Tea is the most consumed beverage around the world. About 78 percent of the tea consumed is black and only 20 percent consume green tea. All types of tea are brewed from the dried tea leaves. The level of oxidation determines the type of tea. Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves and so is less processed; therefore, it contains more antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols.
Green tea is used widely in Chinese and Indian medicine to control bleeding, healing wounds, aid digestion, improves heart health and mental health and regulate body temperature. Recent studies have shown consuming Green tea on a regular basis has positive effects on weight loss, liver disorder, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
Some of the health benefits of drinking Green Tea:
Green Tea for Cancer Prevention
According to the national cancer institute, the polyphenols present in tea has shown to decrease tumour growth in the laboratory and protects against damage caused by ultraviolet UVB radiation. Some studies have shown positive impact of green tea on breast cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal, esophageal, lung, prostate, skin, stomach cancer. It is believed the high level of polyphenols present in green tea kills cancerous cells and stopped them from growing. However, researches are still on to find out more evidence, to know the exact mechanism by which tea interacts with the cancerous cells.
Green Tea for Weight Loss
Green tea is said to promote small weight loss in overweight and obese adults. Green tea can increase metabolism and the polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify fat oxidation and the rate at which food is turned into calories. It is considered a smart idea to swap from sugary drinks to green tea.
Green Tea for Heart Benefits
Green tea has shown to improve blood flow and lower cholesterol. Studies conducted have found that green tea helps prevent a range of heart-related issues like high blood pressure to congestive heart failure.
Green tea for Brain function
Green tea is a beverage that contains less caffeine than coffee but has enough to keep one awake. It would be a good alternate for people with caffeine sensitivity. Green tea provides amino acid L-theanine, which reduces anxiety. It protects the brain by reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Studies have shown that green tea protects against the nerve cell death associated with dementia.
Green Tea for Type 2 Diabetes
Green tea slows down the rise of blood sugar levels by regulating glucose levels after eating. This prevents high insulin spikes and possible fat storage.
Green Tea for Inflammatory Skin Disease
Animal studies conducted for inflammatory skin diseases, often characterized by dry, flaky skin caused by inflammation and overproduction of skin cells can be controlled by regular consumption of green tea. Green tea is said to slow the growth of skin cells and the presence of a gene that regulates the life cycle of the cell.
