Euphoria and Melancholy: Miracle Green

Hello everyone! It’s me, the Boring-Naqib again…. Tonight, I would love to spread somethings about green tea. Yeahh.. green tea. This classic East Asian-native beverage which has been a renowned culture for centuries. Scientifically (in Dr Jamal’s voice tone), green tea is made from Camellia Sinensis. It is the same tea species to make the Black Tea which is the staple tea of Malaysia actually. Green tea is differentiated from others by undergone minimal oxidation during the processing. There are several varieties of green tea which differs in growing conditions, horticulture, production processing, and time of harvest. Although green tea is frequently associated with Nippon, it is actually originated from China. The spread of the green tea culture to Japan is mainly due to the cultural connection between the two regions. It was brought to Japan by Myōan Eisai, a Japanese Buddhist priest who also introduced the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. Teas from Japan may be referred to as "Japanese tea" (日本茶 nihoncha). Unlike Chinese green teas which are pan-fired, Japanese green teas are steamed giving them a more "vegetative" or "leafy" taste which in turn giving the clean and fresh aroma.

I took my first sip of green tea when I was seven years old. The tea was not really pure since it was the JUSTEA packeted drink. I still remembered the aroma which was similar to hair product since the scent of jasmine was overwhelming. Silly me…. Years passed and green tea was reintroduced to me by my sisters. Since then, it has became my family’s favourite.

The benefits of the green tea are no longer secrets since it is now can be considered as one of the superfoods.

1. Excellent anti-oxidant

It is loaded with polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins, which function as powerful antioxidants. These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage. These free radicals are known to play a role in aging and all sorts of diseases. It is well known that oxidative damage contributes to the development of cancer and that antioxidants can have a protective effect. So, you can keep your aging process at minimal and maintain your juvenile face!

2. Increases metabolism

In one study in 10 healthy men, green tea increased energy expenditure by 4%. Another study showed that fat oxidation was increased by 17%, indicating that green tea may selectively increase the burning of fat. However, I’d like to point out that some studies on green tea don’t show any increase in metabolism, so the effects may depend on the individual. I also practiced this along my Atkins Diet to cut down several pounds. Hahahaha…

3. Improves dental health

Streptococcus mutans is the primary harmful bacteria in the mouth. It causes plaque formation and is a leading contributor to cavities and tooth decay. Studies show that the catechins in green tea can inhibit the growth of streptococcus mutans. Green tea consumption is associated with improved dental health and a lower risk of caries.

4. Reduce cardiovascular-related diseases risk

Green tea has been shown to lower total and LDL cholesterol, as well as protect the LDL particles from oxidation. Observational studies show that green tea drinkers have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

There are more benefits which I can’t afford to include. First timers may find green tea is a big NO for them but for me, I think green tea symbolizes the scent of nature and the taste of freshness. Enjoy green tea in the ways you like.