Black tea and coffee have been replaced by green tea. Without additives in the form of herbs and dried fruits, this tea is not as aromatic as its analogues, but it has more beneficial properties. How to extract benefits and minimize harm from green tea? We would like to answer this question in this article.

The properties of green tea have been used for hundreds of years, but only in recent decades has the effectiveness of green tea been scientifically proven various diseases. It is important to drink not only high-grade tea, but also to store and brew it correctly.

The correct way to brew tea is in a special container...

What is green tea?

Green tea is the result of steaming tea leaves at a temperature of 170-180 degrees, then fermentation is possible for no longer than 2 days, which is completed forcibly using heat. When dry, the color of green tea varies from light green to dark green. The tea itself is light yellow, orange or greenish in color with a herbal note and a slightly tart taste. If the tea tastes bitter, then it Bad quality, overstayed or improperly brewed.

Safer to use leaf tea highest quality. This is because green tea bags are waste. tea business, essentially tea dust. Even if bagged green tea is properly brewed in boiling water, it will not provide any significant health benefits.

In Asian countries, they prefer “brick” green tea, made from old leaves, branches and pruning parts. “Bricks” contain at least 75% green leaves, thanks to which this tea stands out for its tart taste and can be stored for a long time.

Composition and beneficial properties of green tea

Green tea contains:

• vitamin K;
• minerals (fluorine, copper, iodine, manganese, chromium, zinc and selenium);
• natural antioxidants (polyphenols);
• caffeine;
• tannin (vitamin B1);
• riboflavin (vitamin B2);
• nicotinic acid (vitamin PP).

Vitamin C improves immunity, helps fight viruses and avoid illness. Tannin has a beneficial effect on digestive process, supports stable functioning of the nervous system and has an antimicrobial effect. Vitamin B2 affects skin elasticity, and B15 helps to penetrate the body with beneficial substances. Vitamin PP has an antiallergic effect. But they especially highlight vitamin P, which affects the strengthening of blood vessels.

Iodine affects the functioning of the endocrine system, and fluoride will help effectively fight caries in combination with other treatment methods. Vitamin K affects blood clotting by promoting the formation of prothrombin in the blood. Natural antioxidants in green tea effectively remove radicals from the body, which is used in various diets and diseases. This is how green tea can be beneficial. How to brew it correctly and for what diseases it is beneficial is discussed further in this article.

Benefits of green tea

Green tea can be used to prevent various problems and diseases. Green tea benefits:

• vision;
• cardiovascular system;
• cerebral vessels;
• hypotensive patients, regulating blood pressure;
• pregnant women with toxicosis, during lactation;
• metabolic processes in the body, cleansing it of toxins;
• digestive system;
• nervous system;
• immune system;
• teeth, whitening them;
• diuretic system;
• for diabetes;
• with excess weight;
• alcoholics, reducing the effect of a hangover - although these representatives of the animal world can only benefit from getting rid of a bad habit;
• mammary and prostate glands (anti-cancer properties);
• the body, uplifting the mood and relieving stress.

In general, it should be noted that among varieties of tea, green is second in its beneficial properties only to tea, which retains more healing substances in its composition due to minimal processing and fermentation.

For green tea to have an effective effect on the body, it should be consumed regularly, an average of 2 cups per day. But no more than 4 glasses of green tea per day. Pregnant women should alternate drinking green tea with other healthy drinks- compote, fruit drinks.

In order not to destroy the beneficial properties of green tea, it is important to know how to brew it correctly. To do this, it is necessary to monitor the quality of all components involved in the brewing process:

1. Water – filtered or drinking non-carbonated, brought to a boil at 100 degrees. But it is better to brew green with slightly cooled boiling water - 80-85 degrees.
2. Kettle for brewing - ceramic (porcelain) dishes with thick walls are used, which keep the desired temperature longer. It must have a lid on top and on the spout. Before use, boiling water is poured over the inside and outside to warm up and only then green tea is added.
3. Tea leaves – High Quality, a reliable supplier and are in the right conditions storage Transfer to the kettle only using a dry and clean spoon. Before brewing, rinse the leaves with boiling water in a teapot, and only then pour boiling water over them.
4. Brewing time depends on the type of green tea leaves. Loose leaf tea It takes longer to brew than small-leaf. The average brewing time is 10-15 minutes if you plan to have tea at a large number of people and diluting tea in glasses. If it is brewed only for a family or a couple, then it is infused for no more than 5 minutes, and is not diluted in glasses.
5. Proportions – 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves per 1 cup, about 200 ml. When drinking tea for a large number of people, add 1 more spoon on top of the norm.
6. Additional ingredients: lemon, sugar, milk. It is especially popular to add milk to green tea during pregnancy and lactation; such tea regulates the pregnant woman’s blood pressure, cleanses her body and supplies some of the necessary nutrients. The warm liquid itself stimulates milk production, and the combination of milk and tea increases lactation.

