The benefits of green tea are so numerous. For many years, green tea has been one of the healthiest beverages, if not the healthiest. It’s packed with antioxidants that have several health benefits, which may include:
- Improved cerebral function
- Loss of weight
- Protection against cancer
- Lower risk of heart disease
Below are some of the expanded benefits of green tea.
Contains healthy bioactive compounds
If you think green tea is nothing more than a hydrating beverage, you couldn’t be farther from the truth. The plant used in making it contains a wide range of healthy compounds that can withstand certain conditions and processing and still make it into the final product. It is rich in natural compounds called polyphenols that have health benefits, such as protection against cancer and reducing inflammation. It contains catechin. Catechin is a natural antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage, among other benefits. This catechin helps protect the cells in the body by eliminating or reducing free radicals’ formation in the body. It also contains traces of some minerals that benefit the health of the body.
Green Tea Improves brain function
Green tea is known to keep you alert at all times, but it goes further than that. It improves the functionality of the brain. Note that although it contains caffeine, it’s not as much as that in coffee. The amount of caffeine in it is the perfect amount to produce a response without causing the jittery effect like those associated with overdose. Once caffeine gets ingested, it blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter called adenosine. Doing this increases the firing of neurons and the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.
Increase fat burning
Studies and general research have shown that green tea burns fat and increases metabolic rate. In one test involving ten healthy men, its extract increased the number of calories burned by 4%. Another involving 12 healthy men, its extract increased fat oxidation by 17%, compared with those taking a placebo. The caffeine in green tea may also improve physical performance by mobilizing fatty acids from fat tissues and making them available for use in the form of energy.
Reduced risk of cancer
The uncontrolled growth of infectious cells causes cancer. Cancer is one of the world’s leading causes of death. Research has linked green tea antioxidants and compounds with a reduced risk of cancer. Several other studies have concluded that ingesting this tea reduces the risk of developing several types of cancer. To get most of these benefits, it’s advisable to avoid adding milk to it as it reduces the antioxidants’ efficacy.
Protects the brain from aging
Apart from increasing the brain’s functionality, green tea also protects the brain from aging. Some research has shown that the catechin present in this tea helps protect the brain’s neurons, thereby reducing the risk of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Eliminates bad breath
Scientific studies show that the catechin present in green tea helps suppress bacteria’s growth, thereby lowering the risks of infection. These catechins also have beneficial effects on oral health. A typical bacterium of the mouth is Streptococcus mutans which reside in the mouth. This bacterium is responsible for plaque formation is one of the leading contributors to cavities and tooth decay. Catechin has shown positive results by inhibiting the growth of streptococcus in the mouth.
Prevention of type 2 diabetes
Statistics show that the rate of Americans affected with type 2 diabetes is on the increase. 1 out of 10 Americans has type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is having elevated blood sugar coupled with low insulin production or insulin resistance. Research shows that green tea helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels.
Prevention of cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart disease are also world-leading in tens of casualties and deaths. Research has shown that drinking green tea may help reduce some of the main risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. It also increases the number of antioxidants in the blood. These increases reduce several factors of heart disease. Studies show that people who drink this tea may have up to a 31% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
Prompts loss of weight
Since green tea improves metabolism rate in a short period, it is only logical that it can also help reduce weight. Several studies have also proven that it reduces body fat, especially in the abdominal area.
Increase in lifespan
Given that some green tea compounds help prevent cardiovascular disease and help to lose weight, we can easily deduce that green it likely increases your lifespan.
Green tea holds a lot of potential and benefits. It’s a must-add to your gastronomic routine.
