Green Tea

Green tea 3

Green tea is regarded as the healthiest beverage on the planet. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants that have several health benefits, including improved brain function, fat loss, protection against cancer, and lowered risk of heart disease. Let’s discuss the benefits associated with green tea one by one:

1. Green tea contains a wide range of healthy compounds. It is rich in polyphenols, which are known to reduce inflammation and help fight cancer. Green tea also contains catechin EGCG, which are natural antioxidants. Catechins reduce oxidative stress, hence prevent cell damage from free radicals. In addition, it also provides other health benefits. EGCG is one of the most powerful compounds in green tea. The medicinal properties of green tea are believed to be due to EGCG. Green tea also contains small amounts of minerals that can benefit you. Always select a higher brand of green tea, as most of the lower brands of green tea contain excessive amounts of fluoride.

2. Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in recent decades. Type 2 diabetes is characterised by elevated blood sugar levels, either caused due to insulin resistance or inability to produce insulin. Studies suggest that green tea can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels . A review of 7 studies conducted on 286,701 individuals reported 18% of lower risk of diabetes in green tea drinkers.

3. The leading cause of death worldwide is due to heart disease and stroke. Studies report that green tea may reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, leading causes for heart disease. Green tea is also high in antioxidants which prevents the oxidation of LDL particles. Oxidation of LDL leads to heart disease. Regular drinker of green tea have a 31% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

4. Uncontrolled growth of cells leads to cancer. It causes millions of deaths per year worldwide. Research suggests that increased oxidative stress leads to inflammation, giving rise to chronic issues, including cancer. Antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress, hence protect against chronic inflammation and diseases. Green tea is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants. Various researches have linked intake of antioxidants with reduced risk of cancer. A review on a few studies reported a 20-30% decrease in risk of developing breast cancer in women drinking green tea. One study reported lower risk of advanced prostate cancer in men drinking green tea. An analysis of 29 studies also reported 42% lower risk of developing colorectal cancer in green tea drinkers. Although the reports are very impressive, more high quality research is needed to confirm these effects. To reap maximum benefits of green tea, avoid adding milk to your tea, as tea can reduce the antioxidant value of some tea.

5. Green tea keeps you alert and boosts brain function. Caffeine present in green tea is believed to cause such effects. Although the caffeine content of green tea is lower than coffee, it is enough to produce a response without causing jittery effects linked with taking excessive caffeine. Caffeine blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter called adenosine. This increases the firing of neurons and also increases the concentration of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Various researches have reported that caffeine can improve brain function, including mood, vigilance, reaction time, and memory. Green tea is also high in an amino acid L-theanine, which can cross the blood-brain barrier. L-theanine increases the activity of inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. It has anti-anxiety effects. It also increases dopamine and production of alpha. Caffeine and L-theanine possess more powerful effects when they work together in improving brain function. Green tea also improves brain function and prevents ageing of brain. Alzehimer’s is the most common neurodegenerative disease, causing dementia in older adults. Parkinson’s disease is another common neurodegenerative disease causing death of dopamine producing neurons. Some test tube studies have reported that catechin in green tea has a protective effect on neurons, reducing the risk of dementia.

6. Studies report that green tea can increase fat burning and boost metabolic rate. However, some studies don’t find any increase in metabolism on green tea consumption, so the effect may vary from individual to individual or how the study was set up. Caffeine may also improve metabolization of fatty acids from fat tissues, making them available as energy sources. As green tea boosts metabolic rate, it could help lose weight. Various studies have linked green tea drinking with reduced body fat, especially in the abdominal area.

7. Catechins present in green tea can also be beneficial for oral health. Catechins can suppress the growth of bacteria, lowering the risk of infections. However, in lab studies, catechins inhibit the growth of oral bacterias, but there is no evidence that drinking green tea has similar effects. Green tea can reduce bad breath.

8. Green tea contains compounds that reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, neurodegenerative disease, hence helping you live longer.