Green tea has a great importance in the history of China and it was introduced by inhabitants of China 5000 years ago. They cultivated and maintained the green tea which has been exported across the world. Ancient people of China knew the benefits of green tea on health. They have always used it for medical purposes especially against the headaches and depression. The green tea is solely made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. The leaves are treated with heat using steam or dry cooking to minimize the oxidation there by green tea gives various benefits. The Green tea has distinct property of having higher quantity of anti-oxidants and leaves of Camellia sinensis not being fermented. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals - damaging compounds in the body that alter cells, tamper with DNA and even cause cell death. Many scientists believe that free radicals contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems, including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants such as polyphenols in green tea can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. Green tea leaves have been exposed to less processing time when compared to black tea leaves so it reveals lighter flavor. The health benefits of green tea are in plenty to those who include it in their day to day life. Since the leaves are not exposed to fermentation it leads to the herbal taste. Green tea has been consumed throughout the ages in India, Thailand, China and Japan. In olden days practitioners used green tea as a stimulant, diuretic (increases the formation of urine), astringent (A substance that causes the contraction of body tissues, typically used to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions) and to improve heart health. Other traditional uses of green tea include promoting digestion, regulating body temperature, blood sugar, flatulence (gas) and improving mental processes. The most important component of green tea is called as polyphenol which is also known as a catechin. Polyphenols plays a major role in improving our health in numerous ways.
Many varieties of green tea have been created in countries where they are grown. These varieties can differ substantially due to variable growing conditions, horticulture, production processing, and harvesting time. Green tea contains flavonoids when compared to other beverages. Flavonoids come under phytochemicals which have anti-carcinogenic and anti-oxidative.
