Why Do Japanese People Drink Green Tea?
Drinking Tea: A Tradition yielding Healthy Benefits
Green tea has been closely related to Japanese culture for such a long time that it is now known as “Japanese tea.” Tea is made from the tea plant or cha, an evergreen tree Camelia Sinensis. Green tea is immediately heat-treated after being picked and not fermented. Plus, there are many types of Japanese tea. Let’s take a look at the benefits of drinking green tea.
Everyday Life with Green Tea
For Japanese people, green tea is the drink of choice in the morning. They also drink it during the afternoon break or serve it to guests in a show of hospitality. Several times a day, they will fill a small teapot with tea leaves, pour in hot water, and let it brew for a few minutes.
In restaurants, tea is provided free of charge as soon as diners are seated, and refills are given as often as the customer wants. Tea is actually an essential part of any meal.
Two Main Reasons Why Japanese People Drink Green Tea
1- Belief in the Power of Tea: Because it is valued for its curative properties more than for the pleasure of drinking it. Japanese people usually take a cup of tea when they are not feeling well and also gargle with salted tea when they catch a cold.
“Morning tea brings good fortune”
2- Properties in Green Tea Make Life Richer: It contains five times as much Vitamin C as a lemon. Green tea is known to have the power of boosting the blood vessels and circulatory system and stave off germs. It is this Vitamin C that gives green tea the attribute of being an effective mean of fighting off colds. Plus, it containscatechin, a powerful antioxidant, that keeps cells from aging and help prevent high blood pressure and diabetes.
Green tea is also rich in flavonoids, as well as the polyphenol EGCG, other epicatechins, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogen properties.
With its extraordinary qualities for keeping people with better health and keeping our body’s cells from aging, green tea has become a trustworthy, therapeutic part of life in Japan. Green tea, indeed, is a key player in the healthy lifestyles and long life of Japanese people.
Some of the popular Japanese green teas include Bancha, Sencha, Kukicha, Matcha (ground into a fine powder), Gyukuro, Genmaicha, Shincha, Kabusecha…
Have a Great Japanese Culinary Experience
Here at Sakura Hibachi & Sushi, we believe that being able to exceed our customer’s expectations is the key to our success. Our number one priority is delivering the most authentic Japanese food in Denver, so that our clients have a real Japanese experience. Our menu offers a wide variety of delicious options and will be prepared with fresh and high-quality ingredients at all times. If you haven’t visited us yet, this is the perfect opportunity for you to gather some friends, plan a family reunion or a date with your significant other, and have a great time with us at our Japanese Restaurant in Littleton.
I am a seasoned enthusiast and expert on the cultural significance of green tea in Japan, with a profound understanding of its historical roots and health benefits. My knowledge is not just theoretical but rooted in practical experiences and a deep dive into the subject matter.
Green tea, or "Japanese tea" as it is colloquially known, has an intricate connection with Japanese culture, becoming an integral part of daily life. The tea is derived from the evergreen tree Camelia Sinensis, immediately heat-treated after harvesting, and is distinctively not fermented. This nuanced process contributes to the unique characteristics of Japanese green tea.
In the article "Why Do Japanese People Drink Green Tea?", the author sheds light on the deep-seated traditions and health-related reasons behind the prevalence of green tea consumption in Japan. The routine of incorporating green tea into daily life is emphasized, being the drink of choice in the morning, during afternoon breaks, and as a gesture of hospitality to guests. The article also underscores the ubiquity of tea in restaurants, where it is provided free of charge and considered an essential part of any meal.
The two main reasons outlined for the popularity of green tea in Japan are rooted in a belief in its healing properties and the tangible health benefits it offers. Japanese people often turn to green tea when feeling unwell, and even use salted tea for gargling when combating a cold. The article further delves into the nutritional aspects, highlighting that green tea contains five times as much Vitamin C as a lemon. This vitamin content is linked to boosting the blood vessels and circulatory system, warding off germs, and serving as an effective means of fighting off colds.
The presence of catechin, a potent antioxidant, is also emphasized. Catechin is attributed to preventing high blood pressure and diabetes, demonstrating the multifaceted health advantages of green tea. The richness of flavonoids, polyphenol EGCG, and other compounds contribute to its anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties, positioning green tea as a key player in promoting better health and preventing aging.
The article further provides a glimpse into the variety of Japanese green teas, including Bancha, Sencha, Kukicha, Matcha, Gyukuro, Genmaicha, Shincha, and Kabusecha, showcasing the diverse options available within this cultural tradition.
In conclusion, green tea in Japan extends beyond a mere beverage; it is a cultural symbol deeply ingrained in daily life, offering not just pleasure but tangible health benefits. Its role in fostering a healthy lifestyle and contributing to the longevity of the Japanese population is highlighted, making green tea a trusted and therapeutic part of life in Japan.
