<
div data-journey-body=”standard-article”>
Green tea boasts a wide range of health benefits, touching various parts of your body. But why is green tea considered beneficial for you? While all types of tea contain antioxidants, green teas such as matcha, jasmine, and hojicha have the highest levels. These antioxidants play a crucial role in combating oxidative stress in the body, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Research also indicates that green tea can help boost your metabolism and facilitate weight loss. It has been associated with enhancing brain health, keeping the mind sharp and active due to caffeine content without exacerbating anxiety. While more comprehensive research is necessary to establish a definitive list of benefits, there is strong evidence pointing towards the overall positive effects of green tea on the body. So, grab those tea bags or leaves, and start brewing for a healthier you.
Green tea advantages
1. Burning Fat and Enhancing Metabolism
Swapping sugary sodas, lattes, and fruit juices with unsweetened green tea can cut down hundreds of calories from your daily diet. The tea contains catechins, potent antioxidants known to help decrease body weight significantly and maintain it after a weight loss period. Studies have shown that participants consuming catechin-rich tea twice daily experienced a reduction in belly fat, leading to an average loss of 1.9 cm in waist circumference and 2.6 pounds in body weight. The combination of catechins and caffeine is believed to boost metabolism, although further research is required to solidify this claim. One study suggested that catechins combined with caffeine in green tea could increase the rate at which the body burns fat.
2. Enhancing Memory, Focus, and Mental Clarity
Green tea not only benefits the body but may also support mental functions. Research suggests that this superfood could improve memory, aid in focus, and reduce anxiety. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid abundant in tea (especially green tea), plays a significant role. L-theanine slows down caffeine absorption, helping to mitigate common side effects such as nervousness and jitteriness. The collaboration of caffeine and L-theanine may lead to sharper focus and enhanced mental clarity. A study revealed that individuals who consumed L-theanine performed better and quicker on attention tasks.
3. Lowering Blood Pressure
Green tea can benefit heart health by potentially reducing blood pressure. A study demonstrated that compounds in green and black teas could relax blood vessels, aiding in lowering blood pressure. While the effect may be subtle, it’s a positive step towards improving heart health. Another study involving over 40,000 Japanese adults found that individuals who consumed more than five cups of green tea daily were 26% less likely to die from a heart attack or stroke compared to those who rarely drank green tea. However, consuming five cups may mean significant caffeine intake, so moderation is key.
4. Supporting Cholesterol Levels
Almost one in three Americans is challenged with high cholesterol levels. The antioxidants present in green tea might offer assistance in this area. A one in three Americans is battling high cholesterol. The antioxidants in green tea may be able to help. A
A recent study found that drinking tea could slow down the decline of beneficial HDL‐C cholesterol in the heart with age. Another study noted that green tea might help reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol levels by interfering with cholesterol production and absorption through its catechins, a type of flavonoid.
5. Protect against cancer
Research suggests that consuming green tea is linked to a decreased risk of certain cancers like endometrial, esophageal, lung, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, oral, and ovarian due to polyphenols in tea that can neutralize free radicals preventing cancer-causing damage. Green tea contains a high concentration of these polyphenols compared to other teas, although results from various studies can be contradictory.
6. Help insulin sensitivity for better blood sugar
Evidence proposes that green tea may improve insulin sensitivity, aiding in regulating blood sugar levels and potentially lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, more research is needed, as some studies have not found significant advantages for diabetes treatment.
7. Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Studies suggest that green tea can help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by enhancing brain health due to compounds like EGCG and L-theanine. Nevertheless, more human studies are required to strengthen these findings.
8. Stave off stroke
Drinking at least three cups of green tea daily may decrease the risk of stroke by up to 20%, as indicated by a study. Higher green tea consumption could further reduce the odds of stroke.
9. Help oral health
A review suggests that drinking green tea could enhance oral health by preventing certain periodontal and oral diseases, attributed to the presence of polyphenols. Yet, the research remains preliminary, necessitating further studies involving humans.
10. Increase longevity
Studies from Japan demonstrate that green tea consumption is associated with lower all-cause mortality and reduced deaths from cardiovascular causes. Even moderate consumption of green tea reduced the risk of total cancer and respiratory disease deaths in women.What happens to your body if you drink green tea every day?
With numerous potential health benefits, incorporating green tea into your daily routine can be a wise choice. It can serve as a healthier alternative to sugary beverages like sodas and juices. While there are generally few side effects associated with consuming one cup of green tea daily (primarily related to caffeine intake), it’s advisable for certain groups, particularly those considering higher consumption levels (e.g., five cups a day), to consult a healthcare provider or a nutritionist.
How much green tea should I drink?
Research-backed findings suggest that consuming three to five cups of green tea a day is recommended to experience its benefits. It’s essential to discuss any concerns about caffeine content and excessive green tea consumption with your healthcare provider.
Is green tea good for weight loss?
Studies have shown that green tea can be beneficial for weight loss. It can boost metabolism, aid in fat burning, and help maintain weight loss.
When should you not drink green tea?
Individuals with conditions such as anemia, diabetes, glaucoma, or osteoporosis should seek advice from a healthcare provider before incorporating green tea into their diet. Since the caffeine in tea can interfere with sleep, it’s best to avoid consuming it close to bedtime.
What’s the best way to make green tea?
To ensure the best taste, green tea should not be brewed at boiling temperatures, as this can result in a bitter taste due to burning the leaves. The ideal water temperature for brewing green tea ranges between 160°F to 175°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, simply boil the water and then cool it down with cold water before brewing.
For further information, you can refer to the source link.
