The Benefits of Green Tea with Dr. William Li and Sei Mee Tea

Summary

In this engaging webinar, Dr. Lee and Kiyomi Kyoke, founder of Sami Tea, explore the health benefits of tea, focusing on its role in cancer prevention and overall wellness. Kiyomi shares her personal journey with tea, revealing how it helped her husband battle cancer. The conversation delves into the science behind tea's cancer-fighting properties, the importance of catechins, and the benefits of drinking both hot and iced tea. The duo also discusses how to manage caffeine intake, cooking with tea, and alternatives like brown rice tea. Viewers are encouraged to incorporate tea into their daily routines for better health and immunity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Green tea is rich in catechins, which have numerous health benefits including boosting immunity and potentially fighting cancer.
• 😀 Research shows that brewing tea, whether hot or iced, does not diminish its health benefits, making both options viable for consumption.
• 😀 Tea, particularly green tea, can have a positive effect on inflammation, gut microbiome health, and immunity, even in people without cancer.
• 😀 The temperature at which tea is brewed impacts its flavor, with the optimal range for green tea being 175-185°F (80-85°C).
• 😀 When brewing tea, water temperature matters; after boiling, it’s recommended to let the water cool slightly before pouring to avoid destroying delicate flavors.
• 😀 Caffeine levels in tea can vary, and choosing tea grown in full sun can reduce its caffeine content, making it a good option for those sensitive to caffeine.
• 😀 Green tea powder (such as sencha or matcha) offers a more concentrated form of the health benefits of tea compared to brewed tea.
• 😀 Special decaffeination processes can remove up to 95% of the caffeine in tea while preserving most of the beneficial catechins, making it an option for those avoiding caffeine.
• 😀 Other types of tea, such as brown rice tea, offer unique health benefits, including soluble fiber and polyphenols, with no caffeine content.
• 😀 Tea can be incorporated into cooking by using green tea powder in dips, dressings, or spice mixes, offering a nutritious way to enhance meals with the health benefits of tea.

Q & A

What motivated Kiyomi Kyoke to start her tea business?

Kiyomi Kyoke's tea journey began 21 years ago when her husband and father were diagnosed with cancer. She turned to green tea for its potential health benefits, particularly for combating cancer, and after discovering its effectiveness, she decided to create Sami Tea to share her findings and experiences with others.

How does green tea contribute to health, particularly in cancer prevention?

Green tea contains catechins, which help boost immunity, neutralize free radicals, and even starve cancer cells. The key health benefits of green tea are attributed to its high levels of catechins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, all of which support overall health.

What are the differences between brewed green tea and powdered green tea in terms of health benefits?

Brewed green tea only releases about 30% of the available nutrients, as not all components of the tea are water-soluble. In contrast, powdered green tea, such as Sami Tea's Sencha Powder, contains 100% of the tea's nutrients, including catechins, vitamins, and fiber, offering more health benefits in a single serving.

Is it true that the temperature of the water affects the health benefits of green tea?

While many people worry that hot water might destroy the antioxidants in green tea, studies show that even high temperatures, such as 350°F for an hour, don't significantly degrade catechins. The optimal water temperature for brewing green tea is between 175-185°F, as this range preserves the flavor and health benefits.

How can I brew green tea without a thermometer?

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can judge the temperature based on the bubbles in the kettle. When the water starts forming bubbles and making noise, it's around 140-160°F. If the water boils, let it cool for a minute or two, and you can expect it to reach the right temperature.

What types of green tea are best for those sensitive to caffeine?

For those looking to minimize caffeine intake, choosing green tea grown in full sun can help, as it naturally contains less caffeine. Sami Tea's Sencha Green Tea Powder offers both regular and decaffeinated options, with the decaffeinated version containing less than three milligrams of caffeine per serving.

How does the decaffeination process of Sami Tea differ from other decaffeinated teas?

Sami Tea's decaffeinated green tea uses a special water-based process that removes 95% of the caffeine while preserving 95% of the beneficial catechins. This method avoids harsh chemicals often used in other decaffeination processes, ensuring that the tea retains its health benefits.

Can iced tea still offer the health benefits of hot tea?

Yes, both hot and iced tea offer the same health benefits. Research shows that refrigerating brewed tea does not reduce its beneficial effects. Whether consumed hot or cold, the antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds in tea remain intact.

What are some alternative ways to enjoy tea besides drinking it traditionally?

Aside from traditional drinking, tea can be incorporated into cooking. For example, you can add green tea powder to dips like hummus, soups, or salad dressings. It can also be used in spice mixes to season nuts or other snacks, adding flavor and health benefits to your meals.

What is 'unforgettable brown rice coffee' and how does it compare to regular coffee?

'Unforgettable brown rice coffee' is a caffeine-free beverage made from roasted brown rice ground into a fine powder. Unlike traditional coffee, it offers a roasted flavor and contains polyphenols and soluble fiber. It is a great alternative for those seeking a warm, soothing, and healthy drink without caffeine.