Rheumatoid Arthritis Support

By: Keith Woolley
Green tea leaves have long been used throughout Asia as medicine for poor digestion, body aches and pains, headaches and general improved well being.

To make Green Tea very little processing is required. Normally after harvesting the leaves are dried immediately after harvesting or briefly treated with steam prior to drying. There are a few types of green tea that are also lightly roasted. Because of this minimal processing, the leaves keep their green color as well as keeping the very valuable ingredients that contribute to its healing properties. Green tea leaves contain some caffeine, tannins, essential oils, proteins, vitamins, minerals and trace elements such as fluoride, zinc and potassium, which make a valuable addition to your diet.

Green tea is naturally rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are needed by the body to protect cells from free radicals (unstable molecules found in our cells). Too much free radical damage, over time, could lead to diseases which includes cancer. As part of our regular cell processing, antioxidants attach themselves to free radicals and this results in the neutralization these molecules. Drinking green tea regularly has been linked (via loads of research) with the prevention of cancer; it lowers the risk high blood cholesterol, harmful blood clotting and stroke.

Green tea is very good for arthritis sufferers because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

The invigorating effects of the caffeine in Green Tea can also help to improve concentration.

Green tea is also antibacterial. The tea contains the trace element fluorine whichs helps to fight tooth decay. It is suggested that just one cup of tea a day will be beneficial in the prevention of decay. Green tea is also ideal after dinner as a palette cleanser.

Many Alternative Practitioners prescribe green tea in order to help their pateints to cleanse the body. A must in all types of detoxification diet. Happily it contains no calories, no carbs and is known as the 'fat eater' in Traditional Chinese Medicine due to its cholesterol-lowering properties.

Green tea is an excellent thirst quencher. It is enjoyed at any time of the day and is also delicious hot or cold. Try it with a squeeze of lemon, over ice for a very refreshing drink.

If you are unsure about the Preparation of The Tea (and don't like teabads): Use one level teaspoon of the green tea leaves per cup. Boil some water and then let the water sit for a couple of minutes - to cool slightly. Pour the water over the tea and leave the tea to brew.

Allow the tea to brew for a couple of minutes - too long can produce a slightly bitter taste.

Brewing the tea for 4-6 minutes yields a less stimulating and stronger tasting tea.

Important: The caffeine in green tea may cause heart palpitations in some sensitive people. To reduce the amount of caffeine in your tea, put one teaspoon of leaves in your cup, pour a little bit of hot water over it and allow it to stand for 30 seconds then strain. Now use the leaves to prepare your tea as usual - or of-course buy non-caffeine Green Tea, which is available in many health food stores.

Keith Woolley is Chief Herb Advisor to Boots Herbal. The following link provides valuable info on Green Tea Capusules here Solgar Green Tea


Keith Woolley