[Body]

Alright, let’s talk about this Japanese green tea sencha thing.

I ain’t no fancy tea expert, mind you. I’m just a plain ol’ woman who knows a thing or two about what’s good for ya. My neighbor, she gave me some of this sencha tea, said it was real healthy. So, I figured, why not give it a try?

First off, this sencha, it’s a Japanese green tea. They say it’s the most popular tea over in Japan. Can you believe it? Them Japanese folks, they must know somethin’ we don’t. This tea, it ain’t like the regular tea we get at the store. It’s… different. More delicate, like. Not so strong and bitter.

Now, they tell me both sencha and regular green tea come from the same plant. Some kinda fancy name, Camellia somethin’-somethin’. But it’s how they treat the leaves that makes the difference, ya see. Sencha, they steam it. Yeah, steam! Like cookin’ vegetables, but gentler. That’s why it tastes so smooth and… well, nice.

• Good for your body

This tea, they say it’s good for your body. Real good. It boosts your “immune system,” whatever that means. Keeps you from gettin’ sick, I guess. And it helps your brain, makes you think clearer. At my age, I need all the help I can get!

They also say it stops somethin’ called “cell oxidation.” Sounds scary, right? Like rustin’ from the inside out. This tea, it stops that. Keeps you young, or so they claim. I ain’t seen no miracles yet, but I feel pretty good drinkin’ it.

And get this, it cleans out your insides! “Detoxes” your body, they call it. Gets rid of all the bad stuff. Like spring cleanin’ for your tummy. That’s always a good thing, ain’t it? And it fights off germs too. “Antibacterial,” that’s the word. Kills the bad bugs before they can make you sick.

• First and second harvest

Now, this sencha, it comes from the first and second pickin’s of the leaves. The first pickin’, that’s the best. They call it “first flush” and sell it right after the spring harvest. Fancy stuff, I reckon. Probably costs a pretty penny, too.

• Careful now!

But hold on a minute, it ain’t all sunshine and roses. This tea, it’s got somethin’ called “tannins” in it. Sounds like trouble, right? Well, it can be. Too much of these tannins, and your body can’t soak up all the good stuff from your food. Like vitamins and iron. You need those, you know. Especially us women.

And if you drink too much, it can make your tummy hurt. Give you heartburn and make you feel all queasy. So, like everything else in life, you gotta take it in moderation. Don’t go gulpin’ down gallons of the stuff, ya hear?

So, that’s the lowdown on this Japanese green tea sencha, as best as I can tell ya. It ain’t no magic potion, but it seems like a good, healthy drink. Just remember to take it easy and don’t overdo it. And if you start feelin’ funny, stop drinkin’ it and go see a doctor. That’s what I always say. Better safe than sorry!

Taste wise, it ain’t bitter like some other green teas. It got a kinda sweet, smooth taste. I like it with a little bit of honey, specially on a cold day. Warms ya right up, it does.

I ain’t no doctor or nothin’, but I reckon this sencha tea is worth a try. Just don’t expect it to cure all your ills. Eat your vegetables, get some exercise, and drink your tea in moderation. That’s the best way to stay healthy, far as I can see.

But heck, I ain’t complaining. A warm cup of tea in the morning or evening never hurt nobody.

Tags: Japanese Green Tea, Sencha Tea, Health Benefits, Japanese Culture, Tea Leaves, Immune System, Detox, Antioxidants, Healthy Drink, First Flush Sencha