Get Going with Green Tea

You've seen it in tea bags at the grocery store and probably in some of your favorite supplements, but what exactly is green tea? Green tea is derived from the same plant that produces black tea, but it's harvested and processed much differently to avoid the oxidation process. It's much more than just an earthy-flavored herbaceous drink, so whether you drink it or take it in supplemental form, the positive effects of green tea will help you get going on your good-health quest.

Green tea has been used for centuries as a mostly medicinal drink, thanks to its multitude of health benefits. It's generally used because of its high antioxidant content, improved fat loss, enhanced brain function, and potentially reduced risk of disease.

The polyphenols (flavonoids and catechins) in green tea provide the highly touted Epigallocatechin Gallet (EGCG) which is green tea is mostly known for, and where most of its health benefits come from. EGCG has the ability to effectively fight off free radical damage, promote brain health, and support weight loss among other things.

Green tea is particularly helpful for those on the quest for a natural yet potent fat-loss aid. It can inhibit fat absorption, help oxidize fat in the body, and it's got minor appetite suppressant effects, so it's truly safe and effective to use in the battle of the bulge.

The potent antioxidant effects of green tea are beneficial to anyone, as it can help bolster your immune system and help your body fight off sickness. But green is more than just an immune-boosting fat burner. It's also been noted for improving memory, reaction time, and overall brain function thanks to its light caffeine and L-theanine content.

The only negative with green tea is the amount of brewed tea you'd need to drink to take full advantage of its health benefits. That's why getting it in supplemental form is so highly desired by most people. For instance, a premium extract like what you'd find in SAN's Ultra Pure Green Tea supplies all the health-promoting qualities of ten (10) full cups of brewed tea in a single capsule, making it perfect for anyone who can't sit around drinking multiple cups of tea throughout the day.

Because of its relatively low caffeine content, green tea can be used at just about any time of the day. That small amount of caffeine affects the nervous system more subtly than coffee because of the slower absorption and lower content. As with anything that has caffeine, you'll want to gauge how it affects your sleep and adjust your intake and timing based on that.

On the other hand, if you opt for the more potent and convenient Ultra Pure Green Tea supplement over brewed tea, you can take just one capsule with a meal. Although it can be taken at just about any time, taking it earlier in the day is a good plan so you can take advantage of the enhanced brain function and metabolic boost.