benefits of green tea, Green tea is made from un-oxidized leaves dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis bush. It is one of the less processed types of tea (with white tea the least) and therefore contains one of the most antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols. Tea is considered the most consumed beverage in the world behind water, however 78% of the tea consumed worldwide is black and only about 20% is green.
Green tea contains a relatively small amount of caffeine (approx. 20-45 milligrams/8 oz cup), compared with black tea which contains about 50 milligrams/cup and coffee with 95 milligrams/cup. Green tea can help increase and even change your metabolism, speeding up calorie burn rate from fat and help keep weight off once you’ve lost it.
Green tea has been used for ages in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its therapeutic values, and as a refreshing beverage. It is widely used throughout Asia with the West getting on the bandwagon very recently. The lack of processing (fermentation) helps Green tea retain maximum amount of antioxidants and poly-phenols the substances that give green tea its many benefits. Black tea is processed in a way that allows for fermentation, degrading its nutrient profile.
Tips to Make A healthy Cup of Green Tea:
- Avoid adding green tea to boiling water as the beneficial catechins get killed in the process. Best temperature to steep tea is 180°F (80°C).
- Squeeze in some lemon juice to infuse the tea with vital Vitamin C that easies absorption of healthy catechins in green tea. Dairy, on the other hand, makes it harder to absorb.
- Pricier teas usually have more healthful compounds, and canned green-tea drinks generally have less.
- Use Honey for sweetener.
Health Benefits of Green tea:
-
Anti-Cancer
One of the most active catechins, an antioxidant found in green tea, is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG was shown to block the stimulating effect of androgen (a male sex hormone) on human prostate tumor cells, slow their spread, and increase cell death.
-
Fights Heart Disease
Green tea lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and prevents heart disease and stroke instances drastically. Green tea improves the function of endothelial cells, whose dysfunction plays a key role in the development of clogged arteries, a process called atherosclerosis. It prevents necrosis (cell death) post a heart attack and helps convalescence.
-
Anti-Aging
Antioxidant in green tea, known as polyphenols which fight against free radicals, major contributors to cell damage and aging.
-
Aids Weight Loss
Green tea boost your metabolism rate and speeds up burning of sugar and fat, resulting in weight loss. It fights obesity by stopping the movement of glucose in fat cells.
-
Skin Care
Vital antioxidants in green tea, prevent oxidate stress and cell damage by free radicals, reducing wrinkles, fine lines, skin aging and helps fight against skin cancer.
-
Relieves Arthritis
Green tea shields cartilage from damaging effects of harmful enzymes, preventing and delaying the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.
- For Strong BonesGreen tea is abundant in fluoride that preserves bone density and strengthens your skeletal framework.
-
Diabetes Care
Green tea stimulates lipid and glucose metabolism, balancing your metabolic rate, and preventing unhealthy blood sugar level spikes. Polyphenols and polysaccharides present in green tea also help lower your blood sugar level.
-
Prevents Neurodegenerative Diseases
Green tea helps slow the process of reduced acetylcholine in the brain, a major cause for Alzheimer’s disease and prevents cell damage that causes Parkinson’s disease. It also boosts memory.
-
Liver Care
Green tea’s host of antioxidants bust free radicals in fatty liver cells and help the body adapt post a liver transplant.
- Hypertension Relief: Studies have proved that green tea helps repress angiotensin, a primary contributor to high blood pressure or hypertension.
-
Fights Food Poisoning
Green tea contains Catechin, an anti-bacterial compound, that not only destroys bacteria that causes food poisoning, but also neutralizes and expels the harmful toxins produced by those bacteria.
-
Immunity Booster
Green tea’s magic ingredients Polyphenols and flavonoids, replenish the immune system providing an impregnable shield against any kind of infections and viral attacks.
-
Cures Cold/Flu
Vitamin C is a super power antioxidant that prevents and fights the irritating symptoms associated with flu and the common cold.
-
Respiratory Care
Theophyline in green tea relaxes the muscles which support the bronchial tubes, reducing the severity of asthma.
-
Fights Ear Infections
Green tea is a natural antiseptic and can help clear ear infections. For natural ear cleaning soak a cotton ball in green tea and clean the infected ear.
-
Inhibits Herpes Virus
Green tea contains chemical compounds, such as polyphenols, catechins and flavenoids, having potent antibacterial and antiviral properties that inhibit the herpes simplex virus and prevent flareups.
-
Against Tooth Decay
Green tea anti bacterial properties inhibit bacterial growth and lowers the acidity of saliva and dental plaque, preventing cavities.
-
Stress Buster
L-theanine, a natural amino acid found almost exclusively in green tea, has been found to improve cognition while reducing stress and anxiety.
-
Anti-Allergic
Green tea contains a special compound (methylated epigallocatechin gallate-EGCG) that has antioxidant properties that inhibit allergic reactions.
-
Against HIV
Scientists in Japan have found that EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) in green tea can stop HIV from binding to healthy immune cells, stopping the HIV virus from spreading.
Side Effects of Green tea and Precautions:
-
Caffeine Sensitivity
Those with severe caffeine sensitivities could experience insomnia, anxiety, irritability, nausea or upset stomach.3
-
Drug Interactions
Due to its high Vitamin K content- a potent blood clotting agent, green tea can interfere with anticoagulant drugs such as Coumadin/Warfarin and reverse their effects. If taken with stimulant drugs, green tea could possibly increase blood pressure and heart rate.
-
Pregnancy
Green tea contains tannins (which can decrease the absorption of iron and folic acid), so if you are pregnant or trying to conceive then green tea may not be ideal for you.
-
Herbal Supplement Interactions
High levels of active substances in green tea can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. Always check with a physician before starting any herb or supplement regimen.
