Archive for the ‘Food & Drink’ Category

When it comes to citing the negative side effects of green tea, there really isn’t a whole lot to discuss. Any problems associated with green tea are related not to the product itself, but rather how it is consumed. But before we explain such precautions, let’s take a look at what green tea is and its numerous health benefits.

Green tea is unique among teas. While other teas including black and oolong are oxidized during processing, green tea is made from fresh, non-oxidized tea leaves. This gives green tea a fresh, unique taste and aroma in addition to its telltale lime-green hue. But perhaps the most popularized aspect of green tea is its many health benefits, particularly when 4-5 cups per day are consumed.

Green Tea and Weight Loss

Some health experts laud green tea as a weight loss product. The popular health guru, Dr. Nicholas Perricone, claimed that people can lose 10 pounds in six weeks by drinking green tea rather than their daily latte. Is Perricone correct? Historically speaking, the production of oolong and black teas began in southern China circa 1650 A.D. in reaction to hungry laborers who recognized that green tea depleted the body fat reserves badly needed for survival during that time of social upheaval. Thus, while still officially unproven, green tea with its fat-burning catechins may indeed aid weight loss. Other research has shown that drinking five cups of green tea per day burns up to 80 calories.

Green Tea and Heart Health

Like the Mediterranean staple, olive oil, green tea is recognized for reducing levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and raising beneficial HDL cholesterol. Also, green tea contains heart-healthy polyphenols.

Green Tea and Cancer

Some health experts believe the antioxidant properties of green tea can help battle against or even prevent certain types of cancer. Green tea accomplishes this by destroying free radicals that occur during oxidization.

Green Tea and Neurological Disorders

Some health experts believe green tea has the ability to actually stop some neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Thus, it promotes cognition as well.

Green Tea and Caffeine Intake

Green tea contains about one-third less caffeine than coffee, and thus is suitable for people who must restrict their caffeine intake.

Potential Side Effects of Green Tea

Essentially, any side effects to green tea depend on the amount of tea consumed.

1) Caffeine: although green tea contains approximately one-third the amount of caffeine as coffee, drinking too much can result in irritability and nervousness in those sensitive to excessive caffeine intake.

2) Green tea extract: consuming too much green tea in concentrated extract form may result in liver toxicity. Thus, one should never believe drinking too much green tea from extracts is a good thing. Always use caution and follow directions.

3) Weight loss: while most wouldn’t consider this a negative side effect, the apparent ability of green tea to promote weight loss by increasing metabolism and burning fat may not necessarily benefit every person in every situation. In some situations where a patient needs to gain weight for health reasons, green tea consumption may not be suitable.

Not surprisingly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that there is no credible evidence to support the health claims associated with green tea; yet many scientists and health experts continue to tout its numerous health benefits. By watching your caffeine intake, ensuring you’re not drinking too much green tea extract per day, and making sure any potential weight loss you may experience is healthy for you, green tea can lead to better health and well being.

Green tea extract is a concentrated form of green tea, a beverage that is increasingly recognized for its numerous health benefits. Some like it, and some don’t; but one thing cannot be denied, and that is the historic and cultural significance of the drink.

Origins of Green Tea

Approximately 5,000 years ago, the Chinese began to use green tea as a medicinal beverage to promote mind and body health. While the pop health craze of today lauds the many health benefits of green tea, the beverage has been an integral part of Chinese culture for thousands of years.

The earliest recorded reference to the use of green tea as a health aid goes back to 2737 B.C. But it wasn’t until the reign of the Ming dynasty in 1368 A.D. (after the fall of the Mongolian empire) that tea drinking spread from the elite to the populace. It was at that point that interesting stories of the health benefits of green tea emerged. For example, Chinese sailors would drink green tea for the vitamin C which prevented scurvy, a disease which killed numerous European sailors more than 100 years later.

