Archive for March, 2007

Where Does Green Tea Come From?

To the answer “Where does green tea come from”, we need to break this down into where it is grown from a country standpoint and where it comes from, as far as a plant. Green tea has been proven time after time to be highly beneficial in the fight against cancer, along with many other serious diseases. With such a wide range of physical and mental health issues, we keep watching as green tea becomes more and more vital to our society.

Although some controversy surrounds the number of countries currently growing the Camellia sinensis shrub, which produces the leaves for green, oolong, and black tea, most experts believe the number is between 40 and 50. However, the majority of green tea is grown in China, covering some 20 provinces. The four major areas however of where green tea comes from include:

  • Jiangnan – Reaching the southern portion of the lower and middle Yangtze River, this area of China is one of the largest producers of green tea.
  • Jiangbei – This area is to the north of the Yangtze River where green tea is harvested and produced into number of varieties.
  • Lingnan – This area is comprised of Fujian, Guangxi, Guangdong, and Taiwan, all of them excellent for growing green tea.
  • Southwest – Covered in this is Guizhou, Sichuan, Tibet, and Yunnan where both green and black tea is produced.

As far as other countries and the question, “Where does green tea come from”, you will find that India, Australia, and Indonesia are other growers. As the demand for green tea has risen, so have the countries taking part in trying to keep up. Consumers around the world have discovered the delicious flavor, subtle aroma, and healing elements associated with green tea, thus boosting sales.

Okay, so where does green tea come from as far as the plant? As mentioned, green tea grows on an evergreen type shrub, which needs to grow and mature for a full five years before the leaves are ready to be picked. Once the shrub reaches age 30, it is no longer capable of producing the prized leaves.

Then, where does green tea come from goes even further to the type of fertilization used. For this tea to grow healthy and strong, various forms of organic fertilizer are used such as soya bean cakes. The tea gardens are carefully monitored and if any sign of a sick plant is seen, the plant is immediately removed and destroyed. You will also find that the season in which the leaves are picked is vital. In this case, harvesters will pick leaves in the springtime, during morning hours.

As you can see, the answer to the question, “Where does green tea come from” is twofold. This shrub must be grown in regions where temperatures hover around 75 degrees and the soil is rich. Therefore, although we see a number of countries successfully growing green tea, there are limitations. The goal with any crop is to produce only the finest leaves for green tea that is high in nutrients.

Julie Health writes about the health benefits of green tea at her website. Feel free to learn more about green tea products.

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Lifestyle Choices And Heart Risks

Genetics and family history play a large role in a persons risk for heart disease, but factors in diet, lifestyle and the environment are also thought to influence susceptibility to the disease. A number of studies presented today at the American College of Cardiologys 56th Annual Scientific Session look at how health-related behaviors can influence a persons risk for cardiovascular disease. ACC.07 is the premier cardiovascular medical meeting, bringing together cardiologists and cardiovascular specialists to further breakthroughs in cardiovascular medicine........

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Kiwis prove that green is good

In one of the most comprehensive and definitive studies of its kind to date, a team of scientists at the University of California, Davis have proven that organically grown kiwifruit contain more health-promoting factors than those grown under conventional conditions. The research is published in the SCIs magazine Chemistry and Industry. The debate over the relative health benefits of organic versus conventional food has raged for years, with UK environment secretary David Miliband declaring in January that buying organic is just a lifestyle choice........

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market for eating disorders

Just saw this ad from a new campaign promoting the laxative Metamucil and nearly lost my lunch. Procter and Gamble, which markets Metamucil, has repositioned the brand and is now pitching it with the slogan, "Beautify Your Inside." Now, I'm not the gambling type but if PandG isn't targeting anorexics, bulimics, and other weight-obsessed women with this campaign, you can have my house. Notice how the ad is clearly directed to a much younger audience than the typical (over 60) user of laxatives. Also, the top two questions on the Metamucil website FAQ (what kind of carbs does the drug contain and how a number of?) are clearly directed to weight-loss junkies........

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Miracle Cup: The Health Benefits of Green Tea

How do you fit a miracle in a cup?

For 4,000 years, the Chinese people have been using green tea as treatment for everything from headaches to depression.

Today, studies are conducted in Asia and the west in order to produce hard evidence of the health benefits of green tea. In the 1994 edition of the Journal of National Cancer Institute, the results of an epidemiological study stated that one of the health benefits of drinking green tea is that it can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by up to 60%.

The rich presence of catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the reason why green tea has so much health benefits. A powerful antioxidant, EGCG can not only inhibit the growth of cancer cells but can also destroy them without harming healthy cells.

The University of Purdue has also concluded a research on how a certain compound present in green tea can stop cancer cells from growing. Still another health benefit of green tea is its ability to lower down cholesterol levels and improve the ratio between good (HDL) cholesterol and bad (LDL) cholesterol.

The EGCG in green tea is a health benefit substance that can lower down LDL cholesterol levels and stop blood from forming abnormal clots (thrombosis), a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes.

Green tea has more health benefits compared to other Chinese teas like oolong and black tea, all of which come from the plant Camellia sinensis. What makes green tea different is the process by which it is made. Green tea owes much of its health benefits to how the Camellia sinensis leaves are steamed. The steam process keeps the EGCG health benefit of green tea from oxidizing. With oolong and black teas, however, the leaves are fermented instead of being steamed, thus causing the EGCG health benefit to transform into another less medicinally potent form.

Aside from medicinal value, green tea can also offer other health benefits, especially in the fitness field. Drinking green tea can cause a person to burn down more calories. A recent study on the health benefits of green tea shows that the drink can help dieters. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1999, men who take both caffeine and green tea burn down more calories than men who only take caffeine or a placebo.

Another health benefit of green tea is its bacteria-destroying properties. The health benefit of green tea in this area is that it can help prevent food poisoning and also prevent tooth decay. The substances found in green tea kill the bacteria causing food poisoning and those that cause dental plaque to form.

Well known for its countless medicinal and health benefits, green tea is nothing short of a miracle.

Julie Health writes about the health benefits of green tea at her website.

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