Green tea is native to China and India. It has been consumed and hailed worldwide for its health benefits for decades. But it has only recently gained popularity in the United States.
Tea is the most widely consumed drink in the world. However, 78% of the tea drunk worldwide is black, and only around 20% is green.
All kinds of tea, except herbal tea, comes from the Camellia sinensis bush’s dried leaves. The level of oxidation of the leaves determines the form of tea.
People make it from non-oxidized leaves, and it is one of the least refined forms of tea. Therefore, it has the most antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols.
Key Facts
Here are some key points for green tea. You will find more detailed and supporting information in the main article.
- It is an ingredient in traditional Indian and Chinese medicines.
- There are several different types available.
- It can help prevent a wide variety of diseases, including cancer
- More research is required to prove many of the health statements linked to green tea.
There are many other ways in which we can differentiate between different varieties of green tea. But here are 7 different types of green tea and their benefits:
1. SENCHA
The most common Japanese variety is Sencha. Sencha is grown in direct sunlight. And it is preferable to harvest it in the first or second flower of leaves. Tea leaves from the first harvest are usually of the highest quality.
Once picked, farmers stream the tea leaves, starting with the youngest leaves on the plants’ tops. Then they dry the leaves and stretch out. Rolling the leaves gives them a needle-like appearance.
When you roll the leaves, it also helps release all the leaves’ juices, increasing the flavor.
The potential benefits of green sencha tea include:
- Properties of anticancer
- Helping in weight-loss
- Anti-aging effects
- Preventing neurodegenerative diseases
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Reducing bad cholesterol
- Antibacterial properties
- Prevention of certain bacterial and virus infections
- Preventing Decay of the Tooth
2. Gyokuro
The method of Gyokuro green tea is similar to Sencha. But farmers cover the tea leaves from sunlight about 3 weeks before harvesting. When separated from sunshine, the leaves undergo less photosynthesis. This keeps strong-flavored amino acids in the plant and giving Gyokuro a fuller flavor.
After that, the tea endures the same steaming and rolling process as Sencha. But as tea is more difficult to shade and plant, the cost of production and the sale price is higher.
The possible benefits of Gyokuro green tea include:
- Gyokuro Green Tea’s detoxification properties hydrate the body and the skin. This keeps the skin soft and smooth.
- Green tea antioxidants, e.g., EGCG, boost metabolism, burn calories, and fat much quicker.
- Gyokuro green tea can combat free radicals responsible for tumor development.
- Gyokuro green tea has healthier caffeine and theanine. It gives you more energy and alertness, increases your memory response time. And it also improves and enhances your mental focus.
- It can lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) and control your blood sugar levels. This way, it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
3. Bancha green tea
Bancha tea has a much stronger, more astringent flavor than other high-end types. It’s one of the cheapest green teas, and it’s the most popular green tea in Japan. It also distinguishes having one of the lowest green teas’ caffeine content, making it perfect for caffeine sensitivity. Although low in caffeine, it maintains the health benefits of polyphenols and other ingredients associated with green tea.
You may also get a subtype of bancha green tea known as genmaicha. It is a combination of bancha tea and toasted rice. This form of tea has a slightly nutty taste due to the toasted rice. Another form of green tea bancha is hojicha, made from roasted leaves. It also has a strong nutty smell.
The possible benefits of green bancha tea include:
- Antioxidant effect
- Impact of anticancer
- Impact of antivirus
- Blood cholesterol-reducing
- Suppression of blood sugar levels
- Antibacterial and bactericidal effects
- Avoiding tooth loss and poor breathing
- Preventing obesity
4. TENCHA
The making process of tencha is very similar to Gyokuro Tea. Farmers cover it from sunlight 3 weeks before harvest. After harvesting, farmers stream, air-dry the leaves. Then they extract the vines and stems.
A major difference between Tencha and Gyokuro is that the Tencha does not go through the rolling process.
The possible benefits of tencha green tea include:
- Balanced energy
- Increased weight loss
- Relaxed mind and body
- Detoxifies the body
- Aging of Fights
5. MATCHA
Matcha Green Tea has been grounded up Tencha.
After shading, harvesting, and steaming, the farmers air-dry the leaves. Then they separate the leaves from the stems and veins. And then, they ground the leaves into the powder. This process follows the Song Dynasty’s custom.
The possible benefits of green matcha tea include:
- Strong antioxidant content
- It May help to protect the liver
- Improves brain function
- It can help prevent cancer from occurring
- May promote the health of the heart
- It helps you to lose weight
6. Shincha
It varies from other forms of tea because you will usually find the year of harvest included.
Shincha Tea is the first tea harvest. This means that the leaves are of the best quality and the most expensive. Farmers harvest shincha during the first flush of a plant, and it normally has a bitter taste. The reason for this is the excess of amino acids and the lack of catechins and caffeine.
The possible benefits of shincha green tea include:
- Improve health caffeine
- Increase brain function
- Regulate weight
- Lower your risk of cancers
- Reduce the risk of heart disease
- Lowers risk of diabetes
7. KUKICHA
Although the color is more yellow or orange, farmers use the leaves’ stems to make the tea.
It comes from stems that go through the process of Gyokuro, which is known for its yellow brew.
The possible benefits of Kukicha green tea include:
- It’s a very alkalizing drink
- Neutralizes acidity and tannins contribute to the proper digestion of grains and vegetables, improving their benefits and vitamins.
- Very high in vitamins and minerals
- It has a high calcium content. A cup of Kukicha tea provides up to 13 times more calcium than a glass of milk.
Green Tea Side Effects
Generally speaking, the benefits of green tea tend to outweigh the risks. However, this beverage may not be for everyone. You might have a few side effects. It contains tannins that can reduce the absorption of iron and folic acid. So whether you’re pregnant or planning to conceive, green tea may be less than ideal.
Another potential disadvantage is a higher risk of osteoporosis as the tea continues to disperse calcium from the system when eaten in large amounts. Some side effects include jitteriness and maybe stomach discomfort if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