The Uniqueness of Green Tea

Green tea is unique among hot beverages. While other teas including black and oolong are oxidized during processing, green tea is made from fresh, non-oxidized tea leaves. This gives green tea a fresh, unique taste and aroma in addition to its telltale color.

But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of green tea is the many health benefits associated with a daily dose of green tea extract in either liquid or pill form. Here’s a look at the Top 5 reasons why green tea extract may be beneficial to your health:

5) Green Tea and Neurological Disorders. Some health experts believe green tea has the ability to actually stop some neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Thus, it promotes cognition and memory as well.

4) Green Tea and Caffeine Intake. Green tea contains about one-third less caffeine than coffee, and thus is suitable for people who must restrict their caffeine intake.

3) Green Tea and Cancer. Some health experts believe the antioxidant properties of green tea can help battle against or even prevent certain types of cancer. Green tea accomplishes this by destroying free radicals that occur during oxidization.

2) Green Tea and Heart Health. Like the Mediterranean staple, olive oil, green tea is recognized for reducing levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and raising beneficial HDL cholesterol. Also, green tea contains heart-healthy polyphenols.

1) Green Tea and Weight Loss. Some health experts laud green tea as a weight loss product. The popular health guru, Dr. Nicholas Perricone, claimed that people can lose 10 pounds in six weeks by drinking green tea rather than their daily latte. Is Perricone correct? Historically speaking, the production of oolong and black teas began in southern China circa 1650 A.D. in reaction to hungry laborers who recognized that green tea depleted the body fat reserves badly needed for survival during that time of social upheaval. Thus, while still officially unproven, green tea with its fat-burning catechins may indeed aid weight loss. Other research has shown that drinking five cups of green tea per day burns up to 80 calories.

Though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that there is no credible evidence to support the health claims associated with green tea extract, many scientists and health experts continue to tout its growing list of benefits.

Green Tea Benefits

Green tea has been the preferred beverage in many Asian countries for generations. Green tea has many therapeutic benefits as well as being part of many spiritual, ritual, and ceremonial activities in some Asian cultures. The calming tranquility attained from relaxing, and enjoying a warm cup of green tea can be the most beneficial form of psychological and physiological therapy for many people. Green tea is a stimulant, antioxidant, and body healer. Because the polyphenols in green tea are powerful antioxidants, science researchers have discovered that its epigallocatechin gollate (EGCG) polyphenols are 200 times more potent than the celebrated vitamin-E antioxidant when neutralizing free radicals. Additionally, green tea increases energy, which occasionally causes weight-loss in some people. Therefore, science researchers have focused on numerous health benefits experienced by many green tea drinkers.

First, green tea can be an effective treatment for Asthma suffers. Theophylline, a chemical extract from green tea leaves, relaxes the smooth muscles supporting the bronchial tubes, which decreases the severity of asthma suffers. Thus, asthmatic green tea drinkers are likely receiving the theophylline doses necessary enough to affect their asthma.

Second, green tea can be a useful medicine for people with atherosclerosis and high cholesterol. By using a mechanism employed in modern drugs classified as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, green tea lowers blood high blood pressure and cholesterol without the dangerous side effects. Although science researchers describes this effect as mild, clinical studies reveal that green tea slows the oxidation and development of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), which is the bad cholesterol that can cause the development of atherosclerotic plaques.

Third, green tea may prevent the development of certain cancers in many people. According to a number of animal studies, the polyphenols in green tea may offer significant protection against cancers of the small intestine, lung, stomach, colon, and pancreas. By blocking the formation of organic cancer-causing compounds, suppressing the activation of carinogens, and detoxifying cancer-causing agents, green tea may prevent the development of cancer in people with a genetic predisposition for cancer. Additionally, green tea anti-cancer causing compounds offers protection from the dangerous effects of continued gamma radiation exposure, which has caused the development of various cancers in many people.

