Go Green

Naturopathic nutritional therapists Patricia and Angela talk about the innumerable benefits of green tea. It's always a tasty, healthy option and particularly so on a detox such as Equitox.

Patricia Clarke Dip. Nat. Nut.and
Angela MacRitchie Dip. Nat. Nut.

The British are renowned for their love of tea, but the Japanese have a whole cultural ceremony dedicated to green tea called Chanoyu, Sado or simply Ocha in Japanese. It is a carefully choreographed ritual of preparing and serving green tea with an emphasis on aesthetics, the guests and love. This custom all about the social gathering, either formal or informal, but green tea also has a load of health benefits that make this ceremony extra special.

Catechins are plant based antioxidants called polyphenols found in green tea, which have been shown to eliminate fat accumulation and to support liver function. One of the more powerful antioxidant compounds in green tea is called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which studies show may have more antioxidant properties than a serving of broccoli, spinach or carrots.

Being packed with vitamins A, D, E, C, B, and K, and other beneficial minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and selenium, green tea is a great choice for beneficial nutrients.

Although green tea contains caffeine, the stimulating effects are negated by the inclusion of the amino acid theanine. Theanine promotes a relaxing effect and increases the neurotransmitter dopamine. To a lesser degree, green tea usually also contains amino acids glutamine, asparagine, arginine and serine

Green tea is thermogenic. This means it increases your metabolic rate by increasing heat in your body. Thermogenic food and drink can support you in losing weight.

Did you know that not all green tea should not always be prepared with boiling water? Each type of green tea has an optimal temperature for brewing. Put your tea leaves in a teapot and wait until the water has cooled to the desired temperature before pouring it over the leaves. Let the tea infuse to your desired taste.

There are many different types of green tea leaves to choose from, amongst them sencha (80°C), hojicha (boiling), gyokura (60°C), and bancha (boiling). Matcha tea (80°C), made from stone ground tencha leaves, is one of the most nutrient-rich green teas and is thought to have up to 17 times the antioxidants of wild blueberries. Make sure you know where your green tea comes from though and that is free from fluoride and heavy metals.

Tulsi is another tea loaded with anti-inflammatory antioxidants and other micronutrients that may support immune function and heart health.

Green tea is not only a delicious liver-loving beverage, but also a great way to support your overall health. For most, one cup of tea or coffee is fine, but if you fancy another, Go Green.

Angela MacRitchie