Green Tea Seed Oil

   China is the birthplace of tea, and is also the first culture to utilize oil from the tea plant. China has over 80 types of camellias, the seeds of which can be used to make edible oil. The most common and the first to be commercialized is the “ oil tea seed “ variety. The common tea plant also produces tea oil, but its taste is inferior, and rarely used for consumption.
    

     Epidemiological studies have shown that higher amounts of unsaturated fats are healthier, and are less likely to result in deaths from heart disease. Therefore diets utilizing olive oil are healthier for the heart; although tea oil contains roughly the same amount of saturated fat as olive oil ( 10% ), its has more unsaturated fat than olive oil, subsequently it is healthier. In addition, both oils are rich in vitamins E, D, K, and beta-caratene. Olive oil and tea oil both contain a physiological active ingredient which is fragrant and rich in oxygen, it helps fight fatigue, improve immune response and aid digestion. Olive oil, a key part of the mediteranian diet has long been endorsed by the World Health Organization as a heart friendly oil.
    

    Tea oil, in fact, is better than olive oil, in addition to having similar fat composition it contains polyphenbls. According to the FDA, these elements significantly reduce cholesterol and may help prevent cancer. No wonder tea oil is replacing olive oil in several countries!
    

    Tea is commonly grown in mountains or hilly regions, far from cities and pollution, free from fertilizers and pesticides and other harmful elements, such as the carcinogens found in peanut oil. Consequently it is a superior food oil. Chinese have been using tea seed oil since the Song dynasty, and was first mentioned in medicinal texts that discuss its use as a medicine and as a food, with many benefits to one’s health. Daily use in the kitchen promotes a healthy, glowing complexion, and overall is a healthier cooking oil.