Green tea: what is it for and how to drink it
- What is green tea for
- Nutritional information of green tea
- How to take
- Side effects and contraindications
The medicinal plant scientifically calledCamellia sinensisit can be used both to produce green tea and red tea, which are rich in caffeine, and help you lose weight, lower cholesterol and prevent the onset of heart disease.
This plant can be found in the form of tea or capsules and is also indicated to detoxify the liver and contributes to the elimination of cellulite, and can be consumed in the form of warm or iced tea. It can be purchased at health food stores, compounding pharmacies and some supermarkets.
What is green tea for
Green tea has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, anti-tumor and energizing action, as it has flavonoids, catechins, polyphenols, alkaloids, vitamins and minerals in its composition that contribute to the prevention and treatment of various diseases.
Thus, its main uses include:
- Strengthen the immune system;
- Help with weight loss;
- Combat chronic inflammation caused by the accumulation of body fat;
- Help to control the amount of circulating sugar in the blood;
- Fight osteoporosis;
- Help maintain alertness and attention.
In addition, due to its large amount of antioxidants, green tea can prevent premature aging, since it increases the production of collagen and elastin, maintaining the health of the skin.
In addition, regular consumption of green tea can have long-term benefits, such as increased nerve connections, which can also be related to the prevention of Alzheimer's, for example.
Nutritional information of green tea
| Components | Amount per 240 ml (1 cup) |
| Energy | 0 calories |
| Water | 239.28 g |
| Potassium | 24 mg |
| Caffeine | 25 mg |
How to take
The used parts of green tea are its leaves and buttons for making teas or slimming capsules, which can be purchased at pharmacies and health food stores.
To make tea, just add 1 teaspoon of green tea in a cup of boiling water. Cover, let warm for 4 minutes, strain and drink up to 4 cups a day.
Side effects and contraindications
Side effects of green tea include nausea, stomach pain and poor digestion. In addition, it also decreases blood clotting capacity and, therefore, should be avoided before surgery.
Green tea is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, as well as for patients with difficulty sleeping, gastritis or high blood pressure.
