Eat for health: Green tea

By Brandie Umar - Executive Director of Content | June 9th, 2010

If you're focused on eating a balanced diet to protect your health, cutting back on caffeine intake is important. Too much caffeine can raise blood pressure, cause sleep problems and contrary to popular belief, caffeine raises stress levels rather than acting as a relaxant. More than three cups of coffee or highly caffeinated soft-drinks raise adreneline levels increasing risk of stroke and heart disease.

Green tea contains lower levels of caffeine, is antioxidant rich, a natural relaxant and a perfect alternative to a caffeine hit. Similar to 'superfoods' blueberries and cranberries, this 'super' drink is rich in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) an antioxidant that helps the body fight off cancer cells and is effective at preventing blood clots. Increasing the amount of EGCG in the body can ward off

heart disease, reduce the risk of stroke and lower levels of bad cholesterol.

Antioxidants aren't the only benefit of green tea; research has shown that regularly drinking green tea speeds up the metabolism, aiding weight loss and further reducing blood pressure.

Green tea can also help reduce the risk of adult-onset, type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest that blood glucose levels in people diagnosed with pre-diabetes could be lowered if the person regularly drinks green tea, however more research is needed before this benefit of green tea is confirmed.

'How to' drink green tea

Don't use boiling water to brew green tea. Boiling water can kill many of the health friendly properties of the drink. Bring water almost to a boil or allow to cool slightly before pouring onto the leave.
Re-use tea leaves or teabag to reduce caffeine per cup and ensure you get all the benefits of the antioxidants.
Powdered green tea, 'matcha', is an excellent source of green tea nutrients and can be added to baking and deserts for an additional health boost.
Green tea can be added to fruit juices and enjoyed cold, or blended with fruit for a breakfast smoothie.