Harm of green tea

Green tea can be harmful, rather than beneficial, if storage rules or brewing methods are violated. Therefore, when purchasing, pay attention to the leaves, they should be light shade. If they are broken, with a dull and dull color, this indicates a long shelf life. This tea cannot be used.

When brewing main mistake There may be unboiled water getting into the tea tincture. This will spoil the tea and may cause stomach problems. You should not drink strong brewed tea on an empty stomach, during periods of exacerbation of diseases, tone and the threat of miscarriage. You should respect the time limits for brewing tea; too strong tea can cause insomnia or nervous tension.

You can't drink it down green tea medications, since it does not promote their absorption. Do not use stale tea leaves or leftover tea from yesterday in the morning. You should follow the rules for storing it - in a wooden box or in glass jar with the lid tightly closed. This is what green tea can be, the benefits and harms of which are discussed in this article.

Still, you should not abuse the beneficial properties of green tea; drink it several hours before meals, and not on an empty stomach in the morning. Regular consumption of properly brewed green tea will benefit both men and women. It is strongly recommended not to overdo the dosage and limit yourself to 1 cup of green tea per day during pregnancy or serious chronic diseases.

Green tea is a drink with rich thousand years of history. Its healing power was known already several hundred years BC. Once upon a time, it was generally used only for medicinal purposes, by everyone - from the poor to the nobility, and was presented as a gift to the gods. But over time it began to be used every day. A unique culture of growing and preparing the leaves arose, and consumption turned into an extraordinary ceremony.

The magical infusion of camellia leaves has been guarding the physical and mental (nervous) health of humans for thousands of years. The extraordinary power contained in it is capable of miracles.

Healing properties

What are the benefits of green tea? Its first targets are the “organs of fire.” This is what the small intestine and heart are called in Chinese medicine.

The infusion accelerates the process of final breakdown of food occurring in the small intestine. It helps digest the undigested and remove toxins. By the way, this organ is like a “stove”. It warms everything inside the human body. Problems with this peculiar stove lead to obesity, because a person is forced to conserve heat with fat. Tea improves the functioning of the organ, therefore, it helps to lose weight.

If consumed correctly, the drink will be good for the heart. The medical treatise says that it generates love and acceptance in this organ, which helps eliminate diseases. It is believed that these feelings are responsible for a person’s ability to resist colds, infections, viruses and stress. Whether the infusion fills you with love or not, it really improves the functioning of the main muscle. A healthy heart adjusts the entire body to the correct rhythm.

What else is green tea good for?

• It contains caffeine, but not pure harmful form, and in such as thein. This substance also gives vigor, strength, energy, and improves performance. But at the same time, theine acts much more easily than caffeine and quickly leaves the body.
• This is a wonderful antimicrobial agent, used even in the treatment of dysentery.
• It stimulates not only the functioning of the small intestine, but also, in general, has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Improves the activity of each organ of this system.
• Capable of removing some serious elements of radiation, thereby saving a person from possible dangerous diseases. It protects against harmful radiation, neutralizing the bad effects. Therefore, it is very good for those whose work involves a computer. It is also useful when your duty requires you to constantly be on your cell phone.
• Green tea is an antioxidant. With regular and correct use(and proper preparation) preserves youth, health and beauty.
• Infusion is a prophylactic against diabetes mellitus(reduces sugar), increased bone fragility, hypertension.
• It normalizes weight.
• Strengthens blood vessels, restoring the elasticity of tubular formations. It accelerates cleansing processes, reduces the amount of bad cholesterol and protects against the occurrence of insidious atherosclerosis.
• Improves blood circulation.
• Relieves allergic manifestations.
• Stops the development of oncology.
• The drink contains vital vitamins, minerals, and various elements.
• It is nutritionally equal to legumes.
• The infusion has a healing effect on the nervous system. Accelerates the reaction to the world, increases vital activity and concentration. Relieves fatigue. It is an antidepressant. It happens that it brings insight, illuminating problems from a different angle so that a solution is easily found. Increases creativity.
• Improves vision.
• It is also a diaphoretic, which reduces the tendency skin to irritation. In general, it has a great effect on the dermis, which makes it possible to use the beneficial properties of green tea for the production of cosmetics.
• Increases life expectancy.

