Tea Day: 5 reasons to include green tea in your diet

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In addition to being umami, it has therapeutic effects and antioxidant properties

São Paulo, May 2023 – Discovered around 250 B.C. in China, tea became popular around the world. As the second most consumed beverage on the planet, behind only water, May 21 was established as International Tea Day.

The preparation of the drink consists of infusing wild leaves of different types in hot water. Hot tea is considered therapeutic by various peoples, since the medicinal properties of plants are released into the liquid.

Nutritionist from the Umami Committee, Mariana Rosa, states that green tea is one of the best options to be included in the daily diet. “Green tea comes from Camellia sinensis, a plant native to Chinese and Indian territory. It contains the amino acids glutamate and theanine, which are responsible for giving the beverage its umami taste, the fifth basic taste of the human palate,” she explains.

Umami means “delicious” or “savory” in Portuguese and, in addition to being a distinctive taste, it is also known for its health benefits. One of them is the increase in salivation in the mouth, which makes food more palatable and promotes better food acceptance in the elderly and patients undergoing cancer treatment, for example.

Besides being tasty and relaxing, green tea also has features that contribute to well-being. Check out the list made by the nutritionist with five reasons to start a tea-drinking routine:

CONCENTRATION AND MOOD

Green tea contains caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system. This leads to the release of serotonin – directly improving mood – and hormones and neurotransmitters – which increase and enhance concentration.

DIGESTION

According to Mariana, glutamate, one of the amino acids responsible for the umami taste in the beverage, has receptors in the stomach. “It stimulates the release of molecules that activate the vagus nerve, which transmits the information to the brain about the presence of proteins in the stomach, intensifying and improving digestion,” she points out.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Rich in antioxidants, the oriental beverage can help control cholesterol levels. The properties of green tea also help prevent blood clot formation, which may contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, heart attack, and thrombosis.

CELL RENEWAL

“The antioxidant property also helps fight free radicals. In this way, green tea supports cell renewal, combating skin aging and maintaining a youthful appearance,” says Mariana.

FLUID RETENTION

Caffeine is also a diuretic compound, helping to fight fluid retention. “The diuretic property can help deflate the body and also contribute to weight loss,” concludes the specialist.

UMAMI

It is the fifth basic taste of the human palate, discovered in 1908 by Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda. It was scientifically recognized in 2000, when researchers at the University of Miami confirmed the existence of specific receptors for this taste in the taste buds. The amino acid glutamic acid and the nucleotides inosinate and guanylate are the main umami substances. The two main characteristics of umami are increased salivation and the continuation of taste for a few minutes after food intake. To learn more, visit www.portalumami.com.br.