Various infusions of green tea have hit the health food market since the turn of the century. Green tea with jasmine features among such choices, with the delicate notes of the jasmine flower balancing the sometimes bitter notes of the herbal drink. Such a preparation maintains the same range of benefits as plain green tea, which include support for the immune and cardiovascular systems and a boost to fat burning.
Green Tea
Green tea comes from the Camelia sinensis plant. Although the shrub also serves as the starting point for both black and oolong tea, green tea leaves undergo no fermentation. As a result, they retain their specific nutritional profile; this includes carotenoids, chlorophyll and a high concentration of catechins, plant compounds that have a range of effects in the body.
Antioxidants
Catechins exert a strong antioxidant effect following consumption. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that the majority of this antioxidant effect occurs as a result of the catechin content in green tea, of which epigallocatechin-gallate is a particularly potent variety. The antioxidant power of these compounds can help boost immune system function, which must deal with a high burden of free radicals each day. Free radicals are a variety of active chemicals that can damage the body's cells if not dealt with effectively.
Cardiovascular Protection
Green tea can provide immediate effects in the cardiovascular system, where it helps reduce risk of stroke and heart attack. Dr. Joseph Mercola, an Illinois-based physician and author of "The No-Grain Diet," explains that catechins do this by improving flexibility in the artery walls and inducing relaxation in the blood vessels.
Fat Burning
The catechins, especially epigallocatechin-gallate, have demonstrated an ability to induce a higher rate of fat burning. Researchers from Holland's Maastrict University found that, compared to placebo, green tea could benefit those looking to lose weight or to maintain a lower weight. In a three-month experiment, featured in the "Obesity Research" journal in 2005, a group using green tea recorded improved measurements in body weight, waist size and body fat percentage.
Expert Insight
Dr. Mercola believes that green tea represents a healthy option for individuals who wish to improve their cardiovascular health, support their immune system or lose weight. He identifies three cups per day as a sensible dose, explaining that this provides a similar intake of catechins to what is used in many studies.
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