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Green tea has been used since ancient times for its physical health benefits and calming effects. Modern scientific studies support these ancient beliefs; many people promote its positive effect on weight management and loss by boosting metabolism and energy.

In this brief article, we'll delve into everything surrounding Japanese green tea: its history, health benefits, how to prepare it, and the best varieties.

At this stage, it's important to seek medical attention or expert help, but there are also ways to relieve these symptoms, such as some natural infusions that can be a healthy and effective option.

The healing benefits of teas and infusions have been used around the world for centuries, and modern science is catching up. Research shows that infusions can treat certain conditions, such as high blood triglycerides.

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide, with an estimated 150 million people suffering from them each year.

Most herbal teas are diuretic to some extent, as they increase water intake and, consequently, urine production. However, there are some plants that seem to have a stronger diuretic effect.

Genmaicha tea offers a twist on classic Japanese green teas with a fresh grassy flavor. This tea, made from toasted rice, has a nutty flavor, creating a unique experience you won't find in other green teas.

What is matcha tea | How to make matcha tea | What not to do when making matcha tea | Where to buy matcha tea Matcha tea is the king of teas. This Japanese green tea is so pure, unique, and complex that it has no rival in the tea world. In Asia, it's revered for its health benefits and is the star of the Japanese tea ceremony. Read on to learn how to prepare it optimally. What is matcha tea? Matcha is a finely powdered green tea traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony . In the 12th century, when the monk Eisai introduced tea to Japan, it was customary in China to grind the leaves into a powder before beating them in a bowl. This was the era of beaten tea. This preparation method, later abandoned by the Chinese, was adopted by the Japanese, who incorporated it into the Chanoyu ritual. The finest matcha tea comes from the indoor plantations of the Uji region. After processing, the leaves undergo a specific sorting process. To produce plant material that can be easily ground into a fine powder, the veins are removed from the leaves. This produces tencha, which is ground between millstones . RELATED INFORMATION Matcha Tea Guide: Benefits, Grades, Accessories How to prepare matcha tea correctly? The preparation method for matcha tea is very different from other teas. Instead of boiling or infusing it, matcha tea is simply dissolved in hot water . However, to properly dissolve matcha powder, you need more than just a teapot and a spoon. Brewing a perfect cup of this tea is an art in Japan. To prepare matcha tea at home, you will need these accessories : A chawan or bowl A chashaku or measuring spoon A chasen or bamboo whisk A colander You can replace the chawan and chashaku with a regular bowl and spoon, but this will take away the magic and sophistication of the matcha preparation ritual. These are the steps for preparing matcha tea the traditional way : Place all the utensils on the table in front of you in an orderly manner. Use filtered or mineral water. Bring it to a boil and let it cool for two minutes (approximately 80°C). While you wait for the water to cool, preheat the chawan or bowl with hot water and dry it with a kitchen towel. Pass two measures of chashaku or half a teaspoon of matcha through the sieve over the chawan or bowl. Pour about 70 ml of the water you have heated into the chawan or bowl. Beat with the chasen or bamboo whisk, making "w"-shaped movements until you obtain a smooth liquid with a light foam. Drink the matcha tea next. Clean utensils with hot or warm water after use. RELATED INFORMATION How to Make the Best Matcha Latte? Recipe and Tips Things you shouldn't do when preparing matcha tea For an optimal experience with your matcha tea, here's a list of common mistakes people make when preparing this tea to keep in mind: Never use a wet measuring spoon when scooping matcha powder. This would cause the matcha in the tin to spoil much more quickly. Don't use boiling water when preparing matcha. Let it cool for a few minutes, or if you have a tea thermometer , wait until the water reaches 80°C. Don't use unsifted matcha powder. Everyone has a sieve at home. Sifting it prevents clumps of powder from remaining in the bowl. Whisk the matcha powder vigorously, but do so carefully and without pressing the chasen against the bottom of the bowl, as it could break. Don't wait for matcha to cool before drinking it, as it will lose its flavor and creamy texture. Don't forget to clean the chasen after using it, or it will be very difficult to clean later. Where to buy matcha tea? Nowadays, it's easy to find matcha tea in supermarkets, but we recommend purchasing it from specialty tea shops. Make sure the matcha tea is Japanese and ceremonial grade, which is the type used in the Japanese tea ceremony. At Replantea, you can buy 100% organic, ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha tea . You'll also find all the necessary accessories and matcha starter packs . RELATED INFORMATION Matcha Tea Helps Lose Weight, Increases Energy and Relaxation 4 Benefits of Matcha for Your Skin

Dragon Well tea, also known as Lung Ching, is a roasted green tea from Zhejiang Province, China. This tea is known as one of the highest quality teas in the world and has an antioxidant content similar to that of matcha tea.

