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Best Green Tea UK 2022 Reviews

Do you know that the green tea in its natural and unadulterated form is the best quality on the planet? But which brand tastes best is a matter of personal preference. There are some types that may be healthier than others. Our main concern is making sure to find the Best Green Tea for UK customers.”

Tea drinking remains a popular culture in the UK. And even though the past years have seen a decline in; English people’s consumption of tea, the second most-consumed drink in the world after water appears to be holding its ground. Coming in after English Breakfast, Green Tea is the second most drank tea in the UK.

The best quality green tea is grown at a high and humid altitude. They are taken when they first bloom and then dried, lightly steamed, and quickly heated at  200 degrees Celsius, and then tightly rolled. The leaves should be processed and packed 2 hours from harvest, to prevent fermentation, and to ensure maximum retention of vitamins, nutrients, and anti-oxidants. This is also where the delicate green flavour of green tea comes from. It is not fermented, and actually contains the highest polyphenols among teas, and contains less than 3x the caffeine content of black tea.green tea leaf

Notable green teas are made from whole, long, loose leaf teas, not powder like and crushed. When steeped, it produces a tea of delicate, light green colour, not murky brown. It should also smell fresh and flavorful, not rancid or old. The best teas are also packaged closely, not overly big, as a big packaging promotes oxidation.

Aside from being a refreshing tea variant, this has a multitude of physical benefits which is worthy to be looked into.

 

 

Customer Questions & Answers

Medicinal Properties of Green Tea

1. Green Tea leaves have bioactive compounds that contain copious amounts of important nutrients. Its biggest benefit is that it has a significant quantity of catechins. 

  • Catechins are polyphenols which function as anti-oxidants. The anti-oxidant Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), is one of the powerful compounds that serve in protecting cells from damage and oxidation and decreasing the formation of free radicals in the body.
  • Catechins may potentially lower the risk of infections from viruses like influenza by killing the bacteria and inhibiting the virus (1).
  • Catechins in green tea can also prevent the growth of Streptococcus mutans – a harmful mouth bacteria which is the leading cause of plaque formation, cavities, and tooth decay (2).
  • Helps improve dental health, and reduces bad breath (3).
  • Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) can boost metabolism and help maintain overall metabolic health (4).
  • Anti-oxidants help fight against common cold and flu.
  • Theanine, an anti-oxidant present in this tea is believed to boost energy, increase dopamine, protect brain cells, and boost T-cells production which is beneficial for persons suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome who commonly have low T-cell counts. Aches, fever, depression, and extreme fatigue are the usual indications of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
  • Genital warts, a sexually transmitted disease characterized by discomfort, bleeding, and itching in the genital area, HPV, and cervical ailments are said to benefit from the healing properties of catechins found in green tea.
  • Painful kidney stones may also be treated with it. It beats out kidney stones by bonding to these stones and changing their shape, which makes the likelihood of the kidney stones fusing together much lower.

2. Drinking Green Tea may lower the risk of acquiring Type 2 Diabetes

These days, Diabetes is more of a disease that is acquired from lifestyle rather than being inherited, this is type ll diabetes. Worldwide affliction has reached more than 300 million and growing.

Diabetes is a disease wherein the body’s blood sugar levels are elevated brought by insulin resistance or inability to produce insulin.

People who are suffering from diabetes may be more at risk of heart disease, blindness, stroke, and amputation.

Various studies have looked into the possible effect of green tea on diabetes:

A study involving Japanese individuals found that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is more than 40% lower for people who drank at least 6 cups of green tea each day (5)

This may be due to its polyphenols that causes the widening of arteries that consequently resulting in a reduction of cholesterol and blood pressure (6)

3. Green Tea has antioxidants that may help protect the body against cancer.

Although it’s interaction with cancer cells is not established, it has been known to aid healthy cells in all growth stages.

Cancer cells need more of the cyclin D1 protein to continue forming, and it is possible that EGCG in green tea can help prevent the growth of this protein. It also kills cancer cells by triggering proteins that cause cancer cells to die (7).

Other studies show that green tea drinkers are favourably at a lower risk of getting certain types of cancers like breast, colorectal, prostate, bladder, lung, and stomach cancer (8).

4. Green Tea helps improve Physical performance

Caffeine enables the availability of fatty acids for energy use by mobilizing these fat tissues into action. Drinking makes a person alert but calm, and able to focus. Thus, the risk of impaired performance is reduced.

5. Drinking Green Tea can lower the risk of acquiring neuro-degenerative diseases.

Catechin compounds in it can have a protective effect on brain neurons against degeneration brought by Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease (9).

6. Consuming Green Tea may reduce the risk of diseases in the Cardiovascular system

Studies show that consuming it can improve LDL cholesterol and triglycerides which are the main risk factors for heart disease and stroke (10).

It also raised the antioxidant capability of blood which is LDL cholesterol’s leading protection against oxidation which is also the precursor of heart disease (11)

7. Green Tea may be used to treat Athlete’s Foot

This fungal infection of the foot is characterized by itchy, flaking skin, smelly feet, and redness around the soles and toes. It is highly contagious and uncomfortable. This infection may be treated by a green tea soak that is easy to do at home.

