Try a Green Tea Smoothie

Green tea originated in China around 4,000 years ago where it served as both a delicious beverage as well as a medicine.

Over the next several centuries it became an important part of many Asian cultures, largely due to its numerous medicinal properties. It was used for almost everything from controlling bleeding and healing wounds and aiding in digestion.

Recent years have seen a steady rise in green tea's popularity in the west. Again, this is due largely to the many health benefits associated with it.

Green tea contains high quantities of healthy vitamins, minerals and other compounds. These compounds can help the body to heal and recover as well as prevent many common illnesses. These benefits, noted by the Ancient Chinese long ago, are still being researched today with results being very promising.

Epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG) is a specific antioxidant found in green tea. All antioxidants work to reduce free radicals in the body, which are associated with conditions such as cancer as well as neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's. EGCG in particular is strongly tied to the treatment of many diseases including cancer, endometriosis, chronic fatigue, spinal muscle atrophy and even some of the symptoms of HIV. It is credited with being the major component of this tea that makes it so good for preventing so many chronic diseases.

Along with EGCG, green tea contains flavonoids and catechins, which also have antioxidant properties. In addition to reducing free radicals, these compounds improve insulin sensitivity in the body as well as lower cholesterol. Improving insulin sensitivity results in improved blood sugar levels and dramatically lowers the risk of developing Type II diabetes. The prevalence of Type II diabetes has reached nearly epidemic proportions along with the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, which are the result of high cholesterol levels.

As the body ages, the brain tends to experience neurological decay. This decrease in brain function causes the dementia and other symptoms that are related to both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Green tea not only protects the brain as it ages by slowing or preventing this decay, but it is also good for the brain in the short-term. The amount of caffeine in green tea is not only enough to provide alertness in the morning just like a cup of coffee, but it is the perfect amount to boost mood, improve memory and increase reaction time.

There is less caffeine in green tea than in coffee, so these benefits are gained without the negative side-effect of becoming jittery that coffee often brings. L-theanine is an interesting amino acid found in green tea, not coffee, that works alongside caffeine to significantly decrease anxiety and enhance brain function even further.

The catechins in green tea are also antibacterial and antiviral agents. Because of these properties, green tea lowers the risk of infection and even helps to fend off common bacteria and viruses like influenza. Unlike many over-the-counter cold medicines, which only reduce symptoms, this drink actually helps the body's immune system fight the infection and recover more rapidly. This can speed the healing of wounds as well as prevent them from becoming infected - which is why it was used to treat injuries in Asian medicine. Tooth decay and bad breath are also the result of bacteria and improved dental health has been found in many drinkers of green tea.

Thanks to lowering the risk of so many diseases, green tea's biggest benefit is living an overall longer and better life. Heart disease and stroke are big killers in today's society, but studies have shown that people who drink five or more cups of green tea per day are up to forty-five percent less likely to suffer from these deadly conditions. They are also less likely to develop cancers - particularly breast cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer.

Regular drinkers of green tea are sick less often and feel better in general than those who do not drink green tea. The mood and immune system boosting effects provide a surprising improvement to daily life, alongside the long-term health benefits.

We spend a lot of effort trying to get, and stay healthy. We exercise regularly, we try to eat better, and we promote a healthy lifestyle. A cup or two of green tea a day is not much effort and helps us achieve our goals just that much more.

Don't be intimidated by a green tea smoothie. There are many concoctions and blends that are delicious while incorporating this powerful antioxidant.  Add fruit for more nervous drinkers and add more greens and a healthy fat (almonds, avocados) for a lighter blend. A touch of honey to this green blend can go a long way!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups green grapes
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 cup frozen banana slices
• 1 cup strong brewed green tea (2 bags) - brew twice the amount of tea as water but do not steep longer than 3 minutes, over steeping can cause a bitter taste
• Add ½ avocado and 1 oz almond slices ( optional)

Directions:

Cool tea with ice in refrigerator before blending. Combine grapes, spinach, banana in blender. Add cooled tea or Green tea powder which can also be substituted for chilled green tea. Blend till smooth. Best served in 3-4 small portions.