The qualities and composition of the leaves have a beneficial effect on health. But in addition, this valuable infusion has certain properties that make it both beneficial and harmful separately for men and women.

Harmfulness and usefulness for women

Regardless of age, drinking tea gives a woman a lot. How is green tea beneficial for the fair sex?

Benefit

• Brew six tablespoons of leaves with boiling water (0.5 l), leave for a little while and pour into water.
• It is used in cosmetology, having the ability to soothe, relieve irritation, and rejuvenate the skin. This effect can be achieved not only by taking the drink directly with food, but also by using self-cooking masks, creams and baths. For example, to improve tone and renew the skin, you can prepare the following infusion for a bath:
• Diuretic, bowel stimulating and diaphoretic properties, ability to remove waste and toxins, plus low calorie content makes it useful for weight loss.
• The infusion reduces the possibility of breast cancer by 90%. This has been proven by ongoing research. And reduces the risk of other types by more than half oncological diseases.
• It minimizes the likelihood of femoral neck fracture in older women.
• Let's go back to cosmetic effect. He heals greasy hair, if you rinse them after washing. A tea leaves mask on the face eliminates the network of small vessels and has a tightening effect on aging dermis. Ice from a strong infusion, if used regularly to wipe the face, improves the appearance and makes the skin noticeably younger.

How does tea work during pregnancy?

During this golden time, you think about every step. Therefore, many expectant mothers are concerned about what should be consumed and what not, so as not to harm the unborn baby.

Of course, there are doubts about the usefulness of the drink for women during this period. The presence of caffeine in the leaves is of concern. And also the fact that the infusion interferes with the absorption of such an important substance during pregnancy folic acid, which is responsible for the proper development of the fetus. But you should understand that it all depends on the preparation and the amount drunk per day. If you do it incorrectly, and besides, “sip” it all day, then, of course, it will only bring harm to women, especially pregnant women.

But you should limit or exclude tea leaves from your diet at the very beginning of pregnancy. In addition, a woman at this time is particularly sensitive to the components. Therefore, the invigorating effect of the drink can become stimulating, which will also affect the baby. After all, any condition of the mother affects him.

Can pregnant women drink green tea? It is possible, but very carefully. A properly brewed infusion, not strong, and in very moderate doses (no more than 2 cups) will only give mommy benefits.

Lactation

Another question that is extremely concerning to women is whether green tea can be consumed while breastfeeding?

Yes. But it is permissible to drink it in weak concentrations, in small doses and only during the day. In the evening, it will prevent not only the mother from falling asleep, but also the baby.

Harm of tea for women

The harm for women lies in excessive consumption of the drink. It is especially abused by those who want to lose weight.

• The magical properties mysteriously disappear if it is not prepared and consumed correctly.

Often representatives of the fair sex drink the infusion after intense training in the gym. So, this is harmful, because after exercise the body only needs clean water!

Harm and benefits of a healing drink for men

Tea has a positive effect on potency. Impaired sexual performance often becomes very frustrating for men as they age. The infusion helps restore this male ability. How does green tea affect potency?

• Impotence occurs when there is a violation in the muscle of the male genital organ, blocking the outflow of blood at the right time. She is not trainable. For normal functioning, muscles need zinc. This element is sufficient in green tea. Better results can be achieved if it is consumed together with foods that also contain zinc. Plus it affects normal testosterone production.
• It has long been known that spending long periods of time at the computer and TV negatively affects men’s sexual performance. Radiation causes harm. This phenomenon neutralizes an infusion of green tea leaves diluted with milk.

In addition to restoring potency, the drink can provide many other good and beneficial benefits to representatives of the stronger sex. The harm lies only in non-compliance with the measures in use, incorrect brewing and use in cases where it is contraindicated.

