The Gunpowder green tea benefits depend on the type of tea leaf that is used to produce it.
Gunpowder tea is a loose-leaf tea that is tightly rolled into small balls that resemble gunpowder.
This type of tea is usually produced using green tea leaves, but not always.
This tea has a unique production method. To make it of the highest quality, artisans wilt, vaporize, roll and dry individual tea leaves.
Machine-rolled Gunpowder tea is also available (and quite common) although it is not as highly revered.
This tea is sometimes called pearl tea or beaded tea, depending on the shape of each tea ball.
Some people also call it Chinese Gunpowder tea.
Origin of gunpowder tea.
Like all teas, gunpowder has its origin in China. It was first produced in the Zhejiang province of China during the reign of the Tang Dynasty, from 618 to 907 BC.
In modern times, this tea is also grown in other provinces of China and Taiwan.
It is worth mentioning that gunpowder tea is older than gunpowder itself, which was invented in China in 900 BC.
When Europeans first became acquainted with tea in the sixteenth century, the most famous varieties were green teas, including “gunpowder”.
Which, thanks to its well-rolled leaves, was ideal for the long journey from China to Europe.
This makes gunpowder one of the oldest teas enjoyed in Europe.
Related article: What is gunpowder tea?
What are gunpowder green tea benefits?
Gunpowder tea is made with green tea (Camellia sinensis), which is especially rich in polyphenols, micronutrients with strong antioxidant properties.
Some polyphenols, such as EGCG, are thought to offer benefits.
For example, they protect against free radicals and the symptoms of aging.
Help in chronic diseases.
Being rich in antioxidants is what has made green tea a revolution in the world of natural health.
Many of the active compounds in gunpowder green tea can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
Which means it can prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and degenerative cognitive diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.
Heart health.
Studies have shown that the antioxidants found in green tea are able to reduce triglyceride levels in the body.
Especially “bad” cholesterol, which leads to plaque deposition, atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.
By rebalancing your cholesterol levels, you can eliminate the possibility of disease in your cardiovascular system.
Helps the digestive system.
The catechins found in all varieties of green tea can have a direct effect on inflammation, both in the gut and elsewhere in the body.
If you have Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, bloating, cramps, or any other inflammatory condition in the stomach.
Boosts the immune system.
The polyphenols and antioxidants in gunpowder green tea have an overall impact on the immune system that revitalizes the body’s defenses and prevents infections:
The common cold and flu, As well as the most serious pathogens to which we are exposed every day.
Diabetes management.
Numerous investigations have shown that the catechins and alkaloids found in gunpowder green tea are able to help control blood sugar levels.
This is very good news for people suffering from diabetes.
By regulating glucose and insulin levels, this tea can help people with diabetes lead a more normal life.
In addition, it helps prevent people at high risk from developing the condition.
Weight loss.
A number of factors combine in gunpowder green tea to aid weight loss efforts, including caffeine, catechins, and theanine.
These three work together to boost metabolism, which increases the body’s ability to burn fat efficiently.
There are also some appetite-suppressing qualities of caffeine that can help you avoid overeating and snacking between meals.
Related article: The Truth About Moringa Tea.
What does gunpowder tea taste like?
The leaves of this green tea are rolled up in the form of pinhead balls that resemble gunpowder, hence its name.
Its flavor is bold and slightly smoky, which also lends itself to its name.
Gunpowder tea leaves stay fresh longer than any other green tea leaf due to their compressed form.
Gunpowder green tea caffeine content.
It has caffeine like any other variety of green tea.
However, the amount of caffeine will depend on the leaves that were used in its preparation.
Young shoots and leaves usually have a higher concentration of caffeine than more mature ones.
When Gunpowder is made with all kinds of leaves (unlike other teas where they are selected), the amount of caffeine in the tea can vary.
If when contemplating this tea you see small leaves and a vivid green, you can consider that it will have more caffeine than in the case of larger and darker colored leaves.
Related article: What green tea is good for your health?
What is the difference between gunpowder green tea and regular green tea?
Gunpowder leaves stay fresh longer than any other green tea leaf due to their compressed form.
It is richer in caffeine than most other green teas (35-40 mg/8 oz serving) and is commonly used by athletes to improve endurance for periods of 3-6 hours.
Related article: The health benefits of green tea.
Gunpowder green tea side effects.
Gunpowder tea made with green tea is likely to be safe when consumed in moderation as a beverage.
In terms of side effects, drinking an excessive amount of green tea can increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
And because of the high level of caffeine, it can be harmful to the nervous system and can induce anxiety when consumed in large quantities.
However, people sensitive to caffeine may experience headaches, or insomnia when they take it.
Green tea has been consumed daily in Asian cultures and has not been associated with significant adverse effects.
They note, however, that drinking very high doses of green tea are probably unsafe.
Related article: What types of green tea are good for you?
