Legend has it that a slave clumsily dropped some rice in the tea of his samurai master while it was brewing; the infuriated warrior removed his head with a quick flash of his sword and only then tasted the brew. Impressed with the infusion, the samurai named it Genmaicha in honour of the slain worker. While the historical accuracy of this story remains questionable, the health benefits of genmaicha tea stand undisputed.
Antioxidants
Although it contains a small amount of brown rice to impart it's distinctive flavor, genmaicha tea still retains all the benefits found in standard green tea. Researchers highlight the antioxidant potential as one of the most impressive of these. David Tolson, a contributor to BulkNutrition.com, provides a detailed rundown of how the antioxidant action of green tea improves immune system function, cardiovascular risk and liver detoxification. The antioxidants can also help protect cells from the damage of free radicals. Tolson notes how polyphenol compounds represent the active ingredients in the tea, and that the catechins stand out as the most powerful group within this polyphenol mix, which also includes pheophytins, chlorophylls and carotenoids.
Reduced Cancer Risk
Scientists have long linked the consumption of green tea to reduced incidence of cancer, and modern research has shed more light upon the mechanisms behind this. Researchers from the Institute of Optimum Nutrition report that one study showed how catechins, like those found in genmaicha tea, effectively inhibited metastasis of skin cancer cells. Metastasis describes the uncontrolled spread of tumors. They also refer to a number of other studies in humans that demonstrate reduced risk in several other forms of cancer, noting that some studies found no association between green tea consumption and cancer risk.
Weight Loss
Individuals looking to lose weight have long sought out a product that can increase fat burning without raising heart rate or causing the jitters. Green tea appears to achieve this. Joseph Mercola, a U.S. physician and best-selling author, explains how green tea increases energy expenditure by increasing fat oxidation, a particularly relevant property for those who want to lose excess weight. He refers to a study that demonstrates green tea's ability to enhance fat burning for the two hours following consumption, and recommends consuming two to three cups each day.
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