Green Tea
Rooibos
Suitable for Children
Rooibos also contains low level of tannins, and does not cause problems with iron absorption, which is a concern with young children.
Many kids find the taste of Rooibos pleasant and will drink it without sugar.
Low Caffeine Content
This is a lower level than other teas or coffee, and not considered to be a problem for adults, even when consuming large quantities.
Health Benefits
The tea has bacteria-destroying powers, and has been found by some researches to prevent tooth decay and food poisoning. However, the clinical study was on a very small scale and more proof is needed.
The antioxidants found in green tea help prevent artherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. They also help lower total cholesterol and raise HDL ("good") cholesterol. This was also observed with smokers who are more prone to bad cholesterol (LDL) than non-smokers.
Some very thorough studies showed that green tea reduces the risk of heart disease. However, the FDA did not let manufacturers advertise that.
Several studies have shown that green tea helps protect against cancer. Some of those studies point to the polyphenols in green tea as helping prevent cancer. Some researchers claim that the polyphenols help kill and stop cancerous cells.
Green tea also raises survival rate substantially for people suffering from bladder or ovarian cancer, and has been shown to inhibit breast cancer, especially with early-stage premenopausal women. However, there are no studies that suggest green tea helps prevent breast cancer.
It is noted that some studies show that green tea increases the risk of colorectal, lung, stomach and esophageal cancer, but there are studies that sugget the opposite is true. This has not yet been settled.
Studies are underway for testing green tea effect in preventing pancreatic cancer. Initial research shows go�d results (especially for women) but all studies are currently inconclusive.
Another interesting studies shows that green tea (as well as black tea) have a potential to lessen the body's reaction to chemotherapy, and should not be taken while receiving the treatment.
Green tea has anti-inflammatory agents that may help prevent and stop growth of skin tumors. It is also believed to reduce inflammation resulting from Crohn's disease and colitis, and help with controlling type 1 diabetes. Some studies show that green tea helps protect the liver and prevent tumors from developing on it.
Rooibos is particularly rich in antioxidants which makes it a good defence in the combat against free radicals in the body. These antioxidants are anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic, and Rooibos therefore helps soothe inflammation and allergic conditions.
The tea contains specifically large amounts of an anti-inflammatory called quercetin, which is believed to be beneficial in treatment of urinary system problems such as prostatitis and cystitis. Quercetin is also believed to help prevent cardiovascular diseases, some types of cancer and even strokes.
Rooibos is used (especially in South Africa) to relieve colic, asthma, insomnia, hay fever and headaches. It is worth noting, however, that scientific data is indecisive. Some use it to treat pancreatitis sufferers, as it relieves reflux pain.
Brushed directly on the skin, Rooibos is used for treatment of some skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, nappy rash and acne. It is also used for dry scalp treatment (as a wash).
Some skincare products use Rooibos infusions, which are also sometimes used to treat allergic skin conditions in children.
Rooibos also relieves nervous tension and stomach or bowel irritation. Some research shows antimutagenic properties, protecting from cancer and DNA mutations.
Helps Lose Weight
Some studies suggest green tea extract boosts metabolism and helps burn fat.
Some believe it may inhibit appetite, but this has not been proven.
Taste
Many types of green tea are blended with lemon or other flavors to offset the grassy flavor. Green tea is sometimes stringent and is usually taken without milk or sugar.
The taste is affected by the low level of tannins which add the bitterness to tea.
Green Tea
Rooibos
Green Tea
based on 53 customer reviews
Feel factor: 2
simply the best
(Score 5/5)
Kirkland Green Tea is far and away the best green tea bag product I've found. Very tasty tea, well-designed bags that make for superb brewing. Once you use this product, none other comes close.
Posted on: 2010-08-20
By Blue Grass
Excellent green tea.
(Score 5/5)
Searched a while to find a great green tea at the right price and this is it.
Posted on: 2010-08-19
By Joe P.
Good Japanese Green Tea
(Score 4/5)
I was pleasantly surprised by how good this Japanese green tea blend is. I feel that many of the negative reviewers are not familiar with Japanese green tea. Many of the American brands such as Lipton are not Japanese green tea. It is likely a blend of Indian and Chinese leaves that make a pale to dark yellowish brew. The taste is often slightly bitter with a cleaner aftertaste.
Japanese matcha tea is milled under-processed tea leaves and makes a rich dark green brew. Depending on how you brew it, it can be quite hearty and has a sweet nutty flavor.
The Kirland Signature Matcha Blend uses matcha powder along with sencha tea leaves. Sencha leaves are matured leaves and has a similar taste to common store brand green tea. The combination makes a slightly lighter, yet still rich dark green tea. The color is a transparent pea green. The taste is complex with notes of sweet grass and nuts. And it leaves a clean aftertaste.
