Things You Didn't Know About Green Tea

It is the same leaf as black tea

Green tea and black tea are made from the same leaves of the same plant. The Camellia Sinensis plant is the origin of both aromatic Lipton teas, green and black. The only difference between the two is that black tea is oxidized and green tea is not. Green tea is processed to prevent oxidation and thus much lighter in color than black tea.

Black tea leaves are picked and left to wither in the sun, which removes all the water from the leaves, and then the process of oxidization begins.

Green tea leaves are allowed to wither only ever so slightly. Then they are pan fired, oven dried or steamed to stop the leaves from fermenting. Also as a result the leaves remain light, retaining their green color and have an entirely different taste than black tea.

It can protect you from cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute the Polyphenol rich green tea leaves can diminish tumor growth in animals.

The reason behind this is that Polyphenol contains Catechin Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG), which interferes with the processes involved in cell replication, causing tumors to die at an early stage.

You can use Green Tea to help your plants grow

Green Tea mimics the effects of fertilizer or manure because it contains nitrogen. Emptying your used Lipton Green Tea bags into your soil, not only feeds your plants but it attracts earth worms which feed on it, improving the overall quality of your soil.

It can prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes renders the body insensitive to insulin, and so blood sugar levels go up. Green tea''s Polyphenols and Polysaccharides help lower blood sugar levels.

Furthermore the Catechins in Green tea reduce the effects of insulin resistance by decreasing the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.

It helps eliminate bad breath

According to WebMD, Green Tea should be used as a natural mouthwash. A study at Pace University showed how effective Green Tea is at killing the bacteria in our mouths that cause tooth decay and bad breath.

The study showed that Green Tea Polyphenols inhibited the growth of bacteria by 30% and reduced the production of compounds that cause bad breath.

It can slow your brain's ageing process

The accumulation of oxidative elements in the brain are one of the main causes of dementia. The catechins in green tea have a powerful antioxidant effect, that can act as an anti-oxidization element.

Furthermore the Theanine (an amino acid) abundant in Green Tea suppresses stress levels.

It can help soothe the site of an injection

Place a cold used teabag of Lipton Green tea on the site of an injection and it will help ease the pain. The Tannins and caffeine in Green Tea reduce swelling. Furthermore the EGCG, is an anti-inflammatory compound that reduces the sensation of pain.

Next time you go to the doctor or take your child to the pediatrician for vaccinations, place a used Lipton Green teabag in the fridge 30 minutes before, and use it on the site of the injection after.

It helps you lose weight, but you probably knew this already

Kristin Kirkpatrick, R.D.N., consultant for Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine for the Cleveland Clinic, stated that Green Tea modestly assists the weight loss process through it's metabolism boosting qualities. However, it works best when combined with 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise.

Catechins are the secret weapon here as well, but remember to incorporate a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables with your Green Tea Intake, a supplement with drinking plenty of water as well.