This all-natural foot soak may be done by steeping at least 5-10 tea bags or a cup of loose leaves into one quart of boiling water, allowing it to cool ( to a tolerable warm temperature ) and soaking the feet in the solution for 15 minutes. This should be repeated daily until the infection subsides.

8. Green Tea helps flush out toxins, rejuvenates, and refreshes.

The skin may also benefit well from drinking green tea. It can act as a sunscreen, by thickening the skin and protecting it from the sun’s UV rays. It contains amino acids, vitamin B, folate, and phytochemicals that are good for rejuvenating the skin, reducing inflammation, puffiness, an appearance of dark circles and acne due to its antibacterial properties (12).

A hangover may not be cured, but it can be somewhat lessened by drinking it, as it works by drawing out alcohol effects from the body.

9. Drinking green tea calms and soothes the senses

While this may appear contradictory since it does contain caffeine, a well-known jump starter, it calms and soothes, as it is being consumed.

It relaxes and calms the mind, making a person think and feel more calmly, thus helping thwart feelings of anxiety and depression.

This may be in the art of its consumption, as it is rarely gulped, but instead, savoured, and pondered. Which gives the mind and body time to be still and to relax. It is a vehicle to give the body minutes of rest and quietness, which, as a medicine, is what our body sometimes craves the most.

Is Green Tea Healthy to Drink Every Day?

Drinking green tea every day will bring the body better than harm.

It does have up to 63 milligrams of caffeine in every cup, but more than that, it also contains active antioxidant compounds or polyphenols – 120 milligrams in a cup, depending on the brand.

Harvard Health Publication deems 3 cups per day as a normal amount, the same dosage that The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends, as it suggests a polyphenol dosage of 240-320 milligrams per day.

Meanwhile, drinking four or more cups of this tea per day could lower the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, as concluded in a study by Cleveland’s Western Reserve University.

Given all claims and evidence, it is safe to conclude that it is healthy to drink every day, and for best results, to drink 3-5 cups of it, depending on your taste.

Best Way to Drink Green Tea for Health Benefits

The best way to drink it is fresh, hot, unsugared, and caffeinated. During the decaffeination process, the compounds responsible for green tea’s heart health benefits- flavonoids, are destroyed. Flavonoids also degrade with time, so a fresh brew that is allowed to cool and is stored in the fridge is not as potent as its hot counterpart.

Adding sugar somehow diminishes its health-giving properties, while adding milk hinders the body’s absorption of antioxidants and Vitamin C.

Bottled, ready to drink green teas have minimal flavonoids.

If you want a little twist to your green tea drink, try adding

  • Lemon – for an additional dose of Vitamin C and antioxidants, aside from the tartness and perky flavour.
  • Chamomile – added fragrance and helps relieve stomach pain and heaviness.
  • Anise Seed – added fragrance, helps reduce inflammation.
  • Mint – adds a refreshing effect to the tea.
  • Ginger – aids in metabolism, reduces inflammation, soothes sore throat

What are the Benefits of Green Tea in Weight Loss?

In studies conducted over green tea’s effect on weight loss, it showed that it can boost the body’s short-term metabolic rate, burn more fat, and in essence, help decrease fat.

There are studies that show that this fat reduction property of it is particularly effective for the fat around the abdominal area (13). Another study showed a significant reduction in body weight, waist circumference, and body fat percentage.

Some studies show that EGCG, green tea’s active compound, may help in weight loss, by burning calories even at rest. This increase ranges from 3-4% (14), not very high, but sometimes with calories, every percentage counts.

As some studies don’t show a significant effect on weight loss, one should still keep in mind that its effect may depend on the individual. Also, it is best to remember that as in any regime, results are more favourable if it is coupled with exercise.

Drinking Green Tea in the Morning Benefits

Drinking it in the morning instead of coffee is better for the stomach, as it is not as aggressive.

It also increases the body’s ability to take advantage of its properties, and increase the absorption of Vitamin C, E, and Magnesium.

However, if your stomach is prone to diarrhoea or suffering from an ulcer, it may be better to drink it 1 hour after your morning meal, as lightly oxidized green tea can be categorized as cold and may hurt the stomach.

Can I Carry Green Tea in an Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle?

If the stainless steel water bottle is single-walled that is made of one layer of stainless steel, then it’s not a good idea to put piping hot tea into it. It isn’t because the hot liquid will melt your bottle, but due to safety reasons as it will be too hot outside to hold.

But doubled walled stainless steel bottles are safe to carry your green tea. You can buy one of those nice looking stainless steel water bottles that are popular in the UK today.

By switching to stainless steel bottle instead of a plastic bottle, you can prevent harmful carcinogens from leaching into your tea. The added benefit of using an insulated bottle is, it will keep your drinks hot for a longer time. Best way to carry it on a travel mug.