Harm of tea, restrictions and contraindications

The benefits and harms of green tea are always nearby. For example, it is useful to drink it to prevent osteoporosis in old age, but at the same time it should be limited, since it can have a bad effect on the joints in these years. Yes, it is advisable to reduce the consumption of the drink after 60 years (or even 50) to one or two cups per week. Especially if you have kidney disease.

It's better not to drink tea in large quantities, if there is a predisposition to the formation of stones, especially when they are already available.

Exacerbation of ulcers and gastritis is also a contraindication to the use of infusion.

Strengthens harmful effect consumption in combination with alcohol.

Also, brewing from green leaves is prohibited:

• with hypotension;
• arrhythmias;
• insomnia;
• gout;
• heat (high temperature);
• glaucoma;
• high nervous excitability.

And more tips:

• You should not drink the drink on an empty stomach.
• Strength does not add any benefits, but, on the contrary, has a bad effect on well-being.
• From long brewing, the infusion becomes bitter, tasteless, and worsens nutritional properties. If it is stale it becomes harmful.
• You should not take pills and other medications with tea, as they may not be absorbed.

A drink of health and longevity, beauty and youth, tea worthy of emperors and kings... It even helped survive the nuclear disaster in Japan without any special consequences for those who regularly consumed it. Should we doubt it? Of course not. The main thing is moderation and the absence of contraindications.

All tea lovers should know the benefits of green tea. This will allow you to consume the drink correctly and also expand the possibilities of its use. Proper intake of the infusion can help with many conditions, as well as prevent various diseases.

Composition, calorie content and nutritional value of green tea

The calorie content and composition of tea is calculated for a dry leaf. When brewing, some substances may disappear, while others may move from one class to the second. But when proper preparation can be extracted maximum amount benefits from the drink.

• proteins;
• fats;
• carbohydrates;
• vitamin PP (niacin);
• vitamin C (ascorbic acid);
• vitamin B2 (riboflavin);
• vitamin B1 (thiamine);
• vitamin A (retinol);
• phosphorus;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• sodium;
• magnesium;
• fluorine;
• iron;
• catechins;
• polyphenols;
• tocopherols;
• caffeine.

The calorie content of the drink is low. There are 83 kcal per 100 g of raw material, while a portion requires a fortieth of this weight. One cup of tea contains 1.6 kcal. But if you add sugar or honey, this number will increase to account for the sweetness. That's why greatest benefit can be obtained by consuming the pure product.

What are the benefits of green tea for women?

Beneficial features Green tea is often used by women to maintain health and beauty. Its extracts are added to creams that have a beneficial effect on problematic skin. For those who do not like the taste of the drink, we have developed dietary supplements containing crushed leaves. They have the same properties as the infusion, but are compressed into a more convenient form.

It is especially effective to wash your face with tea infusion in the morning and evening. This helps relieve inflammation and soothe the skin. You can also freeze it and use it as a tonic in the morning, helping you wake up faster and tone yourself up.

Regular consumption of green tea in the morning will give you energy, make it easier to get up and give you good mood all day.

It will also improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which will make it easy to maintain yourself at the desired weight. Drinking this drink helps improve your well-being and appearance any woman.

So much has been said about him good words, that it’s even somehow inconvenient to discuss the benefits and harms of green tea. But many, although they know about its healing abilities, cannot say exactly what they are. Usually the matter is limited to a couple of properties - “cleans blood vessels”, “helps to lose weight”. What is then unique about the drink? Let's find out!

Healing talents of weakly fermented tea

Green and black tea are not even relatives, otherwise they are essentially the same “character”, because tea leaves for the first and second types are collected from the same bushes. It's all about processing. Green tea, unlike black tea, is not fermented. The moisture is simply evaporated from it. Thanks to gentle production technology, it completely retains the valuable substances inherent in it by nature.

What are these components that determine the properties of green tea and its benefits and harms? It contains a veritable arsenal of antioxidants. There are as many of them in a cup of emerald drink as in ten glasses of fresh apple juice! About 15-30% of its composition comes from tannins. These are up to 30 types of polyphenolic compounds, including tannin, catechins and others.

The unique aroma of green tea is ensured by the presence essential oils, and they largely determine the quality of such a drink. It contains amino acids, among which glutamic acid should be noted - it normalizes metabolism and restores “shaken” nerves. Green tea contains plant proteins, so it will not only make you drink, but also nourish you.

