The Healthiest Green Teas
What is green tea | Green tea: benefits and properties The Healthiest Green Teas
Green tea is a delicious beverage that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. In recent years, more and more studies have demonstrated its potential benefits , from accelerating weight loss to boosting the immune system due to its high antioxidant content.
We've put together this short guide to help you choose the best organic green teas from China and Japan. A world of flavors, from vegetal and smooth to sweet and floral.
What is green tea?
Green tea is one of the five major categories of tea, along with white tea, black tea, blue tea (oolong tea), and red tea (pu-erh tea). All of these teas are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The largest producers and consumers of green tea are China and Japan , where green tea is the most widely consumed beverage and is part of centuries-old traditions such as the Japanese tea ceremony, or Chanoyu.
The main differences in the flavor of green tea stem from their production method. Japanese green teas are shade-grown during the final weeks of cultivation and steam-dried, giving them a vegetal, grassy flavor . Japanese green teas are typically sweeter and more floral than Chinese green teas.
Chinese green teas are cooked in large woks or pans, developing a more roasted flavor. For this reason, Chinese green teas typically have a more robust and earthy flavor than Japanese green teas.
Green tea: benefits and properties
Energy boost
Green tea contains a moderate amount of theine , which can help boost energy. However, the theine in tea behaves differently than the caffeine in coffee, thanks to its L-theanine content. L-theanine helps slow the body's absorption of theine, providing a more lasting and balanced stimulating effect than that produced by drinking coffee or other energy drinks. L-theanine also helps improve concentration and alertness, making green tea a very suitable beverage for reading, working, or studying.
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Weight loss
Green tea is known for aiding weight loss . In fact, it's a common ingredient in many slimming supplements and pills. According to various studies, this is because green tea can accelerate weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
It appears that green tea catechins, such as epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG, are responsible for these slimming properties, as they act by speeding up metabolism and facilitating the breakdown of fats.
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Antioxidant power
Many of green tea's benefits come from its high levels of antioxidants . Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which are responsible for damaging cells by subjecting them to oxidative stress. This oxidative stress has been linked to numerous diseases, from heart problems to premature aging.
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Improves the immune system
Green tea is a great ally for the immune system, as it contains tannins that help fight viruses like the common cold or the flu. Drinking green tea daily is a natural way to stay healthy throughout the year.
The healthiest green teas
Green tea can be found in tea bags or in loose leaf form. Loose tea is generally healthier as it contains a higher proportion of whole tea leaves. Many commercial tea bags often contain dust and leaf debris created during the production process. These bags also limit the leaves' ability to swell when infused, resulting in a less flavorful tea. We also recommend drinking organic green tea , as you'll be reaping all the benefits of this beverage while avoiding the harmful effects of pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals.
1. Matcha
Matcha tea is a Japanese tea known for its flavor and health benefits. It contains the highest concentration of antioxidants . It's a very special tea because it's powdered and mixed with water instead of infused, allowing it to be consumed completely.
Preparing matcha tea is an art, requiring several accessories to extract all the flavor and creamy texture.
This is Replantea 's 100% organic Matcha tea .
2. Sencha
Sencha green tea, a treasure of Japanese culture , captivates with its fresh flavor and health benefits. Made from high-quality leaves grown under the caress of the sun, this tea stands out for its unique production process.
With its glossy leaves and vibrantly hued infusions, Sencha offers an unparalleled sensory experience. Its herbaceous, slightly sweet flavor, along with a revitalizing note, make it a popular choice for those seeking a peaceful respite from the daily hustle and bustle.
In addition to its exquisite flavor profile, Sencha green tea is acclaimed for its abundance of antioxidants, particularly catechins, which are associated with a variety of health benefits, from supporting the cardiovascular system to promoting weight loss.
This is Replantea's 100% organic Sencha green tea .
3. Kukicha
Kukicha green tea is a hidden gem in the tea world. It's a Japanese green tea made from twigs and stems instead of leaves. It has a smooth, buttery, nutty, and fresh grassy flavor .
The stems and twigs of the Camellia sinensis plant contain less caffeine, so kukicha tea is less stimulating than other green teas, making it an ideal tea for afternoon tea and recommended for older people.
This is Replantea's 100% organic Kukicha green tea .
4. Genmaicha
Genmaicha green tea is a rarity among Japanese green teas, as it is made by roasting it in large woks (rather than steaming it) and adding rice. The result is a very flavorful tea with nutty notes and even mild coffee notes. The rice grains balance the tea's bitterness and give the drink more body, making it creamier and more irresistible.
This is Replantea's 100% organic Genmaicha green tea .
5. Green tea with ginger and lemon
Green tea with ginger and lemon is one of the favorite herbal or fruit tea blends among tea lovers, both for its flavor and aroma, as well as for its cleansing and weight-loss properties .
Ginger and lemon give green tea spicy, peppery, and citrus notes , resulting in a very comforting tea, ideal for starting the day with a natural energy boost.
This is Replantea's 100% organic green tea with ginger and lemon .
6. Green Tea with Mint
Mint green tea is a variation of Moroccan tea . A typical Moroccan tea made with Chinese Gunpowder green tea, fresh mint, and lots of sugar.
Green tea with mint is just as delicious as Moroccan tea, but it's much healthier since we've completely eliminated the sugar. Mint gives green tea its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The result is a very refreshing tea, which can be enjoyed hot or in an iced tea, perfect to drink after lunch to aid digestion .
This is Replantea's 100% organic green tea with mint .