Yaya Patterson, Root Woman & Smile Herbalist
Green Tea refers to teas made from the leaves of Camellia sinesis, a beautiful shrub native to East Asia. The leaves may be harvested at different times of the plant’s life cycle or undergo varying processes to impact the tea’s flavor profile. In Japan, green tea has taken on ceremonial and religious value in which the drinking of the tea has its very own etiquette. Also, Matcha Green tea is used in Japanese confections like cake, ice cream, and whatever else your imagination can fathom. The cultural traditions of green tea hold much wisdom as there are many health benefits to the everyday consumption of green tea.
Green tea is full of antioxidants. Antioxidants refer to chemical properties in foods or products that inhibit carcinogens and relieve oxidative stress. Carcinogens- found in cigarette smoke, food additives, environmental pollution, and more- lead to oxidative stress that disrupts healthy cell production. When combined with a nutrient dense diet, there is evidence the regular consumption of green tea can reduce a person’s risk of cancer, Alzheimer’s, and cardiovascular diseases. In a busy world, sitting down to make a smooth cup may not be possible everyday. Smile provides encapsulated green tea in our Cellular Defense: Advanced Antioxidant Complex.
Pro-tip: Oxidative stress can lead to signs of aging in the skin. Add a little green tea to your facials for glowing, youthful skin.
Green tea supports healthy digestion and metabolism. Green tea is naturally bitter. The bitter tannins stimulate the stomach and increase activity in the intestines. Also, these tannins support stomach enzymes that break down fat. Even more, nutrient dense components of green tea may help the drinker feel less hunger. All these combined factors may help the drinker lose weight, lower their cholesterol, and experience better ease in digestion. Life Seasons: Metabolism, Weight Management combines green tea with other supportive herbs which give the metabolism a push.
Green tea boosts energy and focus. Green tea contains caffeine. When not abused, caffeine can be a helpful tool in remaining energized and maintaining focus. Green tea has approximately 15-30 grams of caffeine per serving (60-80 grams for grounded matcha). That is only a fraction of caffeine compared to coffee (125-150mg) and the average energy drink (80-150mg).
On top of this, you can control how much sugar goes into your home brew of tea. Smile’s house blend, Study Tea, not only features sencha green tea but calming herbs like chamomile and lavender to reduce the edginess that sometimes comes with the pressure to perform.
There is so much more that green tea may offer us. Whether you decide to conduct a traditional tea ceremony or consume encapsulated green tea, green tea teaches you to pause your day and refresh yourself.
