Coffee is one of the most popular beverages enjoyed by millions worldwide. However, one cannot ignore the fact that there has been a recent shift in beverage consumption habits.
To get their daily caffeine fix, many people, especially those who are health conscious are making the switch to organic green tea.
What is Green Tea?
For thousands of years, green tea has been a core ingredient in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicines. In the early 17th century, green tea made its journey to Europe. It immediately appealed to European taste buds and gradually began to establish itself in the beverage scene.
Some historians have recorded that green tea was smuggled into England in the 18th century to avoid taxation.
Today, organic green tea has found a sizeable following across the globe. It is made from unoxidized dried leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. There are many brands that are processing and selling green tea through retail and online stores.
Green tea contains antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols and is available in blended and flavoured varieties as well as green tea powders and loose-leaf tea.
What are the10 Benefits of Green Tea?
People consume organic green for various health benefits that can be potentially life changing. Let’s take a look.
1. Has Healthy Bioactive Compounds
Green tea contains a variety of healthy compounds, including polyphenols which help reduce inflammation and may be cancer preventive. It also contains a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is a natural antioxidant that prevents cell damage.
All these compounds help to minimize the formation of free radicals in the body, which in turn protects cells and prevents molecular damage and aging.
2. Boosts Brain Function
Green tea can improve the functioning of your brain with caffeine as its core ingredient. It acts as a stimulant that influences several brain functions, such as mood, vigilance, reaction time, and memory.
Caffeine has an impact on the brain by blocking adenosine, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This triggers the firing of neurons.
3. Burns Fat
Green tea tops the list of ingredients that facilitate burning body fat. Research suggests that green tea boosts the metabolism rate, which helps with weight loss.
Some studies also found that the caffeine component in green tea enhances physical performance, which in turn helps to mobilise the fatty acids from the fat tissue. This body can then use it in the form of energy.
4. Lowers Risk of Cancer
Green tea contains antioxidants that protect the body against oxidative damage that can lead to chronic inflammation. This can again result in further complications and more complex health conditions such as cancer.
Research shows that these powerful antioxidants can kill cancer cells without damaging other cells in the body.
5. Prevent Brain from Aging
The bioactive compounds in green tea have a number of positive effects on the human brain. Green tea may improve short term brain function.
Research has shown, organic green tea has the ability to block the formation of certain plaques related to Alzheimer’s disease. It can also delay the brain deterioration caused by Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
6. Reduces Bad Breath
People have attributed their teeth staining to drinking tea, but green tea, with its polyphenol,can prevent foul odour.
Studies have highlighted that natural green can potentially suppress bacterial growth, which in turn minimizes the risk of dental conditions including dental plaque.
7. Manages Type 2 Diabetes
Green tea can help stabilize blood sugar and regulate glucose levels in people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
Studies have shown that the beverage can play a key role in slowing the rise of blood sugar post-consumption of food. This helps to arrest insulin spikes and the resulting fat shortage.
There’s also evidence of green tea potentially improving insulin sensitivity.
8. Looks After Heart Health
A number of research studies have shown the benefits of green tea in maintaining a healthy heart. Evidence highlights that several components in green tea can help prevent a variety of heart-related conditions, including high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
Several scientists also believe that green tea can keep the lining of the blood vessels relaxed. This means that the heart is able to manage any blood pressure fluctuations efficiently.
9. Manages Cholesterol
Organic Green tea can work in reducing bad cholesterol in the body.
According to research, Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant found in green tea, may help maintain heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and the build-up of plaque in blood vessels.
10. Protects Skin and Improves Vision
Drinking green tea regularly can prevent wrinkles from appearing on your skin. The antioxidants in green tea are anti-inflammatory and reduce sun damage to the skin.
Green tea polyphenol antioxidants, which are present in green tea, can prevent cataract-induced blindness.
The Bottom Line
No doubt, green tea comes with a range of health benefits.
That said, the daily dose of green tea should not exceed 3 to 4 cups in a single day. Excessive consumption can lead to side effects such as headaches, vomiting, sleep disturbances, heartburn, anxiety, and irritability.
So, brew yourself a cup of green tea with a dash of honey and start your day on a healthy note.
References
https://www.livestrong.com/article/332904-how-much-green-tea-should-you-drink-per-day/
https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-green-tea-for-skin#green-tea-and-the-skin-around-your-eyes
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/egcg-epigallocatechin-gallate#bottom-line
https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/diabetes-mellitus-5-best-teas-for-managing-blood-sugar-spikes
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4415245/
https://www.menshealth.com/weight-loss/a27534921/green-tea-for-weight-loss/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28454102/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8401650/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6617169/
https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a30442581/green-tea-benefits-for-heart-study/