Kukicha tea is one of those hidden gems, a Japanese green tea made with stems and twigs instead of leaves. In this post, I'll tell you all about its properties, preparation, and some interesting facts.

If you ever have the chance to visit Morocco, you have to try Moroccan tea. This unique tea holds great cultural and social significance, and it's delicious too. Read on to learn more about its history and learn how to make it at home.

Many people drink this infusion for its detox properties or to help with weight loss. Read on to learn more about its benefits.

Green tea has been a popular beverage in Asia for centuries, forming part of the culture and traditions of China and Japan, even being used in the treatment of various diseases due to its health-promoting properties.

What is black tea | What is green tea Which is healthier? Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world and can be found on virtually every corner. It comes in hundreds of varieties, each with a unique flavor, aroma, and fascinating story. This immense variety can make it difficult to decide which tea is best for your health. Even within the two main tea categories, black tea and green tea, there are multiple varieties that vary in flavor, composition, and brewing method . In this brief guide, we break down the differences and health benefits of black and green teas so you can decide which one is best for you. What is black tea? Black tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant , primarily in three countries: China, India, and Sri Lanka . In China, it is grown in the Anhyi and Yunnan regions. In India, the most important regions are Darjeeling and Assam. Sri Lankan black teas are called Ceylon, after the country's former name. Black tea: preparation The main difference between black tea and green tea is the production process. While green tea is not oxidized, black tea is almost completely oxidized. Black tea leaves are harvested and withered to reduce moisture content. They are then rolled to create tiny fissures in the leaves that allow enzymes to interact with oxygen. The rolled leaves are then spread on trays where oxygen turns them black. Finally, the leaves are fired in kilns to prevent oxidation, and then packaged. When to drink black tea? Black tea contains between 50 and 90 mg of caffeine, although blends of black tea and other ingredients, such as Earl Grey or Chai tea, contain less caffeine. It's important to keep this in mind when it's best to drink black tea. It is best to drink black tea during the day , this way we ensure that the stimulating effects of the caffeine have disappeared by the time we go to bed. Drinking black tea about 30 minutes after lunch is a great option, as black tea is very digestive and will help you feel less heavy and have energy to continue the rest of the day. RELATED INFORMATION Discover the World's Best Black Teas What is green tea? Green tea is one of the least processed teas; only white teas have a simpler production method. Green tea, like black tea, is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The largest producers and consumers of green tea are China and Japan. Green tea: preparation Each of these countries has its own green tea production system . In Japan, tea plants are shaded during the final weeks before harvest to increase their chlorophyll content. After harvesting, they are steam-dried, which gives Japanese green teas their characteristic vegetal and herbaceous flavor. In China, green tea leaves are brewed in large pots, giving these teas a more robust flavor with a more earthy and toasty taste. When to drink green tea? Green tea contains between 25 and 35 mg of caffeine, with the exception of matcha tea, which contains up to 60 mg. Green tea is often recommended as a coffee substitute. This is because green tea contains L-theanine, a compound that slows the absorption of caffeine, making the stimulating effect on our body longer and more sustained, avoiding the energy spikes associated with coffee consumption. Green tea is a great beverage to have in the morning , but be sure not to drink it on an empty stomach, as it can cause irritation. Green tea can help you start the day energized as it also has the ability to boost your metabolism. It is recommended to drink the last cup of green tea of ​​the day about 2 or 3 hours before going to sleep to ensure that the stimulating effect of the caffeine does not affect sleep. Black tea and green tea, which is healthier? Many people know that drinking tea can be beneficial for their health. But how do you know which is better for you? We've compiled a short list of the benefits of black tea and green tea so you can decide for yourself. Black tea: benefits and properties The enzymatic oxidation generated in tea leaves during black tea production converts some of the catechins into theaflavins and thearubigins, while also destroying some of the vitamins. Since some of the components vary from those of green tea, some of its benefits and properties also vary. Helps with weight loss: Black tea can help you lose weight and stay in shape. Its caffeine content speeds