Green Tea – Transcript
For a long time green tea has been popular in Asia. These days you can find it in western countries too. Green tea is a simple drink with several health benefits. Doctors believe it lowers the risk of heart disease. It is also good for the bones and kidneys.
Green tea was first brought to Japan from China by Buddhist monks. The monks taught local people how to grow the plants and prepare the leaves. For many years, green tea was used as a medicine, not as a refreshment. Zen Buddhism helped to spread tea-drinking throughout Japan. The tea ceremony was an important part of the training for Zen monks.
The tea ceremony is still popular today, but it is different from the ceremony of the Zen monks. The modern tea ceremony is artistic and beautiful. It is popular as a school activity, especially for girls.
