Benefits of Tea – Green Tea Benefits

Green Tea – Healthy, Wealthy and Wise

It is not always that we are so fortunate that something we enjoy is good for us. How lucky we are that green tea fits that role so well!

The role of green tea in promoting health has been much in the news in the last few years. There is ample evidence that, consumed in moderation, green tea indeed does aid many aspects of functioning. Some of these benefits have been known for over a thousand years.

The polyphenols, flavonoids and even caffeine (in moderate quantities) present in green tea are all known to help the body protect itself. Green tea helps lower cholesterol (the ‘bad’ kind), absorbs free radicals that can damage cell membranes and reduces the prospect of certain cancers.

Despite Federal FDA denials, many studies lend strong support to those who tout green tea’s benefits. Black tea, as well, has most of the same benefits.

But green tea has many virtues beyond the medicinal. It tastes delightful and provides a relaxing form of enjoyment in a hectic world.

Just as with black or Oolong tea, green tea comes from the leaves of an evergreen called Camellia Sinensis. They are plucked, then processed. But unlike black tea, green tea leaves do not go through a long oxidation process.

Instead, green tea leaves are steamed, which retains the EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) antioxidants. Black and Oolong teas undergo ‘fermentation’ which converts the EGCG into other compounds. ‘Fermentation’ in tea, despite the use of the same word, is not the same process as in winemaking. No sugars are converted to alcohol. It’s simply a synonym for oxidation, more or less.

As a result, the tea flavor is much more delicate and the aroma and taste retain much more of the ‘vegetative’ quality from the original bush. That flavor is enjoyed in a hundred varieties by tea drinkers the world over.

The Long Jing tea from Hang Zhou in China, pan dried and flat in appearance, often goes by the name Dragon Well. This green tea is among the most common drinks in China. Yet for all its commonality, it makes a fine brew. The Gyokuro, also known as Jewel Dew as a consequence of its color, is another fine green tea from China.

The Ryokucha from Japan is a green tea that is so common there that a form of the word (ocha) is often taken to mean simply ‘tea’. Connoisseurs regard the green tea from the Uji region of Kyoto to be among the finest. Matcha is a powdered green tea once used primarily in tea ceremonies. Now it is so popular throughout Japan and elsewhere that it finds its way into ice cream and other sweets.

Gunpowder, which has nothing to do with the explosive, is another popular variety. The leaves are rolled into tiny pellets, making for a very intense infusion. Its muscatel overtones make for a wonderful brew.

There is even a green tea-style Earl Grey. Though without the heady flavor of the more common black tea type, the bergamot oil combines well with green tea.

So if you have always been a committed black tea drinker, it’s time to open up your horizons. It may not make you wealthy, but it can give you enjoyment and promote your health. And isn’t that very wise?

Nothing is as classy as a silver tea set. You can easily impress your guests with such a nice looking collection. They will last you a very long time and with some polishing now and then, they will continue to look almost brand new. Some people have the misconception that silver tea sets are only something for high society people to have in their homes though.

This is often due to the way in which the movies portray them. Silver tea sets are part of what the butler and maid use when guests arrive. Yet you too can be very classy with one of these sets without any problems at all. There will be no mistaken that you are among the most elegant hostesses around. The fact that your guests can relax and feel comfortable with you as well will make it all worth the while.

For the younger generations, there are plenty of imitation silver tea sets. Young girls will be thrilled to have one similar to what you use for your guests in their room to play with. They may spend hours talking and pouring tea with the silver set for their dolls. You can make a special mom and daughter afternoon by using your real silver tea set to share some fun with her as well.

It can be hard to think of a nice wedding gift for a couple. Offering them a silver tea set is likely something they won’t get two of. Yet they will be thrilled that you went to the trouble to find them something so amazing. This can become a family heirloom for them to pass on too. They can also make some traditions of their own that include the use of the silver tea set you got them.

You will find the prices for silver tea sets range from about $100 to about $1,000. It depends on the quality of it and the brand you get. Some of the more expensive sets have detailed etching as part of the designs on the platter. You definitely will need to take a close look at all the different types of silver tea sets so you can choose what is the most appealing to you.

