Gyokuro tea has been consumed for nearly 200 years in Japan, but it is more widely available now, so it’s important to know what benefits it might hold!
What is Gyokuro Tea?
Gyokuro tea is a type of shaded green tea made from unique variations of the Camellia sinensis plant. Sencha is the term for traditional green tea in Japan, but this tea is slightly different, bearing a more pale-green color when infused, and is also made with a different brewing technique. The taste is similar to other green teas, albeit slightly milder, and it does possess moderate amounts of caffeine, like traditional green tea. [1]
Gyokuro Tea Benefits
The top benefits of gyokuro tea include its ability to:
Gyokuro tea tastes like seaweed and has a mellow sweet taste. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
- Improve muscle tone
- Anticancer potential [4]
- Boost weight loss
- Aid in fat-burning
- Increase mental alertness
- Improve metabolic activity
- Sooth inflammation
- Relieve anxiety
- Improve oral health
- Better cognitive function
The same antioxidants and active ingredients in green tea can be found in gyokuro as well, meaning that you can relieve chronic inflammation and ease stress. Even your dental health can be improved by regularly consuming gyokuro tea. Mental alertness is a commonly reported benefit, as well as increased fat-burning and faster muscle growth. Most of these benefits can be attributed to the caffeine and antioxidants, such as catechins, in this traditional beverage. [5]
How to Make Gyokuro Tea?
If you want to make your own tea at home, all you need are dried gyokuro leaves, which should be easy to find in most specialty tea stores or import shops. Let us take a look at the recipe below.
Gyokuro Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups of water
- 6 grams of gyokuro leaves
- 2 tsp of honey (optional)
Instructions
- To make gyokuro tea, bring a pot of water to boil.
- Pour the boiling water into each of the two teacups you plan to use.
- Pour out the rest of the hot water in the kettle.
- Return the water from the cups to the kettle and allow the water to cool for 2 minutes.
- Add 6 grams of the gyokuro leaves to the kettle or teapot.
- Allow the tea to steep for 2 minutes.
- Pour into the previously warmed cups and enjoy! You can add a teaspoon of honey if you prefer.
Notes
Side Effects
When consumed in moderation, this tea has very few side effects. However, those who are sensitive to caffeine may experience:
- Sleeplessness
- Anxiety
Furthermore, this tea, when consumed in excess, can cause:
- Interactions with other medications
- Gastrointestinal side effects
Note: If you are pregnant, always speak to your doctor before adding a new herbal tea to your diet, particularly a caffeinated one. [6]