And fourth, green tea is an effective treatment for people suffering with diabetes. Green tea extracts suppress the formation of “sticky” blood proteins, which may cause leakage from thickening blood vessels. By inhibiting the enzymes in the mouth and intestines that break down carbohydrates into simple sugars, green tea compounds remove sugar out of the bloodstream.

For these reasons and more, within the past few years green tea has been subjected to many scientific and medical studies to determine the extent of its long- alleged health benefits, with some evidence indicating that regular green tea drinkers may lower their chances of developing certain types of cancer and other diseases. Thus far, the only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia because of the caffeine in it. However, green tea contains significantly less caffeine than coffee. Therefore, the weight of scientific evidence appears to suggest that green tea may offer considerable health benefits to many of its tea drinkers.

Drinking green tea does promote long life. But, there is a major catch. You have to drink green tea regularly. If you want a long life, you should be drinking green tea at an early age. Remember, there are many different types of green tea available that come from both China and Japan. Depending on how young you start drinking green tea, keep in mind the type of green tea that you are drinking. If you are nearing the end of your life and you start drinking green tea, then your will not extend your life that much. But, you might be able to extend your life for maybe a year at least.

If you are looking to green tea as a means to live a long life, you will have to start drinking that stuff at an early age. The reason that green tea helps extend life is because that the stuff is full of antioxidants. Back during my junior year in high school, I had learned that eating chocolate in moderation would extend a person’s life by one year. This is because chocolates such as dark chocolates are full of antioxidants. However, green tea has far more antioxidants than dark chocolate does.

The magic word would be “antioxidant.” Eating foods full of antioxidants are keys to living a long and healthy life. Regularly drinking green tea is the key to living a long and healthy life. However, you have to do your research on what type of green tea you are drinking. It is important that you do not go crazy with drinking the green tea. While there are many health benefits to drinking green tea, there are as many side effects to drinking green tea.

According to a study released back in 2003, it has been revealed that green tea does boost ones gamma delta T cells. In turn, it boosts ones own immune system. When you get older, your immune system breaks down. Having a strong immune system is crucial to living a long life. Green tea will help boost your immune system and ensure you do live a long life. Remember, you must have been drinking green tea for quite awhile.

Green tea has the antioxidant known as EGCG that protects against many cancers such as lung, prostate, and liver cancer. When we get older, we are more prone towards getting cancer. Cancer can shorter a person’s life. If green tea protects those against cancer, then it should promote long life. Keep in mind that you have to have been drinking green tea on a regular basis for quite some time.

For the elderly, green tea lowers the risk of getting cognitive impairment. That should say it helps promote long life.

There are many properties of green tea that does extend ones own life. However, one must be award of the side-effects of green tea. Too much green tea may shorten a person’s life instead of extending it.

If you are looking to green tea to promote long life, make sure you do your research. However, I would recommend looking to other sources of foods that are full of antioxidants.

But if you are starting out with green tea, I would suggest the Japanese green tea of kukicha. This can be mixed with any type of juice for a children’s drink. Kukicha has plenty of antioxidants and is low in caffeine. Children will not be at risk of getting addicted to caffeine.

That is just one example.

Remember to do your full research on green tea. One type of green tea is different from another.

Green tea does promote long life. But, it needs to be consumed in moderation. The key word is “moderation.” Drink it in moderation on a regular basis.

Don’t waste those green tea leaves! After I drink my green tea every morning, I throw out those precious lifesaving herbal remedies. Until writing this article I only knew that drinking green tea gives you a lot of energy, stronger mental function, and green tea has antioxidants and that it can help fight cancer in our bodies.

But I never knew that those green tea leaves that I had floating around in my tea cup every morning had so much more going for them. You can dry out the leaves and reuse them.

Here are ten ways to use and reuse those green tea leaves around your home and for your own health benefits:

1. Did you know that sun-dried green tea leaves can be used to eliminate odors? Just put some in your refrigerator and the sweet smelling aroma will soak up the stinky odors in your frig. Raspberry green tea does the job even better with the sweet smell of luscious raspberries wafting out of your refrigerator every time your open the door.