Read More: Matcha Tea Buyer’s Guide

Tea Pigs Review

This tea won the 1 Star Great Taste award for 2015. It is made from whole tea leave, whole herbs, flowers, berries, and spices. It has a  clean, refreshing  taste, wonderful fragrance of apricots and peaches, and pale, delicate green color.Mao Feng Tea are special, having come a place that is cloudy and humid year long.  It is no wonder that it is touted as the green tea that is enjoyed by people who don’t like green tea.

What We Like

  • No added Salt
  • Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans
  • Dairy free and gluten free
  • The tea comes in biodegradable mesh bags which gives the tea room to infuse
  • Comes with picture instructions on how to use hot or cold
  • No bitter aftertaste
  • No oil floating on top when left for a while
  • Good price
  • Though it is a matter of taste, one bag can go as far as 3-4 cups

What We Don't Like

  • None

Pure Leaf Review

Pure Leaf Gunpowder green tea originated in Indonesian. It is described as the tea lover’s tea. Pure Leaf tea uses premium and high quality, tightly rolled green tea leaves, that when steeped, unfolds into a smooth, delicious brew with a clean, refreshing taste.

 

The leaves are picked, rolled, and crafted in perfect balance with only the finest ingredients of long leaves, herbs, and fruit pieces to create teas with distinct character and delicate flavour and aroma.

 

These tea uses tightly rolled long-leaf that deliver a fresh clean taste and a delicate and refreshing finish. These teas are ethically sourced and picked from some of the finest rainforest alliance certified tea estates. It ensures that each blend has its own unique character and flavour of its geography.
If you want to enjoy the best taste experience then add 200ml of freshly boiled water at 80 degrees centigrade and leave the tea bag for 2-3 minutes.

What We Like

  • Tea leaves are selected from Rainforest Alliance Certified tea estates
  • Tea leaves come from one single origin
  • Wonderful aroma
  • Great unique taste

What We Don't Like

  • None

Teabox Review

Teabox’s green tea offering came from the famous tea gardens of India and Nepal. Each Tea is carefully selected within 7-10 days of its production, and vacuum packed to safeguard its characteristic freshness and quality. It is the world’s first natural nitrogen flushed tea bag, that ensures the tea’s flavour and freshness within, better than any other.

 

It is a light and soothing organic green tea, grown in the high altitudes of Darjeeling. Its taste is warm, vegetal, bean-like flavours and smells delicate notes of grass, puffed rice, sweet pea  and cooked greens.  It complements grilled vegetables, steamed greens, eggs, halloumi, and seafood. It has a mellow flavour profile, but still quite assertive.

What We Like

  • Vacuum packed, nitrogen flushed tea bag
  • Good packaging, high quality materials
  • Good clean design, easy to transport
  • Would make as a nice gift to family and friends
  • Gluten free
  • Tea fills the whole tea bag
  • Nice, rich but clean flavor

What We Don't Like

  • Slightly bitter

 

Taylors of Harrogate Review

The makers of this brand take pride in sourcing the very best, high-quality ingredients from the UK and overseas. Fair business practices, and ensuring that the ingredients are priced and paid at premium prices ensure a continued supply of excellent quality tea from Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Their passion for tea and coffee, balanced with intrinsic practical measures drives them to ensure that their tea is being grown responsibly and they only buy from well-run tea gardens.

 

The tea leaves are from Kenya, and when steeped, has a fresh and delicate flavour. It is refreshing with a light, new grass colour.

 

The tea bags come with tags and are easy to transport

What We Like

  • Gluten Free
  • Suitable for Vegetarians
  • Certified Non GMO
  • Comes in convenient, individual packets
  • Great, excellent taste, not strong
  • No bitterness

What We Don't Like

  • Foil wrappers are too big to be put into a caddy and special tea box

Clipper Green Tea Review

The makers of Clipper Organic Green Tea take pride in the fact that they only engage in Fairtrade in the sourcing of their green tea leaves, and by doing so contribute to the improvement of the workers’ welfare. It is made all-natural, of the highest quality sources, and delivered in unbleached tea bags.

 

Clippers tea has a rich, crisp flavour, refreshing and invigorating, and a clean finish. Its remarkable golden-green colour is indicative of its excellent taste and bright Sencha style character.

What We Like

  • Comes in biodegradable, recyclable cartons
  • Tea leaves are traded in compliance with Fair Trade Standards
  • 100% Organic, and Natural
  • Excellent Tasting Tea
  • Does not stain mugs

What We Don't Like

  • None

Conclusion

Green Tea has been touted for a lot of wonders, from weight loss, cardiovascular system and brain health, and as an anti-cancer agent. Different studies have shown that it may have other properties that can help in managing certain diseases acquired from a fast lifestyle. These possibilities make drinking it more encouraging. The knowledge that we are doing our bodies good by drinking this brew is enough to drink up, and drink more. However, as in anything we eat or drink, moderation is key. After all, sometimes, the best thing that anyone can have and do is simply enjoying a relaxing moment, with a cup of green tea on hand.

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Jane
 

Hi! I’m Jane, Chief Editor at Nature’s Cure Zone based in London, UK. I love sharing unbiased natural product reviews, writing about health and wellness and sharing about natural remedies. I’ll do my best to make it fun for you. Enjoy reading!