Are Green Tea Leaves Edible? Yes
Are Green Tea Leaves Edible?
Are you an avid green tea drinker who wakes up every morning and has green tea instead of a cup of coffee? Or probably, you would have it a couple of times in your lifetime. Anyways, even if you have not consumed green tea, you must be probably aware of the health benefits that green tea offers. You will find green tea on top of all healthy foods and also, it is considered a healthy alternative to the usual tea & coffee as the list of green tea benefits go way long!
But are you aware of the benefits of eating green tea leaves? Yes, you heard it right, eating green tea leaves!
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of eating green tea leaves. We may also explore the types of green tea available in the market. For sure, after reading all this the way you look at green tea will simply change!
Instead of Brewing Green Tea, You can Eat Them – Know more!
Let us dive into the idea of simply eating the green tea leaves instead of drinking them. So the next question that must be popping into your minds must be – is it safe to eat? Let us be clear that not all green tea is safe for eating. And even those mentioned as organic may not be safe.
Plants tend to absorb the toxins and pollutants that can enter the soil. To reap the utmost benefits from eating green tea leaves with no fear of chemicals or heavy metals, you should eat a green tea brand that gets tested for mercury, lead, etc.
Next, think of consuming all antioxidants & nutrients that come from green tea after brewing. It gets diluted. Now, think if you can all of it by just eating the leaf itself. It is concentrated and thereby, you can obtain the utmost benefits out of it.
Types of Green Tea:
- Organic green tea
- Loose-leaf green tea
- Matcha
So what is the best form of green tea preferred for eating? You can prefer the below form of green tea for eating directly:
- Powder / Matcha
- Whole leaf
You can choose any according to your preference. Green tea powder can be added to your food; it can add a green color to the food. You can probably add green tea powder to your smoothie. And whole green tea leaves can be added to your salad or even tossed with your meatballs.
So How Does It Taste?
Ok, so now you know it is super healthy for you! But can you enjoy eating green tea leaves?
Mostly, you will be adding the whole green tea leaf or matcha to your food. So it will naturally adopt the flavor of the food that you are cooking. It can be a homemade pesto or just a breakfast burrito.
Matcha or powdered green tea would go well with desserts or breakfasts, preferably sweeter items. And the whole green tea leaves will go well with savory items – may be like dinner. We have already discussed green tea leaves in the smoothie which is also a great way of consuming.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea has many potential health benefits. Green tea helps in soothing our mind, body, and soul. It helps in healing and rejuvenating our body from within. Green tea leaves are loaded with polyphenols, antioxidants, and flavonoids which help in boosting our immunity and also helps to protect against flu and cough. Few are listed below:
- Eating green tea leaves for diarrhea was historically a natural cure. It additionally helps in mending stomach ulcers.
- It lowers the risk of heart disease
- It helps in lowering the cholesterol level
- Eating green tea leaves for weight loss is one of the most know benefits
- It helps in improving the brain function
- It reduces the risk of cancer
- It also reduces the risk of stroke
- It helps in preventing type 2 diabetes
So having discussed the health benefits of green tea, we must now be well aware that it is beneficial to include green tea in our daily lives. You can try both Matcha and Whole green tea leaves; either way, your body is sure to thank you!
Read Also : 5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Buttermilk
FAQs
1. Can you eat tea leaves from a teabag?
It is equivalent to drinking a cup of tea. But the nutrients that the tea leaves contain are released only in hot water.
2. Is it harmful to eat tea leaves?
Yes, you can eat tea leaves but ensure that it is free of chemicals and heavy metals.
3. Is green leaf tea good for you?
Yes, green tea leaf is good for health. It is rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids which have multiple health benefits.
4. What can I do with used green tea leaves?
Used green tea leaves can be used as a natural fertilizer for your plants. Also, you can sun-dry the leaves and leave them in the corner of your room to absorb excess moisture. You can also use it to deodorize your refrigerator.