Green tea - a healthy option to start your day

04 March, 2013

If you are a diet conscious person and want to control your body flesh then green tea is your best bet. Green tea is basically fresh tea leaves that have undergone minimum oxidation during processing, due to which it carries healthy contents.

After water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world, and it is always easy to make our daily beverage healthier. To know more about health benefits of green tea, this citizen journalist talked to diet experts in Nagpur.

Rita Bhargava, a noted dietitian and Care President Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) says, “Green tea has best antioxidants, which help in neutralizing the free radicals which are harmful. These free radicals cause premature aging, heart disease and cancer. It also boosts metabolic rate and contribute in burning fat and thereby help in weight management. But it should be taken without sugar for better results.”

Another diet expert, Dr Prajakta Nande, says, “Green tea certainly has properties which are very beneficial for the body. But, one should know the correct way of consuming the green tea. Decoction of green tea is not at all healthy. At a boiling point of water add green tea and boil it for 20 to 30 seconds then cover the vessel after turning off the knob for 2-3 minutes. There are some essential oil contents which are important and evaporate if the vessel is open.”

She further adds that flavoured green tea is also available in the market but if taken with Tulsi leaves and a dash of lemon juice, it will be more helpful in building immunity and reducing stress. “Those having acidity problems can enjoy iced green tea with honey because honey is a healthy replacement of sugar,” she says.

Sneha Fafat, dietitian says, “I shall say black tea and green tea do not have much difference if consumed without sugar. But if asked for best option, it is certainly a green tea. Early morning is the best time for it and also it can be consumed in afternoon. One can replace green tea with a normal cup of tea.”

So those sweating out hard in gyms to shed those extra pounds or those looking for a healthy start to their routine can certainly look forward to a refreshing cup of green tea! So what are you waiting for, grab your green cup now!