As summer the temperature gradually rises, and the weather becomes hotter and hotter. The hot weather often makes people feel restless, thirsty, and lacking in appetite. In such circumstances, choosing the right beverages to cool down, quench thirst, and perk up one’s spirits becomes particularly important.
Green tea is the beverage we drink the most in our daily lives, and it is favored by many people in the summer for its cooling and hydrating properties. So why is green tea so popular in the summer? Why should we drink more green tea in the summer? Today, let’s talk about this topic together.
1. Why is green tea more popular in the summer?
Green tea is the most widely consumed beverage among Chinese people, and has been the main form of tea consumption since the pan-frying process was introduced during the Ming Dynasty. Over time, green tea has gradually become integrated into Chinese culinary culture and has formed unique tea ceremony customs. In particular, drinking green tea is considered a traditional way to cool off in the summer.
1.1 The traditional custom of green tea: In southern China, drinking green tea in the summer is a widespread custom. Whether it’s a family gathering or a small get-together with friends, green tea is an essential beverage. Many people keep a pot of green tea at home for easy access anytime.
2.1 Green tea and health concept: In recent years, people have become increasingly concerned with health and wellness, and green tea is considered a healthy beverage due to its rich nutrient content and various health benefits. Drinking green tea in the summer not only helps to cool down and refresh, but also provides the body with various nutrients it needs, aligning with modern people’s health concept.
2.Why should we drink more green tea in the summer?
First, green tea has rich nutritional value. The main components of green tea include polyphenols, caffeine, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. These components give green tea a variety of health benefits:
1. Polyphenols: The polyphenols found in green tea have strong antioxidant properties, which can effectively remove free radicals from the body and reduce cell damage, thereby slowing down aging. Additionally, polyphenols can also help lower blood lipids and blood pressure, preventing cardiovascular diseases.
2. Caffeine: Caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system, increase alertness, enhance memory and concentration. Additionally, it has a diuretic effect, helping the body to rid itself of excess water and toxins, reducing swelling.
3. Amino acids: Green tea contains various amino acids, especially L-theanine, which has a calming and stress-relieving effect and helps improve sleep quality.
4. Vitamins and minerals: Green tea is rich in vitamins C, B group, vitamin E, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which help to enhance immunity and maintain good health.
Secondly, green tea can replenish water and quench thirst, and it can also prevent heatstroke. Drinking green tea in the summer can help cool down and relieve heatstroke, mainly due to the following characteristics of green tea:
1. Cooling and reducing fire: In traditional Chinese medicine, green tea is cool in nature and is believed to have the functions of clearing heat and toxicity, and reducing fire and producing saliva. In summer, when the temperature is high, the human body is prone to internal heat. Drinking green tea can effectively alleviate this discomfort.
2. Quench Thirst: Green tea is rich in polyphenols, which have a good astringent effect, promoting saliva production and relieving symptoms of dry mouth and thirst.
3. The caffeine in green tea can stimulate the central nervous system, helping people stay awake and energized during the hot summer months, preventing drowsiness caused by high temperatures.
Various Ways to Drink Green Tea in Summer
To enhance the taste and drinking enjoyment of green tea, people have also developed various ways to drink it, especially in the summer, the following methods are particularly popular:
1. Cold brew green tea: Cold brew green tea is a great way to enjoy green tea in the summer. Simply steep green tea leaves in cold water for several hours to retain the tea’s fresh fragrance and reduce bitterness, resulting in a refreshing and delightful taste.
2. Green Tea Ice Drink: Combine brewed green tea with ice cubes, honey, lemon slices, etc. to make a refreshing green tea ice drink that not only has a unique taste but also effectively cools down and relieves heatstroke.
3. Green Tea Fruit Tea: Green tea is mixed with sliced fruits such as oranges, apples, and strawberries to create Green Tea Fruit Tea, which retains the fragrance of green tea while adding sweetness and vitamin C content from the fruits.
In summary, there are several reasons why green tea should be drunk more in the summer. These include its rich nutrient content and various health benefits, particularly its cooling and reducing fire, quenching thirst, and invigorating mind properties. Additionally, the important status of green tea in Chinese culture and its diverse drinking methods also make it the preferred beverage of the summer.