The study, which was published in the journal Nutrients, was conducted by researchers from Cornell University's Sensory Evaluation Center.
Green tea, EGCG, and purified water
Based on their findings, brewing green tea using bottled water more than doubles the amount of a certain type of antioxidant it contains as opposed to using tap water.
The antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) can be found in green tea, but concentrations may vary. Data suggest that consuming green tea rich in EGCG regularly helps boost skin health and minimize inflammation. The antioxidant is also said to have anti-aging properties, which makes green tea one of the healthiest drinks in existence.
However, the researchers observed that boosting the antioxidant levels of green tea also affects the taste of the beverage. They found that high levels of EGCG produced a slightly more bitter cup of green tea. The study participants preferred the taste of green tea brewed with tap water.
The researchers also tested if the volunteers had a taste preference when it came to black tea, but they did not find any noticeable difference when tap or bottled water was used to brew black tea.
The average glass of water from the sink contains various minerals, like calcium, magnesium, and sodium, along with some possible toxins like copper or lead. These minerals may affect the antioxidant levels of your cup of tea. The researchers suggested that these minerals can also block EGCG from being extracted from the tea leaves, which could lower the antioxidant levels of your tea.
If you want to brew antioxidant-rich green tea every time, the answer isn't buying tons of bottled water and producing plastic waste. Instead, you can buy a reusable water filter to brew a healthier pot of green tea every day.
The health benefits of green tea
If you're on the fence about drinking more green tea, here are some of the many health benefits of this amazing beverage.
It helps prevent multiple cancers.
While research on the benefits of green tea and cancer prevention are still ongoing, the results are promising. Researchers believe that the polyphenols in green tea can help kill cancer cells and stop their progression. This is crucial for preventing different types of cancer.
It boosts heart health.
Green tea is rich in flavonoids, which are antioxidants that prevent heart disease by improving blood vessel function. The beverage also slows the breakdown of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and prevents blood clots. (Related: Green tea vs. white tea: Both come from the same tree, but each offers different health benefits.)
It helps relieve arthritis.
Green tea can ease the pain caused by arthritis if you drink at least four cups of tea daily. Experts believe that the quercetin in green tea is responsible for this particular benefit. This chemical compound acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant.
It may help clear up acne.
If you suffer from acne, drink more green tea. According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Miami, even a mild dose of green tea’s antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds can eliminate at least two-thirds of pimples from individuals with mild to moderate acne. The study participants used facial wash made with green tea twice daily for six weeks.
To make your own green tea acne remedy, brew a cup of green tea, let it cool, then use the liquid as a face wash. You can also apply the tea bag directly on your skin for an acne-clearing natural compress.
If you have oily skin, combine peppermint tea with green tea for an oil-clearing wash.
Brew green tea using filtered water to boost your heart health and lower your risk for certain types of cancer.
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