Since archaic times, green tea was a highly prized drink in the East. There are even complicated tea-drinking ceremonies held in the Orient and particularly in Japan. At first, it was a seasonal drink and as such, quite costly. This is because green tea is harvested from the tealeaves and buds that can only be acquired in the spring when the tea shrub is putting out new growth.

Now it is becoming exceedingly famous in the West, and because of increased demand, the tea is now being grown in various areas of the world, like Australia. This means it is available year round, instead of just in one season due to unlike regions. Because of this, costs have become more reasonable and available to everyone. Now green tea is ordinary and in high demand. You can find it in the grocery shops and even in different flavors to mask the a little bitter taste that is part of the flavor.

So how can green tea help you?

Of course it is an obviously refreshing drink, letting you ease and unwinds after a hard days work; it also has antitoxins, helps burn calories, and boosts your immune system.

Antitoxins are good for protecting the body against toxins and poisons that can enter the body from the air, water, or food we eat. It will also defend against free radicals, which are made by the liver when metabolism takes place. These free radicals can damage the body and also age your cells.

It is a good beverage to drink when dieting as it has little or no calories and can even act as an appetite suppressant by filling you up. Green tea can also assist you to burn calories.

The tea has flavonoids, which act as antitoxins. They also will help your immune system to ward of disease and ailments. Green tea also has catechin polyphenols particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a strong antioxidant. It is also thought to help the body against cancer and prevent blood clots. Research is still being done to comprehend more about the benefits of green tea.

So on those hot thirsty days, do not just reach for a soda, try a refreshing glass of iced green tea and really feel the difference. Or, do not even wait for summer and just relax anytime with a cup of green tea. It takes about 3-4 cups per day to get the highest advantages from green tea.