What is the best green tea?

Studies show that in certain countries (Japan and China) with high green tea consumption (on average 8 cups daily) people tend to have better overall health and lower cancer rates.

In Western world, although we do not seem to consume that much tea on a daily basis, green tea is very well known for its health benefits, and is becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious individuals.

Green tea contains catechins; these naturally occurring antioxidants help fight various cancers and heart disease.

According to Men’s Health magazine, “a recent USDA study found that the amount of these healthy compounds – as well as the amount of caffeine – varies widely among commercially available teas.�

When several of the top brands were compared per 8-ounce cup, the winner quickly emerged. The best green tea is Stash Darjeeling Organic Green Tea; it has the most catechins – measured in milligrams per gram – of any green tea tested.

Stash Darjeeling Organic Green Tea:

Total catechins – 100
Caffeine – 22 milligrams (mg)

Peet’s Sencha Japaneese Green Tea:

Total catechins – 76
Caffeine – 17 mg

Lipton 100% Natural Green Tea:

Total catechins – 29
Caffeine – 8 mg

Celestial Seasonings Green Tea:

Total catechins – 19
Caffeine – 6 mg