up your metabolism. It also speeds up digestion, allowing your body to burn fat more efficiently. Because it's calorie-free, black tea is a great substitute for other sugary energy drinks. Reduces cholesterol: When we have a high level of "bad" cholesterol in the body, it can clog arteries, which can lead to heart problems and even heart attacks. Some studies have found that drinking black tea can reduce "bad" cholesterol by up to 11% in individuals with slightly elevated levels. Reduce your risk of stroke: A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or ruptures. The good news is that up to 80% of strokes can be prevented by controlling your diet, exercising, or not smoking. A study conducted over 10 years on 74,000 people concluded that those who drank black tea daily had a 32% lower risk of stroke. These are Replantea's 100% organic black teas . Buy black tea on Amazon >> Green tea: benefits and properties According to recent studies, green teas have a higher polyphenol content than other types of tea, including black tea. This enhances their antioxidant power. Green tea's less interventionist production method also means it retains more iron and vitamin content than green tea. Improves brain function: Green tea contains theine and L-theanine. The theine in green tea acts as a stimulant differently than coffee. The caffeine in tea is released in a more controlled manner in the body, maintaining its effects for longer but without causing the nervousness attributed to the caffeine in coffee. L-theanine is an amino acid that increases the activity of the GABA neurotransmitter, having anxiolytic effects and increasing dopamine, resulting in relaxation and greater concentration. Helps with weight loss: Green tea also helps with weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. For this reason, green tea is one of the main ingredients in many weight-loss supplements. The catechins and theine present in green tea speed up the metabolism, which makes fat burning faster. It can prevent numerous diseases: The antioxidants in green tea can not only help eliminate toxins from your body, they can also prevent serious diseases. Antioxidants work to eliminate free radicals that cause oxidative damage to cells. This oxidative stress is responsible for diseases such as Alzheimer's and heart disease. These are Replantea's 100% organic green teas . Buy green tea on Amazon >> Choose your favorite tea Both black tea and green tea contain powerful compounds that provide numerous health benefits. Both help maintain a healthy immune system, promote heart health, and contribute to weight loss. Deciding which one is best for you will depend on your situation and tastes. The great thing about tea is that you can switch to another type whenever you want and choose from the immense variety of flavors and aromas it offers. Whichever tea you choose will be a healthy, calorie-free, and completely natural beverage, and simply replacing it with other sugary drinks will provide you with great benefits. We recommend that you consume loose organic teas whenever possible. This way, you avoid consuming harmful chemicals derived from pesticides and fertilizers. RELATED INFORMATION Antioxidant Components of Tea: Polyphenols and Catechins All About L-Theanine: How It Works and Its Benefits Sources - Korystova AF, Kublik LN, Samokhvalova TV, Shaposhnikova VV, Korystov YN. Black tea is more effective than green tea in prevention of radiation-induced oxidative stress in the aorta of rats. Biomed Pharmacother. 2021 Aug 20;142:112064. - Ren-You Gan, Hua-Bin Li, Zhong-Quan Sui & Harold Corke (2018) Absorption, metabolism, anti-cancer effect and molecular targets of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG): An updated review, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 58:6, 924-941. - Siro I. Trevisanato, Ph D, Young In Kim, MD, FRCP(C), Tea and Health , Nutrition Reviews , Volume 58, Issue 1, January 2000, Pages 1–10. - Arpita Basu, PhD, Edralin A. Lucas, PhD, Mechanisms and Effects of Green Tea on Cardiovascular Health , Nutrition Reviews , Volume 65, Issue 8, August 2007, Pages 361–375. - Jochmann, N., Lorenz, M., Krosigk, A., Martus, P., Böhm, V., Baumann, G., . . . Stangl, V. (2008). The efficacy of black tea in ameliorating endothelial function is equivalent to that of green tea . British Journal of Nutrition, 99 (4), 863-868. - Persson, I., Persson, K., Hägg, S., & Andersson, R. (2010). Effects of green tea, black tea and Rooibos tea on angiotensin-converting enzyme and nitric oxide in healthy volunteers. Public Health Nutrition, 13 (5), 730-737.

Drinking a cup of tea a day is a great way to stay healthy and happy. Tea is a complex beverage with different flavors, varieties, and preparation methods that depend on the growing regions, traditions, and production methods. This leads to thousands of types of tea, a nearly endless world if we include herbal infusions.

Instead of drinking sugary sodas and taking diet pills, simply incorporate one of these teas into your daily routine. These slimming teas will help you lose weight faster, while you enjoy the process.