In Japan tea is a drink that is common for just about every meal. They also enjoy tea in the afternoon and early evening. It isn’t surprising then that there are so many different types of Japanese tea sets for you to choose from. They are very beautiful and they will allow you to serve tea in your home very elegantly. Don’t be surprised if people continually ask you where you found such a lovely tea set.

There are many different types of materials that Japanese tea sets are made from. The most common ones are porcelain and ceramic. There are some that feature ancient design and those that have a more modern look to them. Almost all of the designs are hand painted so you can be sure you are getting a piece of the culture when you buy such Japanese tea sets.

The older models of them are made from cast iron. They are heavier and every bit as lovely. Some Japanese tea sets made from cast iron have been around for three or four generations. Yet you would never know it from looking at them due to how well they have held up. You won’t have to worry about the quality or the durability of such a tea set.

The cost of a Japanese tea set will depend on the materials they are made from. It will also depend on what style you choose to go with. There are some complete sets that are around $50. Others will cost you close to $500, especially if they are made from the cast iron. You definitely want to take your time to look around and make sure you are getting a quality set for the price they are charging though.

If you really enjoy drinking tea, having a Japanese tea set can be one of the ways to do so. You will really like the compliments you get from your guests who come over to drink tea with you. Chances are you will start drinking it more often as well just so you can use your wonderful Japanese tea set. There is really no reason not to enjoy using them due to how well made they are.

The English are known for many things, and their love of different types of teas is one of them. In their culture, drinking tea is a regular event that takes place each day. You too can enjoy the history of the English by purchasing one of their delightful tea sets. Many of them also come with a variety of different types of tea as well. This is a great way to exposure yourself to some flavors you haven’t tried before.

Most English tea sets are made from either bone china or porcelain. Most of them feature very colorful patterns and designs. Flowers of various types and colors are the most popular. Many of them are painted by hand too so you can be sure there are many hours of work invested in the English tea sets you see for sale. That is often a large part of the cost that you will find associated with them.

Most English tea sets are white with the patterns placed delicately on them. If you are looking for something more colorful you may want to choose one that is bright yellow. These types of English tea sets definitely stand out and will add plenty of color to a very basic kitchen or dinning room area. Many of them are painted with red flowers on them as well.

There are a few types of black English tea sets out there that you can choose from as well. They may have colorful red flowers or apples on them to make them more appealing. Multi colored English tea sets aren’t as common or as traditional, yet they are every bit as lovely. Regardless of what you select you will be impressed with the details and the quality.

If you love tea, and you are looking for something colorful to add to your décor, you should look at the English tea sets on the market. You won’t be disappointed with what you come across. You may struggle to decide which one you want to invest in though. It can be hard to narrow down your selection when you find so many lovely ones to choose from.

Chinese tea sets are very pretty and many of them out there have been around for multiple generations. They are made from durable materials and they aren’t going to chip very easily. Most of them are made from either high quality porcelain or ceramic. Drinking tea is a tradition in China so you will find there are plenty of different styles of tea sets for you to choose from.

Some of the ancient Chinese tea sets were made from clay. The tea pots and cups were baked to make them very hard and durable. Most of these clay types of Chinese tea sets are a light brown color. They are worth a great deal of money though if you have a full set that is still in great looking condition. You can expect to pay thousands of dollars to get your hands on one of them though if your family doesn’t have one that has been passed down.

You will find that the Chinese tea sets feature pots and cups that are smaller than what you may be accustomed to. These aren’t miniature Chinese tea sets though. This culture has as part of their tradition to drink many cups of tea at one setting. Yet those cups of tea are smaller than what we are used to drinking from. This can be a fun change though and one you will quickly get used to.

Many shops that feature items from around the world will have Chinese tea sets. You can look at the displays to see how they will actually look in your home. You will find they are amazing looking items and many sets may appeal to you. There are also plenty of places online where you can buy them. Make sure you check their reputation so you won’t get stuck with some cheap imitation Chinese tea set.

You also want to make sure they will package everything very well. It can be upsetting if part of the Chinese tea set is broken upon arrival. Don’t forget to check out the return policy as well. This way if you don’t like the look of the Chinese tea set when you get it you can return in for another one.