Coming from a family of Theaceae leaves, Camellia Sinensis is also known as Tea Plant and is popularly used for its health benefits. The plant's physical appearance is small pointed leaves with a sprouting white flower in the middle.
They are also called small trees because of their similarity to a tree. Camellia Sinensis is mainly used for making green teas as it contains anti-oxidant and bio-active compounds, which give the tea a unique aroma and medicinal value. Camellia leaves are also used for making oolong tea, black tea, and yellow tea and are used in other preparations. A Chinese Emperor first founds the bushes in China around 2700 BC.
Growth Requirements and Appearance:
Camellia Sinensis looks like a small bush with a white flower sprouting around a yellow bud. However, Camellia small bushes can vary in size depending upon the growth conditions they are put in. To grow Camellia Sinensis leaves, one needs a specific environment and growing conditions. The leaves require a perfect combination of rain and sunshine to deliver their effects as required. It is said that the taste somehow varies depending upon the location of the leaves.
Benefits of consuming Camellia Sinensis:
Camellia Sinensis leaves are known for their medicinal values and unique taste. It was primarily used in China as medicine, but today it is consumed in tea. Each compound in the leaves gives different health benefits. The compounds of the leaves are as follows: Catechins, Caffeine, L-theanine, some acids and minerals such as linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and B Vitamins.
Catechins- Catechins compound is said to fight cancerous cells without having any side effects on the body. They are also called free radicals because of their anti-oxidant properties that fight harmful cells in the body.
Caffeine-
Caffeine is a common compound found in tea leaves. However, the debate about caffeine being positive or negative is never-ending; it is said to decrease Alzheimer's, and diabetes and improve mental health. Caffeine is also known to control heart diseases if not over consumed. Experts say one should consume caffeine in a controlled manner only.
L-theanine-
L-theanine gives the tea a unique aroma and its anti-inflammatory properties. It strengthens the immune system and provides a stress-free effect after consumption. The extracts are also known to improve focus and enhance mental alertness in some cases.
B Vitamins-
B vitamins are responsible for controlling cholesterol in the body. With an ample amount of B vitamins in the leaf extract, they can control the body's cholesterol with regular consumption.
Minerals-
Minerals like magnesium lessen cardiac diseases and regulate migraine matters. Iron is like a protein intake for the blood; iron increases blood circulation and helps grow the body.
Benefits of Camellia Sinensis:
Camellia Sinensis has multiple health benefits, some of which are mentioned below:
The leaves have been known to have skin benefits and are often used in cosmetic products. Camellia Sinensis protects the skin from harmful UV rays, replenishes skin cells, and improves appearance. The presence of EGCG anti-oxidant prevents anti-aging in the skin and reduces skin cancer chances. One can apply the extract to the skin as it advances skin resistance, delivers hydration, and raises the skin's blood flow.
Camellia Sinensis has heart benefits which reduce any risk of heart diseases and ensure the long life of the body. With the presence of catechin and L-theanine, consuming Camellia green tea lowers blood pressure, enhances the flow of oxygen in the blood, and prevents blood clogging.
The extract helps enhance the immune system because of EGCG and L-theanine components. They help fight bad and infected cells in the body and replenish new and hydrated cells.
One significant use of Camellia Sinensis is that it is used for medicinal purposes because of its anti-cancerous properties. It is popularly known to fight breast cancer, prostate cancer, and liver cancer.
Side effects of consuming the Camellia Sinensis:
While the leaves have multiple medicinal properties, they also have side effects and can become harmful to people who consume them on a daily basis. Some of the side effects of Camellia Sinensis are mentioned below:
It is advisable to consume Camellia green tea under control or as described by the physician. The tea is known to cause headaches, nausea, and diarrhea.
People have complained of problems related to digestion as the tea reacts differently to each body type and might have the same effects on everybody.
Symptoms of dizziness and swollen tongue, throat, and face have been observed after consuming Camellia Sinensis green tea.
The doctor's advice is not to consume the tea if you are allergic to any disease or are facing any health problems.
If the tea does not deliver its desired result during pregnancy, one should stop the consumption as it can further penetrate the body and even enter the breast milk and make it toxic for infants.
Experts say not to mix the leaf extract with any other medicine and consume it as it may cause adverse effects on the body. The medicine drugs react differently with the leaf extracts and can even cause heart failure in some cases. Changing the dose of these leaves as medicine might also have other side effects on the body and damage the skin.
Conclusion
The Camellia Sinensis leaves extracts are used for making green tea which is known to have multiple health benefits and improve the functioning of the human body. The tea is advised to be consumed in a controlled manner as it contains caffeine and can severely harm the body.
There are two extreme sides of these leaves extract. It is upon the consumer's will which side they decide to act upon. The leaves are best used like green, yellow, and oolong tea. When consumed right, the leaves can kill cancerous cells without any chemotherapy. However, on the other side, it can also increase the production of harmful cells if not consumed in a controlled manner.
