Superfood: Green Tea

Updated April 16, 2008
Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell and Jan Gautro

Embrace the wisdom of the ancient Chinese philosophers and fight cancer and heart disease with a sip or a spoonful of green tea.

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Superfood: Green Tea

Superfood: Green Tea Tout

According to an ancient Chinese proverb, it's "better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one"–and current health research backs up that claim. Green tea and green tea extracts are rich in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)–a powerful antioxidant that not only inhibits the growth of cancer cells but also kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. Green tea may also increase mental alertness, aid in weight loss, reduce LDL cholesterol, and protect the skin from sun damage. With all of these potential health benefits, why not give it a try?

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Green Tea Soup

Credit: Annabelle Breakey; Randy Mon

Green Tea Soup Recipe

Green tea goes main dish with this simple broth of tea that you pour over brown rice and fish.

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Cran-Berry Green-Tea Smoothie

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Dan Becker

Cran-Berry Green-Tea Smoothie Recipe

Pure nutrition in a glass, this disease-fighting smoothie features high-antioxidant berries, green tea, and heart-healthy soy milk.

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Jasmine-Honey Sherbet

Credit: Scott Peterson

Jasmine-Honey Sherbet Recipe

Aromatic green tea provides the flavor in this luscious dessert. The creaminess comes from half-and-half, yet one serving has only 2.1 grams of fat.

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Moroccan Mint Tea

Credit: Randy Mayor; Jan Gautro

Moroccan Mint Tea Recipe

Ice-cold sweet mint green tea is a traditional ending for a Moroccan meal.

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Green Tea Granita

Credit: Randy Mayor; Cindy Barr

Green Tea Granita Recipe

The Italian word for "ice", a granita is a frozen mixture of water, sugar and another liquid flavoring. This tangy granita gets is flavor from green tea and lemon juice and is sweetened with honey instead of sugar.

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Green Tea Ice Cream

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell and Jan Gautro

Green Tea Ice Cream Recipe

After you've enjoyed a spicy Asian-style entrée, there's nothing more soothing than a spoonful of creamy ice cream for dessert.

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