How to Choose, Prepare and Drink a Right Cup of Green Tea

(Green Tea has become extremely popular in recent years because of its goodness)

Green Tea has myriad health benefits. But in order to get those benefits we must Choose, Prepare and Drink the green tea carefully.

Choosing the right kind of Green tea

When we are in a super market and choose a green tea brand, it is always confusing as the supermarket flooded with several brands. I have kept some points in my mind whenever I purchase green tea. Here I am sharing these points.

• At first look for the antioxidant content. It varies from brand to band. I am using lipton green tea and its good in the antioxidant part.
• Always choose loose tea leaves instead of tea bag as loose leaves found to be the most potent source of antioxidants.
• Check the ingredients that sugar must not be added, otherwise it will end up with extra calories.
• Always buy recent manufacturing date package of green tea as green tea looses its potency after six months of packing.
• Always keep in mind to choose the first harvest green tea as the highest quality tea leaves are picked in between the month of March and April every year.
• There are decaf, citrus, ginger, fruit and other flavored teas, each with unique flavors and benefits. Always choose a flavour that you love. It helps you in making a habit.
• Choose the ones that use all-natural, organic ingredients and are preservative-free. Thus, you can avoid contamination with pesticides and chemicals. 

Preparing a cup of Green tea?

Making of green tea must be according to the need. If one wants to loose his/her extra pounds or does not want to gain extra calories then he/she must not add sugar or honey. Nevertheless, those want extra calorie or non-diabetic persons can add this. Mind the time of brewing in order to light taste or strong taste. Just follow these steps.

• Boiling water is bad for catechins. So let the water rest for about five minutes in a container after boiling. Then, pour the water over the tea leaves or tea bag and brew for 2 to 3 minutes.
• In case of tea bags, dip the tea bag in warm water and let it brew for 2 to 3 minutes. If one like a stronger flavour, he/she can let it brew for a little longer.
• In case of loose tea leaves, add the leaves in the container containing the warm water. Let it steep for 2 to 3 minutes and then pour the tea in cups through a strainer/sieve.
• One can add a teaspoon of lemon juice. Lemon is not to just for additional flavour. As I told already, it helps in retaining as much as 80 percent of catechins.
• One can also add a touch of honey. Honey will add a host of its medicinal properties, like prevent cancer and heart disease, reducing cough and throat irritation, reducing gastrointestinal disorders, etc

Good habits of taking Green Tea?

We generally take tea in the middle of something i.e. in a short break of heavy work loads. Due to this, we never pay attention to some areas which can maximize the benefits of green tea. In order to reap maximum benefits, always keep these things in mind before having green tea.

• Be active, brew green tea from the loose tea leaves instead of tea bag which is used by most of us for convenience. This allows the release of more antioxidants into a cup.
• Always take green tea in hot water but not too hot as hot water increases green tea’s antioxidant potential by as much as 10 folds.
• Don't add green tea to boiling water. It's bad for catechins, those healthy chemicals, in the tea.
• Add lemon to green tea as Vitamin C makes the catechins easier to absorb. 
• It is always advised to enjoy a cup of Green tea in water only without adding milk or sugar. Adding milk to green tea reduces its antioxidant value and makes it harder to absorb catechins.