So, which is better, taking green tea capsules, or drinking brewed green tea?
More many years, tea has been used in Chinese medicine for treating many sicknesses and ailments. This beverage provides us with many health benefits that much research done today can back up. Drinking just several cups of freshly brewed loose leaf tea daily can help folks lead a healthier lifestyle.
Powerful antioxidants in tea called catechins and polyphenols are what researchers have found give tea their ability to help aid us. Such benefits include:
boosting the immune system
lowering blood pressure and cholesterol
preventing certain tumor and cancers from forming
destroying free radicals
killing bacteria in the mouth that could lead to plaque
But for those who want the quick and easy consumption of these great benefits without having to brew a cup of tea, there are alternatives.
Green tea capsules are the more common form of such alternatives, and offer a huge dose of polyphenol antioxidants. However, it is important that you speak to your physician about taking capsules, and what the recommended dosage should be. Taking too much of these in a short period of time may actually do more harm than good!
For folks who are taking green tea supplements for weight loss, exercise extra care since over doing it is more likely.
So How Do The Capsules Compare To The Brew?
In one study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research, daily consumption of green tea capsules may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer from developing in high risk patients.
In a report written by Jeanie L. Davis posted on "WebMD", we learn that the body may absorb more of the powerful green tea antioxidants when taken in capsule form rather than being sipped from a brew. Even though liquid tea may contain more antioxidants when compared to the supplements, the body will take in more from the capsules.
However, it is important to realize that not all green tea supplements are created equally. Some, if not most, are made from cheap leaves, and even though they may contain more polyphenols per serving than the brew, can result in problems if not taken with care. Other ingredients besides the antioxidants can also be the culprits. Soy protein, for example, has shown to be rough on ones stomach if taken in excess.
For a more natural and very health way to absorb a plentiful amount of green tea antioxidants, just brew it using whole loose leaves. This is the oldest and most traditional way to enjoy green tea; not just for benefits, but for flavor as well.
Three to four cups of green tea a day can make a difference in the amount of polyphenols you absorb a day, and can definitely help lead to a healthy lifestyle. The warm brew acts as a companion, and offers many tastes and varieties that can accompany a tea drinker for a long while!
Capsules may be quick and easy...but brewing regular tea is always the more natural choice. It gives one more enjoyment too!
