IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK . . . TURN YOUR CUPPA GREEN
GREEN TEA sounds like it should be healthy – and numerous studies suggest that it lives up to its virtuous name.
Both green and black tea come from the same plant (Camellia sinensis), but green tea leaves are not fermented, so they contain high levels of compounds called catechins, which are thought to be behind a number of health benefits.
In Japan, population studies have linked drinking green tea with a lower heart attack risk, while catechins abundant in green tea have also been shown to hinder tumour growth and development in the lab.
While the results are promising, research still needs to be done on the exact effects of green tea on health. But in the meantime, there’s no harm in relaxing with a cup of the green stuff – just be sure to brew it for over five minutes to get the best of it.
CLAIRE O’CONNELL
