Introduction to Healthy Pairings with Green Tea
Green tea, hailed as a healthy beverage, not only has a refreshing taste but also offers a wealth of healthy pairing possibilities. Green tea is not fermented during production, thus retaining the natural nutrients found in fresh tea leaves, such as polyphenols, catechins, chlorophyll, amino acids, and vitamins. These components give green tea outstanding antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-ageing properties, far surpassing those of many other teas. Green tea can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other ingredients in creative ways, each combination offering unique health benefits.
The Seven Healthy Pairings of Green Tea
Green Tea and Lemon
The antioxidants in green tea, particularly catechins, have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke. When green tea is combined with lemon, its health benefits are further enhanced. A study by Purdue University revealed that green tea with lemon juice can increase the body’s absorption efficiency of catechins by 13 times. This is due to the abundant vitamin C in lemons, which effectively enhances the body’s absorption of green tea polyphenols. Therefore, the combination of green tea and lemon not only enhances the effects of cancer prevention, fat reduction, stroke risk reduction, and cardiovascular health improvement, but also brings smoothness and elasticity to the skin.
Green tea and dried tangerine peel
Green tea, a refreshing choice, has cooling and heat-relieving effects, but its cold nature may cause some irritation to the stomach and intestines. The warm nature of dried tangerine peel complements this, and its unique aroma and effects, such as warming the stomach, strengthening the spleen, drying dampness and transforming phlegm, and clearing the throat and moistening the lungs, are highlighted when paired with green tea. This combination is suitable for all types of people and offers both health benefits and delicious taste.
Green Tea and Jasmine Flowers
Placing green tea and jasmine flowers together in a cup and brewing with hot water can help reduce internal heat, nourish yin, and moisturise dryness, while also aiding liver health and relieving constipation. This combination not only has a sweet and refreshing taste but is also an excellent choice for health and wellness.
Green Tea and Honeysuckle
Wash green tea and honeysuckle thoroughly, then steep in boiling water for 5–10 minutes before enjoying. This tea not only clears heat and detoxifies but also effectively boosts the immune system, with significant blood pressure-lowering and blood sugar-regulating effects. It has preventive and auxiliary therapeutic effects on conditions such as heat-toxin acne, hypertension, and diabetes.
Green Tea and Rose Petals
Place rose petals and green tea bags in a thermos, pour boiling water over them, let steep for a moment, then pour out the liquid. Add a suitable amount of plum juice and honey to taste. This tea not only aids digestion and relieves depression but also effectively boosts the immune system.
Green Tea and Chrysanthemum
Add chrysanthemum and locust flowers to a tea kettle along with green tea and boil together. After boiling, simply enjoy the tea broth to easily detoxify and clear heat, effectively remove toxins from the body, and combat radiation and oxidation.
Green Tea and Osmanthus
Combine the warm-natured osmanthus with the cool-natured green tea, and drink daily to enjoy the benefits of osmanthus in stimulating appetite, soothing the liver, and moistening the throat, as well as the benefits of green tea in refreshing the mind and beautifying the skin. However, note that the amount of green tea and osmanthus should be moderate when brewing, as too much may affect the efficacy.
