Green tea is arguably the healthiest beverage around. It is recommended for almost everything from losing weight to clear skin. Rich in antioxidants, this super drink has many health benefits, which include stress reduction, lowered cancer risk, disease management and weight management. You will find it on the list of ingredients of many fat-loss supplements. Drinking green tea has many benefits.
Originating in China, green tea is now consumed across the globe and has gained popularity for its health benefits. It is made from unoxidized leaves of Camellia seinensis. It contains polyphenols and more antioxidants as it is less processed. According to a recent study, it is beneficial in lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes and liver disorders. f
11 health benefits of green tea that will make you have a cup right now.
1. Increase Weight Loss
Green tea contains polyphenol, which helps in faster oxidation of fat, and it intensifies the rate at which the food is turned into calories by our body. Studies show that green tea helps in the reduction of fat, especially around your tummy. It increases your metabolic rate and thus helps you to decrease your weight.
2. Reduces Cancer Risk
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It is caused by uncontrolled cell growth in the body. Damage caused by oxidation in the body contributes to cancer development. As green tea is packed with antioxidants, it helps lower the risk of various types of cancers like breast cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer and prostate cancer. Green tea should be consumed without milk, as adding milk to it will lower the antioxidant value of the drink.
3. Lowers Risk of Diabetes
Although studies have been inconsistent regarding the effect of green tea on diabetes, some have concluded that it reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Apparently, it helps regulate the level of glucose in the body, decreases sugar levels in your blood and increases insulin sensitivity. This can help you prevent high spikes of insulin.
4. Decrease Cholesterol Levels
According to a study, drinking 10 cups of green tea a day can decrease total cholesterol. Drinking green tea improves the ratio of good and bad cholesterol in the blood and decreases bad cholesterol. It can be consumed as a beverage or as a capsule.
5. Improves Brain Activity
Consuming green tea can improve brain activity as it contains the well-known stimulant, caffeine. Although the amount of caffeine is not as much as coffee, it is enough to stimulate your brain. Caffeine is not the only brain stimulator in green tea. It contains the amino acid L-theanine, which increases the activity of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that has anti-anxiety activity. L-theanine and caffeine work together to improve your brain function.
6. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
According to scientists, green tea helps your heart by keeping the lining of the blood vessels relaxed and flexible. The stiffer your blood vessel walls, the higher your risk of developing hypertension. Green tea also helps them withstand the fluctuations in blood pressure. As green tea lowers the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and has antioxidant properties, it lowers the risk of clot formation, which is the main cause of cardiac arrest.
7. Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
Green tea protects against deterioration of the brain as you age. It is believed that green tea delays the brain damage caused by diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The most common neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer’s, is the main cause of dementia. According to a study, green tea repaired damaged cells of the brain and protected it from dying. The green tea’s catechin compounds can protect neurons, lowering the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
8. Improves Dental Health
Green tea contains catechin, which can inhibit viruses and kill bacteria, lowering the risk of infection and improving the health of your teeth. The plaque in your mouth is caused by Streptococcus mutans (bacteria), and it leads to tooth decay and cavity formation. According to studies, the growth of Streptococcus mutans can be inhibited by catechins present in green tea. This leads to decreased bad breath, lower risk of cavities and improved dental health.
9. Reduces Risk of Hypertension
According to studies, drinking green tea regularly can lower blood pressure to the normal range. It keeps the walls of your blood vessels flexible, making it easier for your body to pump blood through the body.
10. Promotes Skin Health
Apparently, green tea can help reduce the signs of aging and wrinkles. Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. According to a study, topical application of green can reduce the damage caused by the sun. A study conducted in 2007 revealed that green tea could be the answer for the treatment of many skin diseases like psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin inflammation disease, and this inflammation can be treated using green tea.
11. Contains Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial Agents
Green tea contains catechins, which are effective antiviral and antibacterial agents. It can be used for the treatment of different types of ailments, from cancer to influenza. According to some studies, green tea can help inhibit transmission of different types of diseases.
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