Very little processing is required to produce green tea. In most cases the leaves are dried immediately after harvesting or briefly treated with steam prior to drying. There are a few types of tea that are also lightly roasted. Because of this minimal processing, the leaves keep their green color and more importantly they keep the very valuable ingredients that contribute to their healing properties. Green tea leaves contain caffeine, tannins, essential oils, proteins, vitamins, minerals and trace elements such as fluoride, zinc and potassium.

Green tea is naturally rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are needed by the body to protect cells from free radicals (unstable molecules found in our cells). Too much free radical damage, over time, could lead to diseases which includes cancer. As part of our regular cell processing, antioxidants attach themselves to free radicals and this results in the neutralization these molecules. Drinking green tea regularly has been linked (via loads of research) with the prevention of cancer; it lowers the risk high blood cholesterol, harmful blood clotting and stroke.

Drinking Green Tea is important for sufferers of arthritis as the tea itself has anti-inflammatory properties.

As reported earlier, Green Tea has some caffeine which helps invigorate and improve concentration.

Green tea is also antibacterial and the trace element fluorine helps to fight tooth decay. Just one cup of tea a day will be beneficial in the prevention of decay. Green tea is also ideal after dinner as a palette cleanser.

Many Natural practitioners recommend green tea to help cleanse the body. It is a useful addition to all types of detoxification diets. It contains no calories, no carbs and is referred to as the 'fat eater' in China due to its cholesterol-lowering properties.

When your thirst needs quenching, why not grab a cup of Green Tea? This can be enjoyed at any time of the day, with a slice of lemon, or even poured over ice to make a really refreshing drink.

How to prepare Green Tea: Put one level teaspoon of tea leaves per cup; then Boil your water and then let the water stand for a couple of minutes - allowing it to cool slightly. Pour the water over the green tea and leave the tea to brew.

Allow the tea to brew for a couple of minutes - too long can produce a slightly bitter taste.

Allowing the tea for a longer 4-6 minutes produces a less stimulating and a more stronger tasting tea.

Of Special Note: The levels of caffeine in green tea can cause heart palpitations in very sensitive people. To lower the amount of caffeine in your tea, put one teaspoon of leaves in your cup, pour a little bit of hot water over it and allow it to stand for 30 seconds then strain through a tea strainer. Now use the leaves to prepare your tea as usual. An alternative is to look for decaffeinated Green Tea available in many health stores or natural food stores.