To explain the benefits of green tea, just look at the list of its medicinal properties.

The healing effects of green tea:

• inhibits aging, prolongs youth, increases lifespan: this effect is associated with a high content of antioxidants;
• reduces the likelihood of getting cancer: Japanese scientists conducted studies for 12 years that confirmed that daily consumption of such a “product” significantly reduces the growth rate of a malignant tumor (but to obtain this result you need to drink up to 1.5 liters of tea, which is 19 cups) ;
• increases immunity;
• removes waste, carcinogens, neutralizes toxins;
• supports the heart, reduces the risk of heart attack by half;
• promotes destruction excess fat, suppresses appetite, which helps in the fight against excess weight;
• improves metabolism;
• removes “bad” cholesterol;
• stabilizes blood sugar levels;
• increases the strength of blood vessels;
• reduces cravings for alcohol;
• activates brain activity;
• protects the liver from the destructive effects of alcohol;
• reduces pressure (by 10-20 units);
• prevents caries and gum inflammation;
• provides sharp vision;
• gives vigor, increases performance;
• neutralizes Negative influence waves emitted by a computer monitor.

It is widely believed that green tea is better than plain water, quenches thirst and restores water losses.

Does drinking harm your kidneys?

What is green tea for the kidneys? Is such a drink beneficial or harmful to this vital organ? It is a powerful diuretic. If you drink it like water - often and in large quantities, you can lead yourself to dehydration. This will increase the concentration of salts and acids in the kidneys. As a result, stones will appear in them.

It is strictly not recommended to consume it in large quantities for those people who suffer from diseases of the urinary system. Urologists advise limiting yourself to a couple of small cups per day. And after drinking tea, you should definitely drink 250 ml of plain water to compensate for the loss of fluid.

That's how I cured it! Possible negative consequences

Among the drinks for daily use(we are not talking about herbal decoctions) it is difficult to find a more multifunctional “medicine” than green tea. Its benefits and harm to the body are incomparable.

But this does not mean that if you drink it in liters, you can throw away all the medicines from your home medicine cabinet and forget the way to the clinic. Green tea requires careful handling. If you drink it excessively, too strong, and even on an empty stomach, you may encounter very unpleasant side effects.

Adverse reactions that green tea can cause:

• headache;
• nausea;
• dizziness;
• sleep disorder;
• irritability;
• loose stools;
• tremor of the limbs;
• heartburn;
• feeling of discomfort when urinating;
• convulsions.

To avoid such “surprises”, it is enough to adhere to simple rules: drink only quality tea, drink no more than 2-3 cups per day, take the last portion at least three hours before bedtime, do not swallow a scalding drink (if its temperature is above 60 degrees, it will increase the risk of stomach cancer).

Important! If you drink green tea in liters, you can end up with liver problems, as an overdose of polyphenols will occur.

And I would drink, but my health does not dictate!

If you drink it without taking into account contraindications, then all the benefits of green tea will come to naught. Even such an eminent “doctor” is not for everyone.

Diagnoses for which it is better to avoid this drink:

• urolithiasis: since green tea has a fairly pronounced diuretic effect, it can provoke the movement of stones;
• anemia: this drink impairs the absorption of iron in the body;
• ulcers, serious pathologies of the digestive system: if there are such problems, then you will have to exclude this tea from the menu, because it increases acidity;
• nervous disorders that are accompanied by overexcitation, insomnia, tachycardia: tea will only aggravate the patient’s condition, as it contains caffeine;
• hypotension: green tea will cause your blood pressure to drop even lower, but this will not happen if you prepare it in a weak concentration, but if you pour a heaping spoonful into one cup, your blood pressure may drop to critical levels;
• gout.

Green tea is not suitable for young children either, because their nervous systems are still developing. This means that there is no need for them to take “stimulants” (even natural ones).

There are different opinions as to whether green tea is allowed for expectant mothers. Its benefits and harms to the body of a pregnant woman have not yet been fully studied. But gynecologists do not recommend leaning on it in the first trimester, as it brings the uterus into increased tone, which poses a risk of fetal rejection.

Starting from the fourth month, such a strict ban is lifted, but in order to eliminate even the slightest risks for the baby, it is better for a pregnant woman to limit herself to one cup of this “medicine” per day.

Drink according to the rules!