2. Just wait until I tell my 17 year old son that he can rub wet green tea leaves all over his face to cure his acne. He’s going to give me that strange teenager look and say “Mom’s lost it.” People swear by this method. Now you don’t have to waste money on expensive acne remedies.

3. Green tea acts as a fertilizer for your inside and outside plants. Just pour the remaining cooled down brewed tea into the plants and watch your plants flourish!

4. Use brewed green tea leaves as a final hair rinse in the shower. Cool green tea poured onto your hair will make your hair squeaky clean and vibrant. It is cheaper than those expensive conditoners and makes your hair very shiny.

5. By applying green tea leaves to your cuts, scrapes, and bug bites helps ward off the sting and the swelling. Green tea leaves act as an antiseptic too! No wonder Chinese and Japanese people have been drinking green tea for centuries!

6. When applied directly to cancerous areas of your skin, green tea leaves can help block skin cancer. It’s antioxidant properties work wonders to fight off cancer inisde your body so why not try it on your skin also? You can either drink this wonderful elixir of life or apply the wet brewed leaves diretly.

7. Use green tea leaves to soothe that nasty aching sunburn. Grind up the whole tea leaves into a powder form. Bring the tea leaves to a boil, and steep for one hour. Add to cool bath of about 72 degrees and lounge for as long as you like. It feels good and takes out the sting of the sunburn.

8. Place the dried green tea leaves to absorb the odor left in those stinky shoes. I wonder how my son is going to like finding dried green tea leaves in his sneakers?

9. Place dried green tea leaves in the corner of a room and it has been found that they act as a natural deodorizer. They kind of soak up the smelliness from the rug and the room.

10. Wash your mirrors, countertops, and windows with green tea leaves. Just utilize the remianing tea leaves after brewing, and pour liquid onto a soft cloth, and scrub away. Every time when I spill some on the counter top, I end up scrubbing the entire counter with this natural solvent that smells great too. You can wipe windows and mirros with another soft cloth to wipe away the film it may leave.

Natural, strong, sweet smelling green tea has more going for it than just acting as an antioxidant, it can help with the housechold chores. It’s cheaper to reuse those green tea leaves from our tea mugs than buying all those expensive products. Maybe green tea should be sold in the detergent aisle as well as the drink aisle.

Tea is a beverage that is enjoyed the world over. Approximately 5,000 years ago, the Chinese began to use tea as a medicinal beverage to promote mind and body health. While the pop health craze of today lauds the many health benefits of tea (particularly green tea), the beverage has been an integral part of Chinese culture for thousands of years.

The earliest recorded reference to the use of green tea as a health aid goes back to 2737 B.C. But it wasn’t until the reign of the Ming dynasty in 1368 A.D. (after the fall of the Mongolian empire) that tea drinking spread from the elite to the populace. It was at that point that interesting stories of the health benefits of green tea emerged. For example, Chinese sailors would drink green tea for the vitamin C which prevented scurvy, a disease which killed numerous European sailors more than 100 years later.

Green tea is unique among teas. While other teas including black and oolong are oxidized during processing, green tea is made from fresh, non-oxidized tea leaves. This gives green tea a fresh, unique taste and aroma in addition to its telltale color. But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of green tea is the many health benefits associated with drinking the beverage on a daily basis.

Green Tea and Weight Loss

Some health experts laud green tea as a weight loss product. The popular health guru, Dr. Nicholas Perricone, claimed that people can lose 10 pounds in six weeks by drinking green tea rather than their daily latte. Is Perricone correct? Historically speaking, the production of oolong and black teas began in southern China circa 1650 A.D. in reaction to hungry laborers who recognized that green tea depleted the body fat reserves badly needed for survival during that time of social upheaval. Thus, while still officially unproven, green tea with its fat-burning catechins may indeed aid weight loss. Other research has shown that drinking five cups of green tea per day burns up to 80 calories.

