The tea category that has lately increased its popularity in the Western consumer market is Green tea. As the rest three of the main four tea varieties (white, oolong and black teas), Green tea comes from the leaves of the plant "Camellia Sinensis" after the process of minimal oxidation. Extremely liked for its taste and color in mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and the Middle East, Green tea has become in recent times the focal point of research for its tremendous health benefits and has earned the attention of the general public. According to Chinese legend, tea was born by an accident. It was due to a sudden wind that some tea leaves fell inside the Chinese Emperor's kettle while water was boiling. When he decided to taste the unique liquid that was been formed, he was so pleased with the outcome that he introduced it to his people and explored the various processes that would enhance its taste and coloring. But although many people believe Green tea to be the less oxidized form of tea, the truth is that White teas are the ones less processed from all tea categories. But as trade developed and Chinese products were exchanged as commodities which meant that they had to travel greater distances intact, the Chinese developed a process to store tea for longer periods of time. During the Tang Dynasty, wild tea was gathered and then steamed on a bamboo tray, which helped grinding the tea leaves into fine pulp called "tea mud." Then tea mud was pressed and left to harden, later dried in the sun and baked to prevent it from rotting. Although these stages of tea process are not similar to the ones used to produce Green tea today, they remained popular over different Chinese Dynasties, playing a significant role in the developing culture of East Asia and transcended through time as a symbol of power and status. This is probably attributed to the fact that it was directly related to the royal times of the great Chinese Emperors. As early as the 9th century people have been praising Green tea's health benefits and when later in time lifestyle choices and fast-working environments made people extremely tired and stressed out, many began seeking the most appropriate natural methods known to man in order to decompress and find the needed relief or even the cure for their anxieties. Their prayers were answered by Green tea as its health benefits have been well-documented in China for at least 4,000 years. In fact, scientific research in both Asia and the West is providing hard evidence for the health benefits associated with drinking Green tea, like the study that revealed how Green tea actually reduces the risk of esophageal cancer and in general inhibits the growth of cancer cells. But apart from being a cancer fighter, Green tea also fights infections, prevents food poisoning and tooth decay, is known for its positive effects on people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and helps reduce high cholesterol levels. In short, Green tea is a great source of antioxidants and is considered one of the healthier stimulants available to today's consumers. So, next time you need a beverage that will do you some good and taste something different, try consuming the Green tea leaves you can find and purchase from your local grocery shop. You will probably discover your new favorite drink as you can consume it hot or cold, depending on whether you need to relax or rejuvenate in an instant!
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