Green tea is a wonderful drink with an exquisite taste and delicate aroma. However, it is famous not only for its special taste, but also for its ability to have a healing and rejuvenating effect.
The healing properties of green tea are attributed to the large number of chemicals and organic compounds that make up its composition. Green tea leaves contain about 500 different microelements (phosphorus, fluorine, calcium, iodine, magnesium, manganese, copper, etc.) and almost all groups of vitamins. True, when brewing tea, not all useful components get into the cup, but only those that dissolve in water. In addition, in the brew itself, the percentage of substances important for health decreases over time, so old and low-quality tea may not have any healing properties at all. But a fresh and properly prepared drink is a real elixir of youth and health. What does it include?
Alkaloids
The main tea alkaloid is caffeine. In combination with tannin, it forms a new substance (theine), which, acting on the central nervous system, improves mood and stimulates mental activity. In addition, theine improves the function of hematopoiesis, helps to strengthen bones and tendons, and also ensures the smooth functioning of the thyroid gland. It is completely eliminated from the body, so even with frequent use of green tea, the risk of caffeine poisoning is excluded.
Other alkaloids are also found in small amounts in green tea. For example, these are water-soluble theophylline and theobromine, which have diuretic and vasodilating properties, sparingly soluble adeine and absolutely water-insoluble guanine. It is possible to remove this substance from the tea leaf into the infusion only by prolonged heating of the tea solution or its sharp boiling.
Tannins
The basis of any tea solution is tannin - a substance that has a multifunctional effect on various body systems. So, tannin in combination with caffeine and theacaheins helps to lower blood pressure and strengthen capillaries, enhances the activity of vitamin C and stabilizes collagen production in the vascular walls. In addition, tannin in green tea is the main source of vitamin P.
Proteins and amino acids
Green tea contains 17 amino acids, including such essential for the health of the human body as glutamic acid. It activates the brain and is an important component for ensuring the functioning of the nervous system and its recovery after stress.
Green tea infusion is also rich in proteins, which in their composition and quality are in no way inferior to proteins contained in legumes.
Minerals
Mineral substances are found in large quantities both in fresh tea leaves and in finished products. Micro- and macroelements that make up the tea infusion ensure the normal functioning of all body systems. So, for example, a lack of zinc can lead to a weakening of the immune system and deterioration of the condition of hair and nails. Green tea, when consumed correctly, can solve this problem.
Vitamins
Almost all groups of vitamins are present in green tea in varying amounts. This drink is an important source of vitamin P (rutin), which contributes to the accumulation and retention of vitamin C in the body, strengthens the walls of capillaries and blood vessels, and also has an anti-sclerotic effect.
Fresh tea leaves contain almost 4 times more vitamin C than freshly squeezed orange or lemon juice, however, during the brewing process, a significant part of the vitamin is lost, but the remaining amount corresponds to the daily requirement for a person. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes the damaging effects of free radicals and slows down the aging process.
The amount of vitamin A in green tea is about the same as in carrots or pineapple. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining the elasticity of blood vessel walls and preventing the formation of vascular plaques. With a sufficient level of this vitamin in the body, the skin looks smooth and healthy.
Green tea is an irreplaceable source of B vitamins; they completely pass into the tea infusion and are absorbed in the body during the tea drinking process. This is especially important when you consider that the human body does not store vitamin B and needs to be constantly replenished. This vitamin is essential for the normal functioning of the liver and is "responsible" for the good condition of the hair and skin.
Thus, green tea is not only a delicious, but also a very healthy drink, which, when properly prepared and consumed in moderation, helps to improve overall well-being and external data.