In recent years, Bangladesh has witnessed a significant surge in green tea consumption, becoming a popular choice readily available in local shops across the country. This slightly bitter, light brown warm beverage has captivated both health-conscious individuals and tea enthusiasts alike, offering a delightful experience that varies in flavor, color, and bitterness based on brewing methods.
Green Tea Brands Taking Center Stage
Green tea, once considered a niche Japanese beverage, has now found its place in the shopping lists of the middle-class population, thanks to accessible and authentic options from various companies. Brands like Finlay, Kazi and Kazi, Halda Valley, Ispahani, Tetley, and Lipton present pocket-friendly choices, offering both loose green tea and convenient tea bags. For those seeking a touch of luxury, foreign brands such as Twinings, Stash, and Gyokuro also grace the market.
A Symphony of Flavors and Fusions
To cater to diverse palates, green tea brands continually introduce a plethora of flavors and fusions. From orthodox green tea to lemon-honey green tea, mint-green tea, Jasmine green tea, and beyond, the options are expansive. Posh brands even offer innovative fusions like green tea-black tea, salted caramel indulged green tea, and orange-green tea, providing a spectrum of choices. Notably, the celebrated flavors among green tea consumers include lemon-honey green tea and mint-green tea.
Health Benefits Unveiled
Beyond the delightful taste, green tea brings an array of health benefits to the table. Rich in plant-based antioxidant compounds, particularly polyphenols categorized as catechins, green tea helps neutralize free radicals, reducing cell damage. The six primary catechin compounds – catechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate (Ecg), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) – contribute to these antioxidative properties.
Moreover, green tea aids cognitive function improvement, thanks to alkaloids like caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. The presence of l-theanine, an amino acid compound, brings a calming effect to the nervous system.
Green tea’s metabolism-boosting quality supports weight loss efforts when combined with a proper diet and exercise. It also reduces the risk of stroke, heart disease, various cancers, and obesity, as suggested by numerous studies.
Given the health concerns associated with sugar-laden milk tea, the shift towards green tea emerges as a wiser and healthier choice, avoiding the risks of Type-2 diabetes and promoting stomach acidity. Embracing the trend of green tea consumption in Bangladesh not only satisfies taste buds but also contributes to a healthier lifestyle.
