Green Tea Surprising Benefits | 3 Ways to Make Green Tea

Originally posted on February 11, 2023 @ 11:11 am

Green tea has been a staple in many cultures for centuries and is widely known for its refreshing taste and potential health benefits. But beyond the taste, there are several surprising benefits of drinking green tea that you may not be aware of.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the surprising benefits of drinking green tea and why it’s worth incorporating it into your daily routine.

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Benefits of Drinking Green Tea

Below is the list of the surprising benefits of green tea that you should know.  They include:

1. Boosts Brain Function

One of the most surprising benefits of drinking green tea is its ability to improve brain function. Green tea contains caffeine, which is known to improve alertness and focus. But it also contains a unique compound called L-theanine, which is an amino acid that helps to increase alpha brain waves, promoting a state of relaxation and improved mental clarity.

This combination of caffeine and L-theanine can help to improve memory and cognitive performance, making it a great choice for a mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up.

2. Promotes Weight Loss

Green tea has been shown to have a positive effect on weight loss and body fat. The catechins found in green tea have been shown to boost metabolism, and studies have found that those who drink green tea regularly tend to have lower body fat percentages.

While drinking green tea alone won’t cause weight loss, incorporating it into a healthy diet and exercise routine can have a positive impact on weight loss efforts.

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3. Antioxidant Properties

Green tea is packed with antioxidants, which are compounds that help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals are produced when the body metabolizes food, and they can cause damage to cells and contribute to aging and disease.

Antioxidants found in green tea have been shown to have a positive impact on heart health, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

4. Supports Immune System

Green tea is known to have a positive impact on the immune system, and studies have found that drinking green tea regularly can help to improve overall health and reduce the risk of illness. The antioxidants in green tea have been shown to help reduce inflammation, and the catechins in green tea have been found to have antimicrobial properties, helping to protect against the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses.

5. Reduces Stress

The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in green tea has a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety. Drinking green tea has been shown to lower cortisol levels, which is the hormone responsible for stress and anxiety, helping to promote a sense of relaxation and calm.

3 Ways to Make Green Tea at Home

Making the perfect cup of green tea is simple. Green tea can be prepared in primarily two ways, but many other beneficial ingredients can be added in addition to green tea. Let’s start with the basics.

1. How to Make Green Tea with Leaves

Green tea preparation differs from that of black tea. You must follow a few simple steps. When making green tea, keep in mind that if the tea leaves are steeped in water that is hotter than 90°C, the tea will become bitter. Soak it in cool water. Here are the steps for making green tea with leaves.

What You Will Require:

• Green tea leaves – 1 teaspoon for 1 cup of green tea.
• You could also use green tea pearls.
• A tea strainer -wash and dry it before using it to make regular black tea.
• A cup -1 cup water in a stainless steel pot

Step 1: Take one teaspoon of green tea leaves. If you want to make more than one cup of green tea, use 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves for each cup. Take 4 teaspoons of green tea leaves for 4 cups of green tea.

Step 2: Place the tea leaves in a strainer/sieve and set aside.

Step 3: Boil the water in a stainless steel pot/pan. Go ahead and use a glass teapot instead. The ideal temperature for green tea is 80°C to 85°C, so keep an eye on the water to ensure it is not boiling. If it does begin to boil, simply turn off the heat/gas and allow it to cool for a few minutes (say, for 30-45 seconds).

Step 4: Place the sieve/ strainer over the cup or mug.

Step 5: Pour hot water into the cup and steep the tea for 3 minutes. This is the point at which we must exercise extreme caution. Because not everyone likes their tea strong, keep a spoon nearby and drink a spoonful of tea every 30-45 seconds to see if the flavor is right for you.

Step 6: Take out the sieve and set it aside. If desired, add 1 teaspoon honey.

Step 7: Allow the drink to cool for a few seconds after stirring in the honey. Enjoy your cup of green tea.

2. How to Make Green Tea from Tea Bags

Green tea bags are, well, convenient for many people. They are portable and can quickly be converted into a hot cup of tea – all you need is a cup of hot water. So, here’s how to make a cup of green tea with a green tea bag.

If you use tea bags, make sure they are unbleached. Most tea bags are bleached to make them white, and you don’t want any bleach in your antioxidant-rich drink!

What You Will Require:

• 1 high-quality green tea bag
• 1 cup of hot water
• 1 stainless steel/clay cup
• a cup lid
• A stainless steel pot

Step 1: In a stainless steel pot, bring the water to a boil. Make sure it does not reach the boiling point of 100 degrees Celsius. The water should be between 80 and 85 degrees Celsius.

Step 2: Place the green tea bag in the clay or stainless steel cup.

Step 3: Fill the cup halfway with hot water and cover it with a small lid. Allow it to steep for three minutes.

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Step 4: Remove the lid and tea bag after 3 minutes.

Step 5: Stir with a spoon and enjoy a refreshing sip!

3. How to Brew Green Tea with Powder

Green tea powder, which is widely available in the market, can also be used to make it. Here’s the best way to make green tea with green tea powder.

What You Will Require:

• 1 to 12 teaspoon green tea powder
• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 teaspoon honey

Step 1: Heat a cup of water in a stainless steel or glass bowl. Remember that overheating green tea makes it bitter, so keep an eye on the temperature. Check the temperature with a kitchen thermometer to see if it is around 85°C.

Step 2: Once it reaches the boiling point, turn off the heat. Allow it to cool for a few seconds now.

Step 3: Add the green tea powder to the water. The ideal time to soak green tea is about 3 minutes, but you can take a sip after 12 minutes to see if the flavor is strong enough.

Step 4: After 3 minutes, the color should have changed to brown. Pour it through a strainer.

Step 5: Pour the tea into a cup and top with honey.

So that was all about making green tea in three simple ways. Though it may appear to be simple, the secret to making a perfect cup of green tea lies in how you brew it. So, here are a few green tea brewing tips to help you get the right taste and flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, drinking green tea offers a wide range of surprising benefits that go beyond its refreshing taste. From boosting brain function and promoting weight loss to supporting the immune system and reducing stress, there are many reasons to make green tea a regular part of your daily routine.

Whether you prefer it hot or iced, make sure to incorporate this healthy beverage into your daily diet for a healthy and happy lifestyle.