Lazika Green Tea
The Green Tea, named after its green color when brewed, is made from the freshest upper leaves of the Camellia Sinensis tea plant, hand-picked from the top leaves of the 2.5-leaf buds. Unlike black tea, green tea is not fermented but undergoes processes like roasting, twisting, and drying without oxidation.
Quality of Green Tea
The quality of green tea depends on factors such as leaf cutting, harvest season, climate, and processing method. These factors increase the proportion of antioxidant compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols found in green tea. Flavonoids act as antioxidants in the human body, which plays a central role in the immune system. Polyphenols make up the most important group of natural antioxidants, and catechins are the most important polyphenolic compounds in tea. The most important polyphenol compound in green tea is Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
What is Antioxidant and What Does It Do?
Toxins known as free radicals can form in our body. Some of these toxins are removed from our body, while others cause oxidation by damaging cells. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, preventing damage to cells. This helps slow down the aging process and reduces the risk of diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Features of Lazika Green Tea
Lazika Green Tea is made from the early (first) harvest, known as May tea. It is fed by snow water and collected by hand from the 2.5-leaf buds and the freshest upper leaves, which then undergo only roasting, twisting, and drying. This minimal processing helps maintain the polyphenol structure and keeps the polyphenol and catechin levels high in Lazika Green Tea.
Turkish Food Codex Standards
According to the Turkish Food Codex standards, the polyphenol rate is 11%, but Lazika Green Tea has 15.2%. Catechins are at 11% (the Turkish Food Codex sets it at 7%). The extract rate is 44.25% (the Turkish Food Codex sets it at 29%). These ratios are key indicators of the tea’s quality.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
Along with its antioxidant effects, green tea offers many health benefits. Here are some of them:
- Antioxidant effects: Reduces cell damage by fighting free radicals, slows down the aging process, and reduces the risk of diseases like cancer.
- Brain functions: Caffeine and L-theanine increase alertness, strengthen concentration, and help cope with stress.
- Heart health: Reduces LDL cholesterol levels and lowers the risk of heart disease.
- Metabolism: Speeds up metabolism, increases fat burning, and may aid in weight loss.
- Immune system: Strengthens the immune system and provides protection against diseases.
- Reduces cancer risk: Prevents the growth of cancer cells.
How to Brew Lazika Green Tea
Heat the water to about 85°C (185°F) and pour it into a teapot or cup. Then, add 1 gram of green tea leaves for each cup. Steep for 4 minutes. It is suitable for re-brewing twice.
Enjoy your tea and may your health always stay in balance! Cheers!