Green mint tea

Green tea is a beverage known for its many health benefits. One of the most delicious and refreshing ways to make it is to combine it with the fresh of dried mint leaves.

How to make green mint tea

There are several ways to make green mint tea, but they all essentially combine green tea leaves with either fresh of dried mint leaves.

Moroccan green mint tea is made using Gunpowder variety of green tea. One teaspoon of this tea is mixed with two teacups of pre-boiled hot water and left to steep for 10 to 15 minutes in a teapot. After that time, the tea is strained into another tea pot, sweetened with two teaspoons of sugar or other sweetener (this method does not allow honey) and brought to boil on medium heat until sugar starts to look like it is caramelizing. Fresh mint leaves or dried mint are added either to the pot or to the cups and the tea is served.

Green mint tea can be made from loose tea leaves too, steeped separately or blended together with mint leaves. When making green tea of any sort, it is important to use only non-metal pots and cups, as well as spoons made of ceramic or wood, because green tea loses some of its taste and beneficial properties after it comes in contact with metal.

Tea leaves should not be left in the pot for too long, otherwise the tea wilt be bitter. Some tea experts claim that the proper time for brewing green tea should not exceed five minutes, or even less, depending on the variety.

It is also better not to put milk or milk powder in it. That way it is suitable for lactose-intolerant people too.

Green mint tea benefits

Green mint tea combines beneficial effects of both green tea and mint leaves. Green tea is one of the world’s best sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants are important because they prevent cell damage due to free radicals, and consequently they prevent serious conditions and diseases, including cancer.

This tea boosts the immune system and prevents cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart attack, by regulating cholesterol levels, preventing hardening of the arteries and blood clotting.

Green mint tea promotes good digestive health, helps in weight loss, prevents tooth decay and plaque.

This tea soothes the nerves but at the same time it keeps a person focused and alert, because of the caffeine content in green tea. If it is chilled, it makes an excellent summertime iced tea, and during winter a warm cup of green mint tea will restore the energy and improve the mood.