How to use its healing and health properties to get all the benefits of green tea? To feel for your own health healing power drink of Japanese centenarians, you need to learn how to prepare it correctly.

Five main secrets of making green tea:

• for brewing, use a faience (or, in extreme cases, ceramic) teapot with a lid;
• take clean (not tap!) water, add 1 small spoon of tea leaves per 250 ml of liquid;
• pour them into a preheated teapot;
• rinse the tea leaf with mild boiling water (this will reduce the caffeine concentration), then pour it hot water(with temperature from 70 to 85°);
• do not dilute the tea with water, but instead of sugar, take honey (add it when the temperature of the drink drops to 50 degrees).

Important! According to experts in tea traditions, such a drink gives out all its healing properties only from the third brew!

Green tea is a controversial drink. It is prepared from leaves tea tree that have not been fermented. Famous Rich chemical composition green tea. What a person eats and drinks affects his health. Drinks sold in stores contain chemical substances, which are not very beneficial for the body.

There is no doubt about one drink for a long time – green tea. However, it is worth knowing all its features, because green tea can bring health benefits and harm to the same extent.

Compound

Due to the fact that the processing of fresh products mainly consists of evaporating moisture from the tea leaf, the color and composition of the finished tea leaves are as close as possible to the natural original product. Only concentration useful substances, becomes many times larger.

The chemical composition includes such an abundance of elements that green tea is considered one of the most valuable products for the human body. It contains vitamins, microelements, and macroelements.

Tea composition:

1. Vitamins – for example, vitamin P, which promotes vascular health and elasticity and supports the overall cardiovascular system; vitamin C, which is found in green tea more than in lemons and oranges; vitamin K, which ensures normal blood clotting; vitamin B, which has a beneficial effect on the nervous system; vitamins A, PP, D and E.
2. Minerals and trace elements - for example, zinc, necessary for the growth and strengthening of hair, teeth and nails; as well as iodine, which supports endocrine system; fluoride, which strengthens gums and teeth; potassium is a friend of the heart muscle; copper, promoting women's health, and manganese. The minerals contained in the leaves help in the proper functioning of internal organs, strengthen the immune system, maintain the balance of all body systems and normalize metabolism, which, among other things, promotes weight loss.
3. Caffeine - well, everyone knows caffeine, its invigorating and tonic properties are familiar to coffee lovers, but with green tea everything is not so simple. The fact is that it contains “another caffeine” - theine, the effect of which is much softer and at the same time more extended. In addition, it is completely eliminated from the body without causing side effects. When I, an experienced coffee drinker, suddenly started to have high blood pressure, my doctor recommended replacing Morning coffee green tea, and the positive experience inspired me so much that I completely switched to it. Amazingly, my blood pressure returned to normal.
4. Antioxidants are flavonoids (catechins), which not only slow down the aging process, but even protect against cancer. There is an opinion that green tea, rich in catechins like no other, slows down and even stops the growth of tumors. Catechins also regulate blood sugar, which makes this drink incredibly useful for patients with diabetes.

Green tea contains catechin four main components. Just one of these components is 100 times greater than the antioxidant properties of vitamin C. Studies have shown that one cup of green tea contains up to 40 mg of polyphenols, which is many times greater than the antioxidant effect of the same apples, spinach or broccoli.

Harm of green tea

Green tea contains substances that have both positive and negative impact on the human body. In addition, green tea contains theophylline and theobromine, which have a stimulating effect on the human nervous system. That is why an infusion of tea leaves is not recommended for people with increased excitability and insomnia.

Remember that the recommended brewing water temperature is around 80-90 degrees. Without a thermometer at hand, determining the appropriate temperature is quite simple. You need to open the lid of the kettle and when steam starts to rise, bring your hand to it. The steam should not burn your hand. This temperature will be optimal. Learn once and for all - boiling water destroys most of the beneficial substances in tea, making this drink useless!

