People have been consuming tea leaves steeped in boiling water for thousands of years, with evidence pointing to India and China as the first peoples to cultivate it.

The three main varieties of tea are black, green, and oolong; the difference being in the way each tea is processed. Green Tea comes from unfermented leaves and is said to contain the highest concentration of the powerful antioxidant, polyphenols. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals by damaging the compounds in our body that alter cells and corrupt the cells’ DNA; antioxidants can even cause cell death. Free radicals are particles that are damaging to the human system; environmental toxins, such as UV rays, air pollution, cigarette smoke, and radiation add to the free radical’s damage power. It is a common belief that free radicals contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants such as polyphenols in Green Tea can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage.

Green Tea in particular has been enjoyed for centuries in China, India, Japan, and Thailand. The Chinese and Indian cultures have used Green Tea in their herbal medical practices as an astringent (to help heal wounds), a diuretic (helps you pee), a stimulant and an overall heart health aid. Green Tea has also been known to treat excessive gas, regulate blood sugar and body temperature, promote proper digestion, and improve mental processes.

The Kissa Yojoki (Book of Tea), written by Zen priest Eisai in 1191, describes how drinking Green Tea can have a positive effect on vital organs, especially the heart. The book discusses Green Tea’s medicinal qualities, including easing the effects of alcohol, curing blotchiness, quenching thirst, eliminating indigestion, curing beriberi disease (a vitamin deficiency), preventing fatigue, and so much more.

Chinese Stories and Legends of the History of Green Tea:

A man known as Shien Non Shei found the plant, and tasted a leaf from it. He thought it tasted fantastic, and decided to mix it with water to make a drink out of it. He also thought that the plant had medicinal properties.

Another story says that the Emperor, Shen Nung, came upon the tea when a leaf from the plant fell into a cup of hot water he was drinking at the time.

A Green Tea timeline:
• In 350 AD, a record was made in a Chinese literature for a method of brewing Green Tea.
• In 520 AD, Buddhists chew the leaves while meditating, to assist in meditation.
• In 729 AD, tea cultivation begins to spread in Japan when the Japanese Emperor gives gifts of powdered Green Tea to Buddhist monks.
• In 780 AD, in China, a book titled “The Book of Tea” is written by Lu Yu. In the book, the author explains that there are numerous health benefits of Green Tea, and was given the name the “patron saint” of tea.
• In 1211 AD, Eisai Myoan, the creator of Zen Buddhism, authors a book titled, “Tea Drinking is Good for Health”. He becomes an advocate for tea as a remedy for nearly anything.
• In the 1400s, the creation of the tea ceremony is created by a Japanese Zen priest.
• In 1517 AD, Europe is presented with Chinese tea by way of Portuguese traders.
• In 1559 AD, a Venetian merchant writes a book called “Voyages and Travels”, which mentions the healthful assets of tea.
• In the 1657 AD, the London people begin to sell tea in the city.
• From the 1600s to now, water is the most popular drink of choice, and tea turns out to be the second most popular drink among people.