Sencha Green Tea

Sencha Green Tea: A brief Introduction

Sencha tea has had a whirlwind rise to popularity in recent years. However, it has had fans worldwide for centuries. Unique, delicious flavors and virtually risk-free health benefits have allowed it to stand out from the crowd. There is a vast selection of different varieties available due to many diverse ways to prepare the leaves. Among them is sencha green tea, a variation that originates from Japan. This method involves steaming and drying the whole leaves, rather than grounding them. Remarkably, about 80 percent of the tea consumed in Japan is sencha.

Sencha Green Tea Leaves

It was actually Buddhist monks that introduced Sencha green tea to Japan in 805 A.D., and the process for preparation still used today was achieved in 1740 by a tea merchant. The method starts by lightly steam- pressing the sencha green tea leaves, and then they are rolled, giving them the shape of a needle. Finally, they are dried by applying heat. Now the leaves are ready for preparation. To optimally prepare, it is advised to avoid brewing in a clay container.

It is recommended that water be brought to a boil in a stainless steel pot or kettle. Letting the water cool for approximately three minutes will allow the water to reach a temperature that will produce a fantastic tea. Now all that is left is to steep the leaves for about two minutes, then remove them and enjoy.

Since its introduction, sencha green tea has been believed to process great health benefits. The distinctive blend of antioxidants and poly-phenols is believed to significantly reduce risk of disease and offer many other health advantages. From anti-aging properties to diabetes, cancer and heart disease protection, there is something for everyone.

Studies are constantly conducted that focus on the possibility that sencha green tea may be a preventative for cancer. So far there have been “few” conflicting studies, but in general there have been reports indicating that sencha green tea is in fact capable of preventing cancer, decreasing tumors, and even improving the survival rate of those inflicted with cancer.

Heart health is exceptionally significant. Cholesterol levels are tremendously important and can have a huge impact on the strength and efficiency of the cardiovascular system. An important step to keeping these levels in check is to take action to maintain low levels of the harmful cholesterol. Green tea contains poly-phenols that seem to prevent the absorption of this cholesterol and raise the level of the desirable HDL. In addition, it has also been shown that it can prevent other various artery diseases.

Obesity has been called a modern epidemic, and as a result of the sharply rising numbers, the rate of diabetes is rising in conjunction. The good news is the evidence that green tea may, yet again, have a positive effect on these numbers. While green tea extracts have gained major popularity with new mainstream diets, studies suggest that simply drinking a few cups of brewed tea daily can aid weight control. Plus, it can help regulate sugar levels that can otherwise lead to type 1 diabetes.

Age prevention is a booming business. The highly-concentrated antioxidants found in green tea can be effective in the fight against free radicals found in the body, which can encourage more rapid aging. Other attributes include hydrating and repairing the skin.

This may only be a very short list of green tea health benefits. The question, is green tea good for you, continues to be asked, and the possibilities continue to be explored.

The amount of caffeine in green tea is very mild compared to alternatives. It would take between 10 and 20 cups green tea caffeine to equal the same as a serving of coffee. A caffeine-free option is often available for those with sensitivity to or who simply prefer to skip it.

Thanks to the rise in popularity with the general public that green tea has made, now all of these characteristics have been made available in numerous popular products. Dessert can now be enjoyed in the form of green tea ice cream. A twist on the popular summertime beverage brings us iced green tea. Even those who may not like hot tea should be able to find a way to enjoy green tea.