White teas are made from only the first two leaves

White teas are made from only the first two leaves and a bud that is picked just before sunrise so that it has some moisture on its surface. The shoots are then steamed to prevent fermentation and the leaves are then dried. The combined stimulant effects of caffeine, theobromine and theophylline in green tea may be balanced by another substance in the tea, the amino acid L-Theanine which simultaneously calms the nervous system and enhances concentration abilities.Caffeine (including caffeine from green tea) may increase blood pressure in people taking propranolol and metoprolol (medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease).Researchers from the Departments of Chemical Biology and Pharmacology and Toxicology at Rutgers University in New Jersey examined the effect of green tea supplementation on obese mice, known to exhibit similar metabolic characteristics to humans.Study leader, Dr Olivia J. Phung of the College of Pharmacy at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California decided to collect and analyze all available evidence from a multitude of prior studies on green tea and lipid modification.The researchers noted that those consuming five or more cups of green tea each day also ate more fruit and vegetables, consumed more fish, were less likely to smoke, had fewer strokes or heart attacks, and tended to have a higher level of education. Improved dietary and lifestyle considerations are synergistic factors that compliment green tea consumption and likely contribute to the positive results in this study.Since green tea has a long history as a health elixir, these positive results are not surprising. This study is especially encouraging for anyone looking to balance their cholesterol levels naturally.