A strong drink is definitely harmful in the following situations:

1. During pregnancy. It interferes with the natural breakdown of folic acid, which is so vital for the developing brain of the unborn baby. All this is due to the content of a large dose of a chemical drug with the unpronounceable name “gallatepigallocatechin”. Let us again mention caffeine, which is contraindicated for pregnant women. It has not been proven for certain whether black tea prevents the breakdown of folic acid, but it does contain caffeine. Just a few cups of any tea per day can cause the birth of a child with underweight, stimulate premature birth with possible fetal death.
2. With an unstable nervous system and diseases of the cardiovascular tract. Of course, theine is harmful to them. But tea is rich in more than just theine; it contains substances that actively influence these systems, which is what causes it harmful effects, for example due to theobromine.
3. For stomach ulcers. More like tea contraindicated, which is actually harmful. Strong tea, and green in particular, increases the acidity of gastric juice, and this, in turn, interferes with the natural process of wound healing. As a result, the patient's condition may worsen significantly.
4. At a temperature. Tea contains theophylline, which can increase a person's temperature. Therefore, a patient with a fever, drinking green tea, will worsen his condition even more.
5. With an unhealthy liver. Here we should specifically mention green tea. Some compounds contained in tea are extremely taxing on the liver, especially if you drink this drink in large quantities. But black tea contains very few of these compounds.
6. For skeleton and bones. Tests carried out by scientists on animals showed unexpected results. It turns out that tea negatively affects the skeleton and, in particular, the density of bone tissue. To be fair, we note that such studies have not been done on humans.
7. Washing out useful microelements. Tea removes metals from the body. Again because of theine.
8. For teeth. Although the opposite effect was mentioned here, there is evidence that tea has a detrimental effect on tooth enamel. What to believe? There’s no definite answer, but it’s hardly worth rinsing your teeth with tea when brushing.
9. Formation of urea. Any tea is rich in purines, which synthesize urea during absorption. It is known to be poisonous and is difficult to remove from the body. Its salts synthesize crystals that develop gout. In addition, green tea disrupts the condition of people suffering from arthritis and rheumatism.

Why green tea in bags is harmful:

1. The vast majority of brands of bagged teas contain so-called tea waste (damaged leaves, petioles, sticks), which is rejected during the production of high-quality loose-leaf teas. The taste and benefits of such tea dust are minimal.
2. Many brands of tea bags other than the tea leaf contain various plant components (tree leaves, grass) of dubious quality or origin.
3. Often, expired tea leaves are used to produce tea bags. The paper in which tea is packaged contains thermoplastic fiber (to give shape). This substance releases various harmful substances when in contact with hot water.

Extremely hot drink should not be consumed in large doses. Therefore, if you constantly drink overheated tea, burns to internal organs will inevitably occur. They become deformed, shrink painfully, and cracks form in the tissues. These types of burns certainly increase the risk of cancer. It should be noted here that this is not a harm to tea as such.

Benefits of green tea

The beneficial properties of green tea have long been used in Asia - China, Japan, and Central Asian peoples drink this “health cocktail” every day: chilled in the heat, hot in the cold season. Look at Japanese women - their wonderful skin, youthfulness and slimness have long served as a model for all women.

Of course, a diet rich in seafood also plays an important role in maintaining youth and health, but the “drink of life” - green tea - is one of the most important components of this diet. Do you think it’s in vain that movie stars and glamorous divas in their expensive spas long ago started the fashion of indulging in a cup of green tea, which perfectly helps cleanse and rejuvenate the body?

Product is different a huge amount useful properties, but the most important of them were:

1. Reducing the growth of cancerous tumors. Ability to stop and delay growth various types tumors and fight the activity of cancer cells (however, according to some studies, green tea is ineffective against breast tumors).
2. The ability to remove free radicals from the body and protect against exposure to increased radiation.
3. Disease Prevention of cardio-vascular system up to heart attacks and strokes, lowering blood pressure.
4. Breakdown of fats, removal of harmful cholesterol from the body, normalization of metabolism and weight control.
5. Fighting oral diseases, eliminating periodontal disease and bad breath, preventing tooth decay.
6. Normalization and maintenance of healthy intestinal microflora.
7. Removing toxins, salts, including radioactive metal compounds from the body.
8. Maintaining vigor and daily activity, combating decreased vitality, drowsiness, and headaches.
9. Improving brain (mental) activity and reactions.
10. Relieving anxiety, depression, stress, normalizing sleep (if used correctly).
11. Decline harmful influence tobacco on the body.
12. Fighting urolithiasis and cholelithiasis. Recovery water balance in organism.
13. Slowing down the aging process, increasing the overall tone of the body.
14. Improving the functioning of the endocrine, cardiovascular, immune and digestive systems.
15. Maintaining visual acuity, good skin and hair condition.

