Why is Green Tea Good for You?

Green tea, often associated with wise men and sages of the East, is highly revered in China and Japan for good reason. Black tea production uses fermentation to give a hearty flavor unlike green tea that is created by gently steaming and drying fresh tea leaves. Some medical experts say that skipping fermentation safeguards some of the antioxidant benefits that are inherent in green tea.

Now health experts and medical professionals alike are catching on in the West! Medical studies have associated multiple health benefits with the consumption of the pale golden-green brew. From fighting tumors resulting from breast cancer and calming inflamed bladders to helping prevent autoimmune disease and even reducing bacteria in meats, green tea is their drink of choice.

So what about taste? If you’ve ever enjoyed green tea ice cream, it’s likely that you’ve tasted green tea powder made from ground dried leaves. Green tea has an herbal, slightly sweet, grassy flavor. I love to cook with green tea powder pictured in my green shot glass and I use it to make pound cakes, cookies, and other bright green treats without artificial food coloring. If you’re an iced tea fan, this is the drink for you! Since green tea is so mild, it makes a soothing, refreshing iced tea and combines well with spices and other flavorings like ginger. A recent study states that combining green tea and citrus helps to boost green tea’s antioxidant benefits throughout digestion. Try adding some freshly squeezed grapefruit or fresh lemon to your cup to pump up the vitamin C for a super-rich antioxidant tea break.