Green tea is more than just a hydrating beverage. People have hailed the health benefits of green tea for centuries. Studies suggest that consuming green tea may positively affect skin health, help with weight loss, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves and is one of the least processed types of tea. For this reason, it contains and retains the most antioxidants which are beneficial to health and is rich in polyphenols which are natural compounds that have health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and helping to fight cancer. Green tea also contains a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which is a natural antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage and provide other benefits including oral health.Overall, these substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage which can delay aging and can make us somehow less vulnerable to many types of diseases including cancer.
According to a report from the International Institute of Sustainable Development, tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. All tea types, except herbal, are brewed from the dried leaves of the “Camellia sinensis” bush. The level of oxidation of the leaves determines the type of tea.
Green tea does more than just keep you alert. It may also help boost brain functions. Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee but enough to produce an effect. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which can work synergistically with caffeine to improve brain function.
If you look at the ingredients list for any fat burning supplement, chances are, green tea will be on there. This is because, according to research, green tea can increase fat burning and boost metabolic rate. Given that green tea can amplify the metabolic rate in the short term, it makes sense that it could help you lose weight. However, some studies on green tea don’t show any increase in metabolism, so the effects may depend on the individual.
Moreover, the bioactive compounds in green tea can have various protective effects on the brain. They may reduce the risk of dementia, a common neurodegenerative disorder in older adults. People also used green tea in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to control bleeding and heal wounds, aid digestion, improve heart and mental health, and regulate body temperature.
Green tea is touted to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. It is loaded with antioxidants that have many health benefits which include improved brain function, fat loss, protecting against cancer, lowering the risk of heart disease. Given that some compounds in green tea may help protect against cancer and heart disease, it makes sense that it could help you look younger and live longer.
PNC-ZDS Marie Claire A. Gaas
References:
- Evidence-Based Benefits of Green Tea
- Beneficial effects of green tea: A literature review
Sabu M Chacko (Corresponding author), Priya T. Thambi, Ramadasan Kuttan, and Ikuo Nishigaki: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2855614/
- The impact of caffeine on mood, cognitive function, performance and hydration: a review of benefits and risks
C. H. S. Ruxton: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1467-3010.2007.00665.x