Green Tea and Cancer

Some health experts believe the antioxidant properties of green tea can help battle against or even prevent certain types of cancer. Green tea accomplishes this by destroying free radicals that occur during oxidization.

Green Tea and Heart Health

Like the Mediterranean staple, olive oil, green tea is recognized for reducing levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and raising beneficial HDL cholesterol. Also, green tea contains heart-healthy polyphenols.

Green Tea and Neurological Disorders

Some health experts believe green tea has the ability to actually stop some neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Thus, it promotes cognition as well.

Green Tea and Caffeine Intake

Green tea contains about one-third less caffeine than coffee, and thus is suitable for people who must restrict their caffeine intake.

Though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that there is no credible evidence to support the health claims associated with green tea, many scientists and health experts continue to tout its numerous benefits. Indeed, in comparison to other tea types, green tea stands out not simply in health benefits but also in flavor, freshness, and lower caffeine.

Though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that there is no credible evidence to support the health claims associated with green tea, many scientists and health experts continue to tout its numerous benefits in promoting long life.

The History of Tea

Tea is a beverage that is enjoyed the world over. Approximately 5,000 years ago, the Chinese began to use tea as a medicinal beverage to promote mind and body health. While the pop health craze of today lauds the many health benefits of tea (particularly green tea), the beverage has been an integral part of Chinese culture for thousands of years.

The earliest recorded reference to the use of green tea as a health aid goes back to 2737 B.C. But it wasn’t until the reign of the Ming dynasty in 1368 A.D. (after the fall of the Mongolian empire) that tea drinking spread from the elite to the populace. It was at that point that interesting stories of the health benefits of green tea emerged. For example, Chinese sailors would drink green tea for the vitamin C which prevented scurvy, a disease which killed numerous European sailors more than 100 years later.

The Uniqueness of Green Tea

Green tea is unique among teas. While other teas including black and oolong are oxidized during processing, green tea is made from fresh, non-oxidized tea leaves. This gives green tea a fresh, unique taste and aroma in addition to its telltale color. But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of green tea is the many health benefits associated with drinking the beverage on a daily basis.

Green Tea and Weight Loss

Some health experts laud green tea as a weight loss product. The popular health guru, Dr. Nicholas Perricone, claimed that people can lose 10 pounds in six weeks by drinking green tea rather than their daily latte. Is Perricone correct? Historically speaking, the production of oolong and black teas began in southern China circa 1650 A.D. in reaction to hungry laborers who recognized that green tea depleted the body fat reserves badly needed for survival during that time of social upheaval. Thus, while still officially unproven, green tea with its fat-burning catechins may indeed aid weight loss. Other research has shown that drinking five cups of green tea per day burns up to 80 calories.

Green Tea and Cancer

Some health experts believe the antioxidant properties of green tea can help battle against or even prevent certain types of cancer. Green tea accomplishes this by destroying free radicals that occur during oxidization.

Green Tea and Heart Health

Like the Mediterranean staple, olive oil, green tea is recognized for reducing levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and raising beneficial HDL cholesterol. Also, green tea contains heart-healthy polyphenols.

Green Tea and Neurological Disorders

Some health experts believe green tea has the ability to actually stop some neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Thus, it promotes cognition as well.

Green Tea and Caffeine Intake

Green tea contains about one-third less caffeine than coffee, and thus is suitable for people who must restrict their caffeine intake.

Although the FDA remains skeptical regarding the promotion of long life via green tea, the evidence speaks for itself: green tea truly is a beverage we can drink for better health and possibly even a longer life.

Green tea is a beverage that takes a bit of getting used to. It has a very fresh, fruity, almost grassy taste to it. Some like it, and some don’t. But one thing cannot be denied, and that is the health benefits of green tea.

