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Both green tea and black tea come from the same plant, Camelia Sinensis, found in tropical and sub-tropical regions like India and China.
The difference being; black tea when dried is fermented and oxidised and green tea is left unfermented, and then merely steamed.
Green teas greatest benefits are due to its polyphenols, which the drying process concentrates. Many experts now believe that green tea is thus a better, more whole, source of natural chemicals like proteins, sugars and vitamins and, in particular, natural antioxidants.
THE PROS:
Contains variety of polyphenols, potent antioxidants, which prevent plaque building and fatty deposits forming on the walls of the arteries, as well as lowering LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels overall.
- Increases "good" HDL cholesterol.
- Can stop the uptake of glucose by fat cells.
- Reduces appetite according to research in the International Journal of Obesity.
- May protect against certain types of cancers including lung, stomach cancer and its pre-cancerous condition, gastritis.
- Observational study in Japan found that the regular consumption of green tea (more than 3 cups a day) might be protective against recurrence of breast cancer in the early stages.
- Drinking just one cup per day reduced ovarian cancer risk by 60 per cent, and in another study reduced prostate cancer risk by 33 per cent. (Perth University, 2002).
- Anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
THE CONS:
- Green tea contains caffeine and thus has a mild stimulating effect - can cause tremors and sleeplessness at high levels of consumption.
- If you have difficulty falling asleep, avoid drinking green tea from late afternoon onwards, and certainly not before bedtime.
- A bitter taste.
- Possible discoloration of the teeth in excessive amounts.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Intake should probably be around two to three cups per day, although some experts recommend ten. Should be a part of your natural antioxidant repertoire.
Dr. Mubina Jiwa is a member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and the director of Essence of Health. Dr. Jiwa is also an Assistant Professor at The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
W: www.essenceofhealth.ca
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