We have often marveled at the longevity of those from the Far East, and want to adopt their secrets. It is possible that the prudent use of green tea in the Asian diet plays a part in their longevity. We have embraced that idea in the extreme, ingesting green tea by the gallon or popping its extract in pill form as often as time allows. But are we missing the point?
If we take a moment to examine the culture and the context in which green tea is served, we may notice that these elements are as important to Asian longevity as the attributes of green tea alone. Japanese green tea plays an important part in their tea ceremony, where the handling of the cup alone is a series of special movements.
In other words, if we can really attribute the use of green tea to everything from weight loss to the prevention of cancer cell growth, it should be as important to examine the context of the consumption of green tea, as it is to cite the beneficial ingredients of the tea itself. If we examine the Asian culture, we will immediately notice the importance of deliberation. They do not gulp; they savor their green tea and celebrate its preparation.
Perhaps we should look at our health practices with more patient eyes. Long ago, the originators of green tea recognized that the process was as important as the product and the journey was a part of the destination.
