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At present, most of the teas produced in the market are conventionally-grown or non-organic. Only a few still produce teas that are organic.
a. Organic - basically all teas grown organically have been cultivated and grown without the aid of artificial chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Therefore, it has the natural flavor of teas. Full benefits of teas can be achieved through this method.
b. Non-organic - it is the opposite of organic. Artificial chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides have been used. But in Japan, due to the ill and negative effects of these chemicals, control of the use of such chemicals has been enforced. Specifically, the agency responsible for such enforcement is the "Concentration Standard of Residual Agricultural Chemicals".
What are some of the nutrients and health benefits found in Japanese teas?
Teas are very famous drinks. In fact, it is the second of the most consumed drink, next to water. Imagine that! And among them are green teas. And it is not because of accident that they achieve such a status. For not only green teas are a pleasant drink, it also has many nutrients to offer. And here are some of them (along with their health benefits).
• Catechins - Majority of the health benefits of green teas can be attributed to catechins, a kind of tannin. It is mainly an anti-oxidant. It is responsible for reducing blood pressure and glucose. It also improves blood circulation and the possible pooling of fat deposits on the surface of arteries. Therefore, it helps in cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. It also increases metabolism and therefore is very good for weight loss. It also improves the immune system function and helps the body protect from unwanted diseases. It is a natural killer of bacteria and viruses. It also prevents allergic reactions like coughing and sneezing. It also helps reduce incidence of cancers.
• Caffeine - caffeine in green tea keeps the body energized and on the go. It mentally keeps you alert too. Because green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, it therefore has less side effects. It also is a mild diuretic.
• Theanine - with this amino acid present in Japanese teas, blood pressure is reduced and maintained. This also enhances balance of neural function balance. What it does is to stimulate the alpha brain waves of the brain, which has the effect of a relaxed but mentally alert state. It sooths you and at the same time makes you focused. This is because theanine counteracts most of the caffeine also present in green teas.
• Flouride and bioflavonoids - this is a very good reason why Japanese green teas are good for the teeth and gums. It helps fight and prevent tooth decay and cavities as well as bad breath.
• Vitamin C - With this vitamin present, it helps the body fight against colds and flu as well as stress. It also keeps the skin looking healthy and radiant.
• Vitamin E - Vitamin E is the main reason why Japanese teas have anti-aging properties. It also helps prevent atherosclerosis or the hardening of arteries. It also helps in the balance of the good and bad cholesterol.
• Dietary Fiber - With fiber, Japanese green teas are very good in aiding digestion as well as the intestinal activity. It provides bulk to help maintain peristalsis, ergo regular bowel movements.
• Minerals - such minerals include calcium, potassium and manganese. It not only helps in making the blood alkaline but it also helps in the regulation of the heart beats as well as keeping the bones and teeth strong and healthy.
Are there medications I should not be drinking with Japanese green teas?
Think twice before drinking Japanese green tea with:
1. MAO inhibitors
2. Coumadin or warfarin
What are some of the uses of Japanese green tea leaves besides as a health drink?
Believe it or not, Japanese green teas are more than just a drink. It can even be helpful in other uses as well.
1. As deodorizer - Use the already used dried green tea leaves as an incense. You will be amazed of the effect the smoke produced by them. It will make the room smell fresh and natural. Say goodbye to foul and unwanted odors. Another use for it is to also place and leave it inside your shoes and get rid of its bad odor. It also applies to cooking equipments like cooking pots and boards as well. Just wipe these equipments with the used and damp leaves.
2. As antiseptic - use them to get rid of unwanted germs and bacteria. Apply it on any surface and you are good to go. It also makes the skin look healthy and beautiful. It can even be used as baby wipes.
3. As a mouthwash - Not only do Japanese green tea leaves have antiseptic properties, they can be used as mouth wash as well. Gargle using green tea will not only kill those bad breath causing germs.
4. Anti-rust - thanks to tannins (catechins) found in green teas, rusts can be prevented. Just wipe a pot or knife made of steel and you have a coating that prevents rust. That simple.
And since we are on the subject on Japanese green teas, it is but proper to include the most celebrated and revered practice of teas, the Japanese tea ceremony:
The Japanese tea ceremony is a traditional practice by the Japanese. It was greatly influenced by the Zen Buddhism.
There are basically two types of ceremony associated with teas. They are:
1. Cha no yu or "hot water for tea" - usually means a single type of ritual or ceremony
2. Sado or "the way of the tea" - means the doctrine and study of tea ceremony as well as the traditional preparation and drinking green teas
Japanese tea ceremonies are mainly prepared by a very trained and skilled practitioner. It usually consists of a very private and small group to maintain solemnity and relaxed setting. Usually, the ceremony makes use of one particular type of Japanese green tea, matcha. It is made up of powdered green tea leaves.
Huang Jiung,
Chinese Weight Loss Tea for BEGINNERS