GREEN TEA, A HEALTHY STORY. Before I start, I shall get myself a cup of green tea, to stimulate my cognitive ability.

China and India initially were known to be the primary cultivators of this tea, but latterly it has been grown in other Asian countries.

In centuries past, it's curative health potential has been well considered.

The popularity of this green tea is growing around the world; more people are enjoying the perceived benefits of this excellent plant elixir.

I do, for many years I have been on medication for HBP, my average blood pressure during that time was 145/155+systolic pressure, 78/85 diastolic pressure, pulse variable 70+. Still on my medication and now drinking green tea for over a year my blood pressure has reduced to average 124/134 systolic, 78 diastolic and pulse 70 for an extended period, not bad at age seventy-two. Green tea(Camellia sinensis), is produced on large hillside farms where it is cultivated, grown and picked.

As a distinction, more people drink black tea than green tea, seventy plus percent, to a lowly twenty percent for green tea. Oxidation levels in the leaf is the deciding factor in determining the quality Unoxidized leaves of the green tea do not need processing to the same degree as other varieties of tea leaves. Because of this, it is known to have a higher content of the majority of antioxidants and polyphenols contained in most leaf teas.

Green tea has a high caffeine level but not as high as that in coffee. It does brighten one up after relaxing with a cup of the green liquid, sweetened with a spoonful of honey(very Mary Poppins) Polyphenols are phytochemicals, compounds found abundantly in natural plant food sources that have antioxidant properties. Traditional Chinese and Indian practitioners have used green tea medicinally to treat a variety of conditions. The Chinese and Indian using these classical methods contend that they are useful in the treatment of; digestive maladies, stop blood from open wounds and healing wounds, possible assist with heart and mental problems, and finally regulating body temperature.

Here we can demonstrate some of the conditions that one can say rightly or wrongly be affected by drinking green tea. Many researched studies and written papers have not come to a conclusive decision on the subject. Cancer: There are many tests, carried out on animals showing conclusively that the polyphenols do have an effect in the reduction of cancerous tumours. There are test results which suggest that green tea can offer some protection against UV radiation. These results are from animal research, how it affects human adults is not so clear, some studies say it is effective, others no. Cardiovascular Disease(Heart): In several studies, these studies noted a decrease in mortality due to the consumption of green tea. Conclusions: The inclusion in its make-up of catechins(a natural phenol and antioxidant), polyphenolic compounds(naturally occurring compounds) have multiple defensive effects on the body, especially in the cardiovascular system. Without going into too much detail, can I offer a list of other areas that green tea may affect; (1) Lowering cholesterol levels. One must take more than four cups per day for this to be effective. (2) Stroke. Green tea and coffee are known to be beneficial with this complaint. (3) Dementias. Including Alzheimer's disease. (4) Memory. In recent study papers, there is a preamble that green tea can induce activity in the cognitive areas of our brain, in particular, our minds processing ability. (5) Weight. No conclusive results. Other conditions like diabetes(type2), skin conditions, stress, rheumatoid illness(reducing inflammation) and fatigue, may to a greater or lesser degree derive benefit from the use of green tea. The purchase of green can be in different ways; tea bags, tea powder, loose leaf(my preferred) and in capsules.

I have now in writing this, had two cups of green tea with honey, or as I would say, as I live in Portugal, Cha Verde com, Mel.

Oh, I love life.