As more and more people are becoming conscious of good health habits, they are incorporating green tea into their diet. The use of green tea is nothing new, though. Its use dates back to ancient China more than 5,000 years ago and continues to this day. It's great for your heart and your immune system, and it can even lower your risk of cancer. There are many varieties, some more potent and better for you than others, but the trick to getting the most of the many benefits green tea has to offer is to choose the right one.
Step 1
Opt for the caffeinated variety. While it may be tempting to opt for the decaffeinated brands of green tea, Care 2 reports that regular green tea contains an average of 127 mg of catechins, which directly relate to the amount of antioxidant and anticancer benefits the tea has to offer. Decaffeinated green tea contains about 56 mg, less than half the amount of the caffeinated kind. Choosing regular green tea only maximizes its health benefits.
Step 2
Choose fresh tea. EcoMall reports that green tea has a shelf life of about 6 months. This shelf life is cut in half once the package is opened. Unopened packages of green tea may be preserved a bit longer if they are stored in the refrigerator. Check the date on the package to make sure that your green tea is as fresh as possible.
Step 3
Choose first harvest green tea. While there are usually about three to four harvests of green tea in a year, EcoMall recommends buying tea from the first harvest as it contains more nutrients than the harvests that come afterward. While first harvest green tea may be pricier, it is stored under special conditions and can be purchased year round.
Tips and Warnings
- Store green tea in a dark, dry cupboard for best results.
Member Comments