How to properly prepare green tea

There are many recipes for preparing this drink, but first of all you need to understand exactly what effect you want to achieve by drinking it. If the matter is taste preferences, then you can brew it almost any way you like - some people like the combination of tea with milk or lemon, some choose flavored or mixed varieties, some add a drop of honey or sugar to their taste.

• use ceramic, porcelain or glass containers for brewing;
• brew tea with not too hot water - 60-80 degrees will be enough (tea will brew even in absolutely cold water). To determine whether the water has reached desired temperature, you need to listen - the bubbles in the boiling water should rustle like the wind in a pine forest;
• During brewing, you should not add sweet additives - it is better to add them immediately before use;
• various additives to tea will help enhance certain properties of tea - tea with milk will help satisfy hunger; hibiscus will enhance metabolic processes and will give light tea diuretic effect.

Green tea will turn out much tastier if you heat the teapot with steam, pour tea at the rate of a teaspoon per glass, and pour hot water. You can brew tea with milk, or make tea in the usual way, and add milk to taste. This drink will help satisfy hunger and normalize blood pressure.

Does green tea raise or lower blood pressure?

As you know, the terms arterial hypertension and arterial hypertension are considered synonymous. Although, to be precise, “hypertension” means an increase in vascular tone, and “hypertension” means “an increase in pressure in the system.”

Increasing performance blood pressure up to 140/90 mm Hg. is not always associated with an increase in vascular tone. High values ​​can be observed with their normal and even decreased tone due to an increase in cardiac output for one reason or another. Therefore, discussions about the benefits of green teas for lowering or increasing blood pressure continue.

• According to one point of view, there is no change in indicators. The caffeine contained in the composition stimulates cardiac activity, which initially increases blood pressure. At the same time, the vasomotor center of the medulla oblongata, responsible for narrowing or expanding blood vessels, gives the command to reduce tone, as a result of which the indicators quickly return to normal. Research has found that green drink has the property of thinning the blood, making it more fluid. As a result, the load on the heart muscle is significantly reduced, blood pressure levels are normalized, and the risk of stroke is reduced.
• Other studies, with varying degrees of certainty, confirm the benefits of green tea for reducing the level of “bad” cholesterol, strengthening and increasing the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels due to its high content of tannins. The best effect is achieved by consuming high-quality varieties made from the upper young leaves.
• Green teas are beneficial due to their diuretic effect and therefore can be used in the treatment of cardiovascular or kidney diseases and in reducing swelling. The results obtained allow us to recommend drinking a green drink to all healthy people to reduce the risk of arterial hypertension, as well as in the initial stages of this disease. Many patients note normalization or a noticeable decrease in indicators and improvement in their condition. But it is not possible to talk about a complete cure of the disease using this method.

To draw a more definite conclusion about the benefits of green tea for reducing blood pressure when regular use, additional multi-year studies are required.

Green tea with milk

Perhaps the healthiest drink for tooth enamel is green tea, either in tea bags or brewed from leaves. Thanks to high content calcium (495 mg), it effectively strengthens tooth enamel and prevents its thinning. In addition, when consumed with milk, tea does not stain teeth (unlike black tea, the pigment of which is not always neutralized even by milk).

Another property that is useful green tea bags with milk – it has an alkaline environment (thanks to milk), which means it can neutralize the acidity of the stomach. Therefore, the benefits of green tea and milk in any form are obvious for people suffering from heartburn, gastritis, increased acidity. When ingested, this drink, due to its alkaline environment, reduces the acidity of gastric juice. As a result, the severity of attacks of gastritis and heartburn decreases. To improve the taste, it can be consumed with honey, jasmine, mint, lemon balm and other additives.

What is the best way to consume green tea?

To bring green tea maximum benefit, choose high-quality large-sheet products. It is advisable that the product contains only one ingredient. If you want to improve taste qualities, then you can do it yourself by adding natural products, and not flavorings of unknown origin.

Tea is drunk freshly brewed. After just an hour, the concentration of vitamins in it decreases significantly. You should not heat tea because it forms harmful compounds. High-quality varieties are brewed 2-3 times, with the infusion time increasing by 20 seconds each time.

A hot drink destroys tooth enamel and irritates the stomach, while a cold drink is poorly absorbed and becomes less beneficial.