I won't give it 5 stars because of a few issues. The tea comes in individually sealed plastic packets. If you're not careful, the matcha powder goes all over the place. I'd recommend you open it away from your face over a sink. Also the sencha tea leaves are not very good quality as they have a lot of stems and non-leaf parts in it. The teabags do have a notched paper handle that wedges in the rim of your cup, but it has a tendency to fall in if you're not careful. One plus though is that it does not use staples.
Overall, I feel this is an authentic green tea very similar to those served in Japanese restaurants. If you like that, then you will like this product.
Posted on: 2010-08-10
By Turtle James
My favorite green tea
(Score 5/5)
Kirkland has an excellent, balanced flavor that is hard to find in other green teas. Highly recommended.
Posted on: 2010-08-10
By Terrence F. Graham
Not very good quality green tea.
(Score 1/5)
This green tea doesn't even compare to Japanese matcha. Kirkland Ito En Matcha is extremely weak in flavor. In fact, with one tea bag it doesn't taste, smell, or even look like the matcha you find in Japan, or the green teas you find elsewhere. It is flavorless and odorless unless you pack two or three tea bags in a cup and, even then, it's very poor quality in comparison to other green teas.
This Kirkland Ito En Matcha isn't even close to as good as other green tea available for about the same price on Amazon, such as Yamamotoyama - Green Tea (Sushi Bar Style) 90 Bag Value Pack. That brand is significantly higher quality in every respect, even if the price is mostly shipping charges.
The bottom line is that if you're looking for top quality green tea, this Kirkland Ito En Matcha is not it.
Posted on: 2010-07-30
By A. PAINTER
Rooibos
based on 29 customer reviews
Feel factor: 5
rooibos
(Score 5/5)
A on-line friend from S Africa turned me on to this great tea... She said they make it into a punch with any fruit juice and serve with ice as a punch out on the patio overlooking the ocean....for all of the family get togethers. I have found it great..hot, cold or mixed with juice.. Freshpak.... is the best I have found and the one that was recommended.... Enjoy..
Posted on: 2010-08-23
By Carolyn Wells
So glad we could find this tea!
(Score 5/5)
We loved our trip to Africa, and my husband is not a coffee drinker. So he found this tea to be perfect for him to drink every morning before we hunted. We were so happy to be able to find it on Amazon so that we can have this tea for him every day! Thanks a million!
Posted on: 2010-06-12
By Pamela C. Phipps
No 1 Ladies got me to try it
(Score 5/5)
After reading several books in the No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, where they drink many cups of red bush tea each day, I had to try it for myself. I should add that I'm English and black tea with milk is one of my daily necessities. I drink my Rooibos tea the same way. I found the smell a little odd at first - reminiscent of antiseptic (some say vanilla) and wet straw - but I liked the taste immediately. Rooibos tea has all the robust attributes of black tea but without the caffeine, and it is supposed to be very healthy. It's also refreshing. If you like black tea, give it a try!
Posted on: 2010-05-26
By Anon
Helpful index: 100%
Rooibos is my choice for iced tea
(Score 5/5)
I'm an iced tea drinker year round, and I go thru tons of the stuff during hot weather. Rooibos is naturally decaf and has a mild unobtrusive taste. I find my palate doesn't get tired of the stuff, which is key during those high volume hot days.
I've tried a number of brands of Rooibos and Freshpak wins hands down. Don't even bother with other brands.
My iced tea recipe:
Boil water for 6 liters of final product with 8 Rooibos tea bags. During this process I add 1/3 cup Splenda and 1/3 cup real sugar. After it reaches a boil, I shut it off and let it cool down (tea bags still in the liquid). After it's cool I add the juice of one healthy lemon. Pour the contents into 6 plastic liter bottles (used seltzer water bottles in my case) and stick them in the reefer.
Posted on: 2010-05-18
By Thomas Galloway
Helpful index: 100%
My favorite tea!
(Score 5/5)
My husband and I did a safari in South Africa in August'09 and I had some rooibos experience here in the States but it was always mixed with something else. Freshpak is what the South African's buy. It has a great flavor and is cheap even here! I picked up Lipton's Rooibos while in SA but I found I liked Freshpak much better. That tea became my friend there as I did have a day of being under the weather, it made me feel better. The people there swear by it. A little honey, some lemon and you can drink it all day. I brought tea for family and friends here but I haven't heard if they have even tried it....might have to steal it all back! :) Down to my last bags...need to buy more!
Posted on: 2010-03-28
By L. Ware