Tea is a beverage that is enjoyed the world over. Approximately 5,000 years ago, the Chinese began to use tea as a medicinal beverage to promote mind and body health. While the pop health craze of today lauds the many health benefits of tea (particularly green tea), the beverage has been an integral part of Chinese culture for thousands of years.

The earliest recorded reference to the use of green tea as a health aid goes back to 2737 B.C. But it wasn’t until the reign of the Ming dynasty in 1368 A.D. (after the fall of the Mongolian empire) that tea drinking spread from the elite to the populace. It was at that point that interesting stories of the health benefits of green tea emerged. For example, Chinese sailors would drink green tea for the vitamin C which prevented scurvy, a disease which killed numerous European sailors more than 100 years later.

Green tea is unique among teas. While other teas including black and oolong are oxidized during processing, green tea is made from fresh, non-oxidized tea leaves. This gives green tea a fresh, unique taste and aroma in addition to its telltale color. But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of green tea is the many health benefits associated with drinking the beverage on a daily basis.

Here are the Top 5 reasons to drink green tea:

5) Green Tea and Neurological Disorders. Some health experts believe green tea has the ability to actually stop some neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Thus, it promotes cognition as well.

4) Green Tea and Caffeine Intake. Green tea contains about one-third less caffeine than coffee, and thus is suitable for people who must restrict their caffeine intake.

3) Green Tea and Cancer. Some health experts believe the antioxidant properties of green tea can help battle against or even prevent certain types of cancer. Green tea accomplishes this by destroying free radicals that occur during oxidization.

2) Green Tea and Heart Health. Like the Mediterranean staple, olive oil, green tea is recognized for reducing levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and raising beneficial HDL cholesterol. Also, green tea contains heart-healthy polyphenols.

1) Green Tea and Weight Loss. Some health experts laud green tea as a weight loss product. The popular health guru, Dr. Nicholas Perricone, claimed that people can lose 10 pounds in six weeks by drinking green tea rather than their daily latte. Is Perricone correct? Historically speaking, the production of oolong and black teas began in southern China circa 1650 A.D. in reaction to hungry laborers who recognized that green tea depleted the body fat reserves badly needed for survival during that time of social upheaval. Thus, while still officially unproven, green tea with its fat-burning catechins may indeed aid weight loss. Other research has shown that drinking five cups of green tea per day burns up to 80 calories.

Though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that there is no credible evidence to support the health claims associated with green tea, many scientists and health experts continue to tout its numerous benefits. Indeed, in comparison to other tea types, green tea stands out not simply in health benefits but also in flavor, freshness, and lower caffeine.

Green tea is increasingly recognized as a health aid in the fight against cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. However, it’s is a beverage that takes a bit of getting used to with a very fresh, fruity, almost grassy taste to it. Some like it, and some don’t. But one thing cannot be denied, and that is green tea’s many health benefits.

Some people who dislike green tea just haven’t had a properly brewed cup. Either it has been too bitter, or too strong, or too weak. So exactly what makes a great cup of green tea? Before we look at some green tea brewing tips, let’s take a quick look at the history and health benefits of the popular beverage.

A Brief History of Green Tea

Approximately 5,000 years ago, the Chinese began to use tea as a medicinal beverage to promote mind and body health. While the pop health craze of today lauds the many health benefits of tea (particularly green tea), the beverage has been an integral part of Chinese culture for thousands of years.

The earliest recorded reference to the use of green tea as a health aid goes back to 2737 B.C. But it wasn’t until the reign of the Ming dynasty in 1368 A.D. (after the fall of the Mongolian empire) that tea drinking spread from the elite to the populace. It was at that point that interesting stories of the health benefits of green tea emerged. For example, Chinese sailors would drink green tea for the vitamin C which prevented scurvy, a disease which killed numerous European sailors more than 100 years later.

Green tea is unique among teas. While other teas including black and oolong are oxidized during processing, green tea is made from fresh, non-oxidized tea leaves. This gives green tea a fresh, unique taste and aroma in addition to its telltale color. But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of green tea is the many health benefits associated with drinking the beverage on a daily basis.

