Health | July 09, 2019 | C. Yu

6 Health Benefits of Gyokuro Green Tea

With its fragrant aroma and umami, Gyokuro green tea (also known as shade-grown green tea) is a premium tea with plenty of health benefits. Even in Japan, Gyokuro is considered a rare and premium green tea. The tea leaves are shaded from sunlight for at least 20 days before harvest. This unique harvesting process produces a sweeter and less astringent tea with a higher concentration of nutrients.

Gyokuro uses only the small tea leaves plucked from the top of the plant. As a result, Gyokuro has a distinctly mellow, sweet umami flavor and fresh aroma. In addition to its delicate taste, The abundant health benefits of drinking Gyokuro make it one of the finest green teas available.

The information presented in this article is in no way intended as medical advice or as a substitute for medical treatment. You should always consult with your physician or other health care professional before adopting any treatment for a health problem.

holding gyokuro green tea in tea cup while working

1. Mental alertness

Compared to other kinds of green tea, Gyokuro is higher in caffeine since it is produced using the highest quality tea leaves from the top of the plant. However, there is a difference between the caffeine you would consume in coffee compared to tea. Due to the amino acid theanine, the caffeine in tea is gradually released throughout the day. Thus, caffeine in tea acts as a healthier stimulant than caffeine in coffee. This ensures that you can enjoy a healthy state of long-lasting alertness, without the heavy buzz and subsequent crash of caffeine associated with coffee.

brewed gyokuro green tea in a glass cup

2. Supports a healthy heart

Like other green teas, Gyokuro contains catechin [1], a bioflavonoid that's proven to aid in lowering the risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. On top of this, green tea can also block the absorption of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, referred to as bad cholesterol. Drinking unsweetened Gyokuro may also help lower your blood pressure, protect your body from a number of toxins, and regulate your blood sugar levels.

girl drinking gyokuro green tea in a green mug

3. Keeps your skin looking clear and youthful

The vitamin C contained within Gyokuro green tea works to lighten the dark spots on the skin that are caused by scars and acne. Vitamin C can also lighten the dark spots caused by age, as well as prevent wrinkles, and improve elasticity.

4. Fat burning

A slow metabolism will make your fitness goals much harder to reach. Gyokuro contains EGCG, an antioxidant present in all green teas, which helps kick-start metabolism and supports the body in burning fat and calories through faster energy consumption. As a result, combined with exercise and a balanced diet, the body benefits from both an increased rate of muscle building and an accelerated loss of body fat.

girl smiling in the mirror showing healthy teeth

5. Dental health

One of the more surprising health benefits of green tea is dental protection. Gyokuro contains polyphenols that can help improve oral health by preventing cavities and bad breath. It also contains fluoride and minerals which can prevent tooth decay and other infections in the mouth. Studies have found that drinking Gyokuro green tea could also protect against gum disease and gingivitis.

pouring gyokuro green tea from kyusu to two tea cups alternatively

6. Cancer prevention

Gyokuro’s antioxidants can help with preventing oral cancer, but this effect does not merely stop at the mouth. In fact, studies show that EGCG may reduce the risk of bladder, prostate, breast, ovary, and pancreatic cancer. The antioxidants act as a preventative measure in maintaining your body's health. The very simple act of drinking green tea daily could be your first step towards a healthier, happier lifestyle. Gyokuro green tea, with its dark, mossy color and its rich and layered flavors, also hints at a light sweetness unlike any found in other green teas. If you’ve never had Gyokuro shade-grown green tea before, its distinct taste and numerous health benefits make it worthy of a try.