10 Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea is the healthiest beverage in the world. It has been used as a medicine for thousands of years. Originated in China, this particular drink is now consumed throughout Asia and now is gaining popularity among the world for its uses ranging from lowering Blood Pressure to preventing Cancer. In comparison with Black Tea, Green Tea is processed in a way that avoids fermentation which results in the drink attaining maximum amount of Antioxidants and Poly-phenols; the substances that give green tea its benefits. It is made from Un-oxidized leaves, contains white tea the least and also is one of the less processed teas. The most beneficial content in green tea is its Catechin content. Catechin basically is an antioxidant that fights all sorts of health issue and can even prevent cell damage. Here are 10 benefits of Green Tea, but some of them are still being debated so do research on your own before you consider drinking green tea for a particular problem. Improves Health Green tea contains many bioactive compounds that make it the healthy and nutrition filled drink that we know of. It contains powerful antioxidants which are loaded with polyphenols like flavonoids, catechins and Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGEC). EGEC has been known to treat many health issues and is a major reason for green tea to have so many medicinal properties. These antioxidants can reduce the formation of free radicals that are known to play a role in aging and all types of diseases, and protect body cells and molecules from damage. Green tea also contains minerals that are important for a healthy body. But choosing the right quality of green tea is essential as bad quality teas might contain fluoride. Burns Fat If you do a search on what foods/beverages help in decreasing weight, Green Tea will definitely appear on every list. The reason behind this is that green tea has said to burn fat and boosts the metabolic rate under controlled circumstances. According to a study, Green tea increased energy expenditure by 4% while oxidation showed an uptick by 17%. This indicates that green tea may selectively increase fat burning. However, some researches on green tea have shown no indication of increase in metabolism in the case of green tea. Sorry, but no food/beverage melts pounds of fat. Some evidences do suggest that EGCG, a compound found in green tea, can help you reduce some pounds but on the other hand the other studies show no effect. Therefore, it all depends on the individual. But green tea is a smart swap for sugary drinks. Green tea increases your metabolic rate, which in turn helps you loose weight. Several studies have also shown that green tea has helped to reduce some weight, especially in the abdominal area. It helps in increasing the metabolism and polyphenol, a compound found in green tea, helps to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories. However, some studies do not show any statistically significant increase in weight loss with green tea, so this still needs to be taken into consideration. Improves Brain Functioning Green Tea helps you get smarter as it contains a key active ingredient “Caffeine”. The content is not as much as coffee but enough to produce a response without causing the “jittery” effect associated with consuming too much caffeine. Caffeine increases the firing of neurons and the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine by blocking an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine. It also helps stimulate better mood, vigilance, reaction time and memory. L-theanine is another content found in green tea, which is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. It has anti-anxiety effects on the brain. Due to the L-theanine and the smaller dose of caffeine, green tea can give you a much milder and different kind of “buzz” than coffee. Reduces the Risk of Cancer The antioxidants in green tea can have a protective effect against oxidative damage that contributes to the development of cancer. Green tea is an excellent source of antioxidants; hence it could reduce your risk of cancer. Breast cancer: A study showed that a women drinking green tea had 22% lower risk of breast cancer. Prostate cancer: Another study found that the risk of having prostate cancer reduced by 48% in men that drank green tea. Colorectal cancer: A study in china showed that green tea drinkers had 57% lower risk of getting colorectal cancer. Some studies for pancreatic, ovarian, esophageal, lung, skin and stomach cancer have also shown positive results. Studies on green tea’s benefits for cancer have been mixed. There have been some evidences on this but the research is still in its early stages, so you must not depend on green tea for treating cancer. Reduces the Risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause of dementia and also a very common in the human kind these days. Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Green tea does not only enhance your brain cells but also protects them in old age. Studies have found that, catechin and EGEC, compounds found in green tea are effective to protect brain cells from dying and restored damaged brain cells. These components have proved to have various protective effects on neurons in test tubes and animals, potentially reducing the risks of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Improves Dental Health The component in green tea “catechin” has other biological effects too. Catechin is said to have qualities that can kill bacteria and inhibit viruses such as the influenza virus. This reduces your risks to harmful infections. Streptococcus mutans is a primary harmful bacterium that causes plague and is a leading factor to tooth decay in our mouths. Studies show that catechin can fight the streptococcus mutans and therefore, green tea consumption is associated with improved dental health and decrease the risk of cavities. Reduces the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Type II diabetes involves having increased blood sugar levels and the context of insulin resistance or an inability to produce insulin. It is one of the diseases that have reached to the point of epidemic in the span of the last few decades. Studies show that green tea can regulate glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This could control insulin rise and reduce blood sugar levels. A study in Japan showed that those who drank green tea had 42% lesser chances of developing type II diabetes. Although studies have been inconsistent, some have shown a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes for green tea drinkers than for those who consumed no tea, while other studies have found no association between tea consumption and diabetes at all. Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Cardiovascular disease is the biggest reason for deaths around the world. Studies show that the consumption of green tea helps in improving some of the main risk factors for heart diseases. Green tea is filled with antioxidants that increases the antioxidant capabilities of the blood and prevent LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation. Green tea does not just benefit with LDL cholesterol but also cholesterol and triglycerides. Scientists think that green tea works on the lining of blood vessels and help them to stay relaxed and therefore, they are better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. It also helps to prevent clots which help reduce the risks of heart attacks. Green tea drinkers have up to a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Beauty Benefits Green tea contains high amounts of antioxidants as well as enzymes, amino acids, and phytochemicals like polyphenols. It also has vitamin B, folate, manganese, potassium, magnesium and caffeine. These components have a long list of beauty benefits for skin and hair too. Some of green tea beauty benefits are:- It improves your skin complexion and also flushes out toxins from the skin,heals blemishes and scars, and reduces inflammation. The antioxidants and tannins in green tea help in treating puffy eyes and dark circles. Green tea has anti-aging and antioxidant benefits that help improve sagging skin, sun damage, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles. Catechin (a component in green tea) helps to regulate hormonal imbalances in the body which is one of the key causes of acne. It acts as a natural toner for your skin and draws out impurities, reduce large pores andgive your skin a nice healthy glow. It has a relatively high amount of antioxidants that promote hair growth Disclaimer: Benefits of green tea are debated in the medical community. This content does not constitute a medical consultation. See your doctor for proper diagnosis.