Tips on Brewing Green Tea

If you fail to brew green tea correctly, it may taste too grassy, weak, or strong. Here are some tips for that perfect cup:

* This may run contrary to popular thinking, but don’t allow the water to boil. The boiling point of water is 212 degrees; you want the water to be between 180-185 degrees. Use a cooking thermometer if possible.

* Steep green tea for 2 to 2-1/2 minutes. Steeping for less time results in a weak tea, while steeping for more time will make the tea bitter.

* Use filtered water for a more pure tea drinking experience.

* Install a hot water dispenser on your sink (it looks like a regular faucet, but gives you instant hot water). The temperature of the water is perfect for green tea.

* Use a glass coffee press if you’re making a batch of green tea, or a glass mug if you’re making just one cup. Glass allows the tea to cool faster, which cuts down on bitterness. This practice is akin to the traditional thin porcelain cups used for tea drinking in China.

* If you’re in a hurry, heat the water in the microwave. However, keep a very close eye on the temperature. Overheating water in the microwave makes it hotter than the standard boiling point of 212 degrees; and thus will severely impact the taste of your cup of green tea.

* If you want to reuse your tea leaves, immediately plunge the tea strainer containing used leaves into a cup (or bowl) of ice water. If done correctly, you should be able to get at least one more use out of them.

A properly brewed green tea will not only taste better, but its nutrients will be fully retained as well.

Green tea is a unique hot beverage that is enjoyed the world over. Around 5,000 years ago, the Chinese began to use green tea as a medicinal beverage to promote mind and body health. While the pop health craze of today is just now “discovering” the numerous health benefits of green tea, the beverage has been an integral part of Chinese culture for thousands of years.

However, green tea leaves are useful in many ways other than drinking. But before we delve into that, let’s take a brief glance at the history of green tea.

Brief History of Green Tea

The earliest recorded reference to the use of green tea as a health aid goes back to 2737 B.C. But it wasn’t until the reign of the Ming dynasty in 1368 A.D. (after the fall of the Mongolian empire) that tea drinking spread from the elite to the populace. It was at that point that interesting stories of the health benefits of green tea emerged. For example, Chinese sailors would drink green tea for the vitamin C which prevented scurvy, a disease which killed numerous European sailors more than 100 years later.

Green tea is unique among teas. While other teas including black and oolong are oxidized during processing, green tea is made from fresh, non-oxidized tea leaves. This gives green tea a fresh, unique taste and aroma in addition to its telltale color. But can green tea leaves be used for anything more than drinking? The answer may surprise you.

Top 5 Uses for Green Tea Leaves

Green tea leaves are actually very versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. Here’s the Top 5 uses for green tea leaves other than drinking:

5) Water your plants using green tea. Soak green tea leaves in water for 48 hours, then remove tea leaves. You can then use the tea water as a fertilizer that contains a variety of beneficial plant nutrients.

4) Do you have acne? The catechins in green tea may aid in getting rid of the problem. Try rubbing green tea leaves over your face, then wash them off. Of course, you will need to do this twice daily until the acne clears up.

3) Reduce odor in your refrigerator. Spread out some dried green tea leaves on the top shelf and they will absorb those foul smells.

2) Live in luxury; soak your feet. If your family or significant other has (ahem) informed you of your foul foot odor, try bathing your feet in a solution of strong green tea leaves.

1) Have yourself the restful sleep of a lifetime. According to ancient Chinese folk medicine, stuffing dried green tea leaves into your pillow can relieve insomnia and reduce blood pressure. If you choose to stuff your pillows with dried green tea leaves, be sure to dry the leaves out on a daily basis as they have the tendency to absorb moisture.

Here in the West, we’re just beginning to learn about the many health benefits of green tea. But as we’ve just seen, green tea leaves can be used for a wide variety of purposes other than drinking.