You’ve probably heard of the health benefits of green tea. Well, we’ll be breaking down those health benefits of green tea you’ve heard about. Green tea is generally made from the Camellia sinensis plant leaves. Camellia sinensis plant has two known varieties. One grows in China and is used for green and white teas. The other variety is found in India and is often used for making oolong and black tea. The dried leaves and leaf buds of Camellia sinensis are often used to produce these various types of teas. However, the most useful part of the green tea plant is the leaf bud, leaf, and stem.
In addition, of the four types of tea, green tea has the highest amount of flavonoids (a plant-based antioxidant chemical) and has more health benefits attached to it than other teas like black tea due to the processing. Green tea is usually produced by steaming and pan-frying the leaves at high temperatures and then drying. During this processing, oxidation is avoided to maintain essential molecules such as antioxidants and polyphenols, which are responsible for many of the health benefits of green tea. However, other teas such as black tea and oolong tea are processed to allow for oxidation in which the leaves are fermented (black tea) or partially fermented (oolong tea).
In the sections below are the health benefits of green tea;
It helps weight loss
Green tea helps decrease inflammation in the body, resulting in weight loss. People looking to lose weight may find green tea helpful to help them lose weight. In addition, green tea has also been linked to lowering appetite, therefore, preventing excessive fat gain through a process known as angiogenesis.
It helps prevent cancer
Cancers are generally caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells. It is one of the world’s leading causes of death. Green tea contains powerful antioxidants that may help protect against oxidative damages, leading to chronic diseases like cancers, etc. In addition, a recent study shows that countries with high green tea consumption tend to have a lower risk of various types of cancer ( endometrial and ovarian cancer).
It helps the brain function
Green tea contains important compounds such as catechins and caffeine. These compounds help the brain function, including mood, reaction, and productivity. In addition, they’ve been proven by researchers to protect the neurons of the brain as well as reduce cognitive impairment, and lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Caffeine in green tea acts as a stimulant, and it makes you feel energetic.
It lowers the risk of heart disease
Green tea has been linked to reducing the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. From research, it’s believed that green tea works on the lining of blood vessels. It also protects against clot production, which is one of the leading causes of heart attacks. It can also help lower the LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood.
Green tea fights inflammation
Green tea provides your body with many different anti-inflammatory substances. For example, flavonoids and epigallocatechin commonly found in green tea help fight inflammation in the body and protect cell DNA. Besides that, green tea also helps relieve chronic inflammatory conditions and soothe temporary sore muscles or injury.
It benefits oral health
Green tea contains natural antibiotics and antifungal properties, which may help benefit oral health. Compounds in green tea such as flavonoids, catechins, and polyphenols help inhibit bacteria and control acid production in the mouth. Research has linked this to the properties of green tea to help prevent bad breath, cavities, and tooth decay.
It improves skin health
Polyphenols in green tea help protect the skin from the adverse effects of ultraviolet (UV) light. This then prevents quick aging. In addition, green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties and compounds also help prevent wrinkles, swelling, skin irritation, and redness. Besides that, applying green tea to the skin can soothe bruises and sunburns too. Finally, applying green tea to the skin fights skin cancer by promoting DNA repair.
It helps prevent bone loss
Loss of bone strength is a common health problem in America, particularly for women at high risk of osteoporosis. Green tea contains antioxidants that help protect against fracture and bone loss. Some studies also confirmed that drinking green tea can help stimulate some minerals production which generates bone formation. As a result, there’s an added protection against osteopenia because the bones are strengthened already.
Green tea has been widely used throughout the world as medicine for thousands of years. This beverage has a lot of uses, from lowering blood pressure to preventing cancer. When used as a supplement, it is used for high cholesterol levels in the body and to prevent heart-related diseases and cancers. It is strongly advised not to drink on an empty stomach as the tannins in it can cause you to experience nausea. The tannins can also increase stomach acids, making you feel sick and even experience a stomach ache.
