Green tea, innate to China and India, has been acknowledged for its health benefits since ages but has recently gained eminence in the US. However, only 20% of the tea consumed worldwide is green. It has been used in conventional medicine to heal wounds, improve mental health and regulate body temperature. It is treated as one of the world’s healthiest drinks as it is rich in most of the antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols which help ameliorate brain function, fat loss, a lower risk of cancer and supply it its anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects.
Let’s take a look at the perquisites of the green liquid which are rooted in human research studies.
# Minimize the risk to exposure of various types of cancer
Cancer develops due to oxidation damage which is caused by uncontrolled cell growth. Green tea is rich in antioxidants which are known to have a protective effect. It is beneficial for mainly breast, prostate and colorectal cancer. EGCG is believed to inhibit cancer cell metabolism in breast tumors. Studies show that women who drink green tea on a regular basis have a 22% lower risk of developing breast cancer and 57% lower risk of colorectal cancer while men have a 48% lower risk of developing prostate cancer. It is even found to guard against lung cancer.
# Lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseaseIt is known to enhance brain function but even protects the brain in old age. Catechin compounds in green tea have securing effects on neurons curtailing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s which lead to dementia and cessation of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain respectively.
# Help you live long
Death is imminent however green tea reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer which suggests that it could help you live longer. From different studies, it has been concluded that people who drink 5 or more cups of green tea a day are likely to live more than others. Death from all causes is lowered 23% in women and 12% in men and from heart disease is lowered 31% in women and 22% in men.
# Help lose weightGreen tea helps contract body fat especially in the abdominal area as it advances the metabolic rate expeditiously. It is rich in bio-active substances like caffeine and EGCG which are responsible for the same. These substances hike the levels of hormones which break down fat, release it into the bloodstream and make it accessible as energy. The effects are best shown when consumed hot. Don’t reduce its benefits by adding sugar.
# Scale down the risk of cardiovascular diseaseCardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide. Green tea escalates the antioxidant capability of the blood which guards the LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation. Studies suggest that those who intake green tea regularly are at a 31% lower risk of encountering cardiovascular diseases. Scientists believe green tea works helps keep the blood vessels relaxed and are thus they are able to withstand changes in blood pressure more effectively and efficiently. It prevents abnormal blood clotting which causes heart attacks and strokes and can also aid in preventing a second heart attack.
# Lower the risk of Type II diabetesType II diabetes torments about 300 million people worldwide. It involves raised blood sugar levels in case of insulin resistance. Green tea enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar levels. A Japanese study shows that people who drink green tea are at a 42% lower risk of developing type II diabetes. It prevents blood sugar crashes that may result in fatigue, irritability, and longing for unhealthy foods.
# Improve dental health and lower the risk of infectionsGreen tea is a natural anti-bacterial agent. Catechin in green tea slays bacteria and hinders viruses like the influenza virus, lowering the risk of infections. Catechin is also known to curb streptococcus bacteria found in the mouth which results in plaque formation and causes cavities and tooth decay. Thus green tea is related to improved dental health and a low risk of caries and reduced bad breath.
# Improve physical performanceGreen tea increments energy expenditure by 4% and exhibits increased fat burning. Caffeine in green tea also aids in the same as it marshals fatty acids from the fat tissues making them accessible for energy use. However, the effect on metabolism is highly individualistic and no two individuals have shown the same effects.
# Makes you smartGreen tea not only keeps you awake but even makes you smarter. The key role is played by caffeine which is a well-known stimulant. It doesn’t contain as much caffeine as coffee but in a considerable amount to reduce response but without causing apprehensions which are usually related with caffeine. In the brain, it restricts an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine. In addition to caffeine green tea also contains an amino acid L-theanine which enhances the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which has anti-anxiety effects. It surges dopamine and the fabrication of alpha waves in the brain. It is reported to provide more stable energy as compared to coffee. Caffeine and L-theanine can show hand in glove effects as an amalgamation of the two is particularly effective at enhancing brain function.
# Improve general healthThe bioactive compound in the tea leaves contains huge amounts of important nutrients. It contains polyphenols which act as strong antioxidants. They curtail the formation of free radicals in the body thereby protecting the cells and molecules from injury. These free radicals have an important role in aging and all sorts of diseases. The antioxidant Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) is said to treat various diseases and contributes significantly to the medicinal properties of green tea. Green tea also contains a small amount of minerals that are beneficial for health. One must try and opt for a high-quality brand of green tea because some of the lower ones have excessive amounts of fluoride in them. It is also believed to reduce acne, relieve allergies like sinus inflammation and reduce puffy eyes.