Camellia Sinensis: the tea plant with multiple virtues
Widely known as “tea bush”, Camellia Sinensis refers to a plant that has been used for thousands of years for its therapeutic virtues.
Most of the teas you know are made from the leaves of this particular tea plant. And for good reason, Camellia Sinensis infusions are full of health benefits.
Through this article, we invite you to discover more about the origin of the true tea plant, its varieties and its incredible properties.
The origin of the Camellia Sinensis plant
Considered as the tea plant par excellence, Camellia Sinensis is a species of shrub in the family Theaceae, originating in the Far East. Discovered over 4,000 years ago, this tea plant was once referred to as the "elixir of immortality ".
At that time, it was known to boost intelligence, strengthen health, and extend the life expectancy of people who consumed it regularly.
In China, Camellia Sinensis has also been used for a very long time for its antibacterial, tonifying and diuretic properties.
Today, it is mainly recommended for its antioxidant properties, which help to fight the onset of degenerative diseases and boost the immune system.
The different teas made from Camellia Sinensis
Once processed, the leaves of the tea plant Camellia Sinensis make it possible to obtain different varieties of tea which can be classified into 5 categories.
Green tea
Green tea is undoubtedly the most common in Eastern countries. The particularity of green tea, is that the leaves of the tea plant do not undergo any fermentation phase and are therefore not oxidized. The leaf oxidation process stops naturally after picking . Thus, all the antioxidants of the plant are preserved.
Green tea is ideal for promoting digestion, but also for burning fat and eliminating toxins faster. Excellent for the heart and the immune system, green tea limits the onset of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.
On the other hand, white tea is less common in Europe and can sometimes be more expensive than average. The advantage of white tea is that it is very slightly oxidized and therefore retains a large part of its antioxidants, almost like green tea.
Light, fresh and thirst-quenching, white tea is perfect for summer. As it is rather low in theine, it can be consumed after dinner or just before sleeping to aid digestionand benefit from a deep and restorative sleep.
Thanks to its high antioxidant content, white tea helps, like green tea, to boost the immune system and eliminate toxins from the body.
Unlike white or green tea, black tea is completely oxidized Its theine content is very high, its flavor is intense and its aromas are characterful.
The virtues of black tea are similar to those of coffee. Indeed, black tea is known for its energizing, stimulating and diuretic properties. Consumed regularly, it promotes the drainage of the body and fights against water retention.
If you play sport or are looking to lose weight, black tea is a great ally for burning fat while enjoying iron health.
Oolong tea (or "wulong ") is a semi-oxidized tea originating from China. Halfway between green tea and black tea, oolong tea is the result of an oxidation process that varies between 40 and 70%. This tea is low in bitterness, aroma and theine.
In terms of effects, oolong tea can fight against autoimmune diseases such as diabetes. It protects the heart and the entire cardiovascular system.
In addition, it protects the nervous system and improves brain capacity. If you drink it regularly, you will notice an improvement in the quality of your skin and an overall strengthening of your bones.
Finally, matcha tea is a bit special because, unlike the others, the leaves are ground into a fine green powder. It is consumed in the form of an herbal tea with water or milk (preferably vegetable, if you wish to preserve its virtues). If you like to cook, you can even incorporate it directly into your cooking preparations to take advantage of its many benefits while having fun!
Traditionally, matcha tea is made from the finest quality Camellia Sinensis in Japan. Much more than just tea, matcha is considered a super food. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, matcha tea is known to boost the immune system,slow down skin aging and prevent autoimmune and degenerative diseases.
The benefits of Camellia Sinensis tea
Youhave understood, each variety of tea can target one or more problems.
Recognized by the scientific community, Camellia Sinensis is an ideal plant for people looking for gentle and natural alternatives to preserve their health.
In general, Camellia Sinensis can act on the following points:
- Promote weight loss
Consuming tea made from Camellia Sinensis helps keep your figure by burning fat and eliminating toxins faster.
Drinking tea promotes weight loss when accompanied by a healthy lifestyle, i.e. a diet health and regular physical activity.
- Strengthen the cardiovascular system
Thanks to its antioxidant properties, Camellia Sinensis is excellent for the heart and the entire cardiovascular system
Scientific research has shown that regular tea consumption can prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and stroke.
- Protect the nervous system
Camellia Sinensis is also renowned for its neuro-protective effect. At the rate of 4 to 6 cups a day, the consumption of tea allows to avoid the premature deterioration of neurons.
This prevents the onset of degenerative brain diseases such as Parkinson or Alzheimer’s.
- Improving cognitive faculties
Tea doesn't just protect your brain, it stimulates it. Therefore, drinking tea regularly helps improve your memory, your concentration and your learning ability.
- Prevent autoimmune diseases
A simple malfunction of the immune system can cause autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
To avoid these diseases, it is therefore necessary to benefit from a resistant immune system throughout the year. That's good, because drinking tea can effectively strengthen the immune system and regain maximum energy, even during periods of stress and fatigue.
Finally, it seems important to emphasize that tea is not a miracle cure for health.
In order to avoid health problems, it is essential to have a healthy lifestyle and a healthy living environment. That being said, the Camellia Sinensis only has benefits to offer you! So why not take advantage?
* royalty-free archives, in order of appearance:
- Representation of a map of part of the Tea Route in China and India in the 19th century.
Excerpt from the book: Two visits to the tea countries of China and the British tea plantations in the Himalayas: with a narrative of adventures, and a full description of the culture of the tea plant, the agriculture, horticulture, and botany of China by Robert Fortune, London, John Murray, Albermale Street, 1853.
- Representation of tea gardens in 19th century China.
Excerpt from the book: Two visits to the tea countries of China and the British tea plantations in the Himalayas: with a narrative of adventures, and a full description of the culture of the tea plant, the agriculture, horticulture, and botany of China by Robert Fortune, London, John Murray, Albermale Street, 1853.
- Harvesting tea leaves in Japan during the Edo period, and presentations of certain tea tools of the time.
Excerpt from the book Morokoshi kinmō zui, Naniwa Midōsuji:Kogatanaya Rokubē:Kyōwa 2, Japan, 1802.
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