect and therefore can be used in the treatment of cardiovascular or kidney diseases and in reducing swelling. The results obtained allow us to recommend drinking a green drink to all healthy people to reduce the risk of arterial hypertension, as well as in the initial stages of this disease. Many patients note normalization or a noticeable decrease in indicators and improvement in their condition. But it is not possible to talk about a complete cure of the disease using this method.

To draw a more definite conclusion about the benefits of green tea for reducing blood pressure when consumed regularly, additional multi-year studies are required.

Green tea with milk

Perhaps the healthiest drink for tooth enamel is green tea, either in tea bags or brewed from leaves. Due to its high calcium content (495 mg), it effectively strengthens tooth enamel and prevents its thinning. In addition, when consumed with milk, tea does not stain teeth (unlike black tea, the pigment of which is not always neutralized even by milk).

Another property that is beneficial for green tea in bags with milk is that it has an alkaline environment (thanks to milk), which means it can neutralize the acidity of the stomach. Therefore, the benefits of green tea and milk in any form are obvious for people suffering from heartburn, gastritis, and high acidity. When ingested, this drink, due to its alkaline environment, reduces the acidity of gastric juice. As a result, the severity of attacks of gastritis and heartburn decreases. To improve the taste, it can be consumed with honey, jasmine, mint, lemon balm and other additives.

What is the best way to consume green tea?

In order for green tea to bring maximum benefits, choose high-quality large-leaf products. It is advisable that the product contains only one ingredient. If you want to improve the taste, then you can do it yourself by adding natural products, and not flavorings of unknown origin.

Tea is drunk freshly brewed. After just an hour, the concentration of vitamins in it decreases significantly. You should not heat tea because it forms harmful compounds. High-quality varieties are brewed 2-3 times, with the infusion time increasing by 20 seconds each time.

A hot drink destroys tooth enamel and irritates the stomach, while a cold drink is poorly absorbed and becomes less beneficial.