If you believe everything you read, Green Tea was "discovered" almost 5000 years ago by a chinese emperor. As he sat drinking his hot water tea leaves fell into his drink creating the refreshing drink we now know as Green Tea! Whatever the truth of this tale, Green tea does origninate in China and has been know for it's medicinal properties as well as it's refreshing taste for thousands of years.

Green Tea is made from the dried leaves of Camillia sinensis. This is the same plant that black tea is made from. It's the processing of the tea that differentiates them. The Green tea leaves are first steamed, then rolled and dried. The steaming kills off enzymes which prevents the tea from fermenting (as happens in tha making of black and oolong teas). This gives green tea it's unique flavour and also helps preserve the polyphenols in the tea, which are important antioxidants and are thought to help protect against cell damage.

The medicinal properties of green tea are mainly thought to be a function of the fact that it is a rich source of catechin polyphenols and particularly EGCG (epigallocatechingallate) which is believed to be a particularly effective anti-cancer compound. It is thought to help protect cells from damage and to also boost the body's production of antioxidant enzymes.

Organico stocks Clipper Organic Green Tea, Qi Green Tea, and Quest Green Tea Tablets.

Naturally you should always consult a qualified medical practitioner for any chronic health conditions.

Organico Shop, Glengarriff Rd., Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland. Phone +353 (0)27 51391