When you have a nagging headache, preparing a herbal tea probably isn't your priority. But some herbal teas can be really helpful. Discover the best herbal teas for headache and migraine relief.

In addition to being a natural source of caffeine, tea is packed with other healthy plant compounds, many of which also have properties that positively affect the mind. For example, tea contains L-theanine, which is calming, and some research suggests that antioxidant polyphenols in tea, such as EGCG, may also affect our mental state. Probably for these reasons, tea has been an indispensable part of meditation in many cultures for thousands of years. Read on to discover the ins and outs of this ancient and revered combination, and learn how you can apply it to your daily life to achieve greater peace and focus. Tea and meditation in history There is a famous legend about the origin of tea in China. It tells of a monk of Persian origin named Bodhidharma, who lived in China under the reign of Emperor Wu of Liang, in the 6th century. It is said that Bodhiddaharma had a strong will and determination, and that he once meditated for seven years. After meditating, he slept for two years, and upon waking, he was so frustrated at having lost consciousness that he took off his eyelids and threw them to the ground. This way, he would never fall asleep again while meditating. The legend continues, explaining that over time, the eyelids became the first tea plants and have since helped all monks gain more energy and focus during meditation. This is just a legend, but historians believe that Zen monks spread the Camellia sinensis plant throughout China and later to Japan and other countries, while promoting Buddhism and meditation. How does tea help you during meditation? By examining existing research linking tea compounds to the human brain, we can see how drinking tea promotes the mental qualities required for meditation. Theine reduces the feeling of sleepiness If you've ever meditated, you've probably noticed sleepiness at some point. Relaxing and letting go sometimes leads to states of bliss, but other times it can lead to an unwanted slumber. If you drink a cup of tea at least 30 minutes before meditation, you're less likely to spend the session struggling to stay awake. You'll also be interested to know that the caffeine in tea works differently than the caffeine in coffee. The stimulating effects of theine are released in a more sustained and measured manner, without causing highs and lows or jitters. You can read in-depth about the differences between theine and caffeine in the article "Drink Coffee or Tea? Caffeine or Theine?" . L-theanine increases concentration and calmness L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea that promotes alpha brain wave activity. Alpha waves are associated with a state of calm concentration. Meditation generates alpha waves in the same way that L-theanine does. Perhaps it's no coincidence that matcha tea, the tea with the highest L-theanine content, has been a favorite of Buddhist monks for hundreds of years. If you want to learn more about L-theanine, you can read our article All About L-Theanine: How It Works and Its Benefits. EGCG promotes states of happiness Tea catechins, such as EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate, also have calming and mood-enhancing effects through cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are involved in several physiological processes, including appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. These receptors are often activated by exercise, yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. We tell you all about the polyphenols and catechins in tea in our article Antioxidant Components of Tea: Polyphenols and Catechins How to enhance meditation by drinking tea? It is very easy to take advantage of the benefits of tea to enhance meditation. The most important thing is to manage your time. Make sure you drink your tea at least 30 minutes before beginning your meditation, so you give the theine and other compounds in the tea time to take effect. If you enjoy tea, drinking it mindfully, taking time to prepare it, and delighting in its aroma and flavor can be a meditation in itself, and you can use it as a warm-up for the following meditation session. After preparing the tea, sit in a comfortable, quiet place and engage all your senses as you begin to focus your attention on the tea. Think about the feel of the cup, the temperature, the weight. Smell the tea and inhale the aroma, think about the color of the infusion and how the liquid moves inside the cup. Finally, when you take a sip of tea, pay attention to how your body feels, your breathing, your posture, etc. The goal is to focus your attention as much as possible on drinking tea, but do so in a relaxed manner. Once you finish drinking the tea, you can redirect your thoughts to another activity or you can begin your meditation session as you normally would. Enjoy the benefits of tea and meditation Monks may have been the first to link tea and meditation. Historians have established that it was Zen monks who spread tea throughout Asia, while also introducing Buddhism and meditation practices. The benefits of drinking tea and meditating overlap in many cases, so it's no wonder they even enhance each other.

Green tea or matcha, which is better? Both have an intense green color, great health benefits, and are delicious. But when it comes to choosing, what are the differences between conventional green tea and matcha green tea powder?

We've put together this short guide to help you choose the best organic green teas from China and Japan. A world of flavors, from vegetal and smooth to sweet and floral.