Green Tea As An Immunity Booster

Not just a refreshingly different brew, green tea is packed with powerful healing nutrients. Green tea comes from the same plant as ordinary black tea, but has been processed differently, leaving important nutrients intact. It is grown in high areas in countries with warm, wet climates such as Japan and India, but China is the biggest tea producer. The medicinal properties of green tea have been recognized there for over 4,000 years. It has a fresh, astringent flavor.

In order to maximize the benefits of green tea, you need to drink it strong--leave it to brew for at least five minutes. However, some people find this too bitter and compromise by drinking it weaker. Green tea is available both loose and in teabags, with natural flavorings such as lemon and apple, and herbs such as digestion-soothing peppering and brain-boosting ginkgo biloba added for further health benefits. Choose high quality gunpowder green tea if possible, preferably organic. Green tea is best drunk without milk, but you could add lemon or honey to taste.

Here is a really nice recipe using green tea:

Moroccan Mint Tea

(serves 4)



2 tbsp gunpowder green tea

4 cups boiling water

good bunch of fresh mint

brown sugar, to taste

Place the tea in a teapot, cover with boiling water and let steep for 3 minutes. Wash the mint, pull out a few springs to save for each serving, then add the rest to the pot and leave for a further 5 minutes. Pour into glasses, adding sugar if desired, and decorate with the saved sprigs of mint.