Green Tea for Health & Wellness

Green Tea for Health & Wellness

Green tea has long been known as one of the healthiest beverages on the planet, with many health benefits and high levels of antioxidants. Originating in China, it has been used for millennia, and is now enjoyed across the world for its healing benefits, weight-loss capabilities and mental acuity. Here, in this post, we will discuss the most proven green tea benefits and how incorporating it into your daily life can help your health and wellbeing.

1. Rich in Antioxidants
Green tea is loaded with powerful antioxidants, particularly catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These antioxidants neutralize the free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress which is a major cause of ageing and many chronic diseases.

EGCG has been extensively researched for its potential to combat inflammation, reduce cardiovascular disease and even prevent certain cancers. When you consume green tea regularly, you activate a robust antioxidant defense system that can protect you over the long run.

2. Enhances Brain Function
Green tea has an immediate effect on the brain. Green tea is caffeine free, but less than coffee and so is mildly stimulating. That means a moderate increase in attention and alertness without the euphoria or crash that coffee often causes.

Along with caffeine, green tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine which is calmant and helps stimulate the brain in conjunction with caffeine. There are some experiments that demonstrate L-theanine and caffeine together, resulting in a more active brain, better memory and increased cognitive function.

3. Boosts Fat Burning and Weight Loss.
Green tea can be a healthy supplement for you if you are trying to lose some weight. In several studies, green tea has also been proven to accelerate metabolism and fat oxidation.

One of the major components of this is the fact that green tea stimulates fat burning when exercising. Some studies report that green tea extract prior to working out burns 17% more fat. Green tea can therefore be an effective remedy for the overweight.

4. Supports Heart Health
Green tea is found to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke. Green tea antioxidants, especially flavonoids, can lower cholesterol levels and help prevent plaque buildup in arteries.

Green tea is proven to reduce LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) significantly while improving HDL ("good" cholesterol). It also promotes the overall health of the blood vessels to enhance the heart and circulation.

5. May Reduce the Risk of Some Cancers.
Green tea antioxidants can also reduce the risk of some cancers. A few studies claim that the powerful catechins in green tea also inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and help to stave off the progression of tumors.

Breast Cancer: Research has demonstrated that females who consume green tea may be less likely to develop breast cancer, one of the most prevalent forms of cancer among women.

Prostate Cancer: Green tea has also been shown to decrease the risk of prostate cancer, the most common type of cancer in men.

Colon Cancer: Green tea consumers are lower at risk of colon cancer, studies also show that catechins may help in keeping the colon healthy.

6. Improves Skin Health
Green tea isn’t only healthy when taken — it also has anti-aging properties. Green tea extract has been used in cosmetics for acne, inflammation, and sun-burn prevention.

EGCG’s antioxidant effects help shield the skin from UV radiation and environmental stressors, and promote cell turnover and minimize wrinkles and fine lines.

7. Reduces Type 2 Diabetes Risk.
It’s a disease that’s on the rise all over the world and green tea could help. Studies have also shown that daily green tea intake helps boost insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.

Green tea drinkers are 18 per cent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, according to some large studies. Green tea catechins stabilize blood glucose levels, adding another protection against the illness.

8. May Promote Longevity
Because of its array of health benefits, from cancer prevention to heart health, green tea can extend life. Research in Japan, where green tea is consumed, revealed that regular green tea drinkers live longer and are less likely to die from every cause — especially heart disease and stroke.

The antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting components of green tea makes it a daily ritual that can help prolong your lifespan.

Summary: One Thing Added for Great Gains
Green tea is as heart healthy and weight-loss promoting as it is skin and brain health. Green tea is a very easy, efficient and simple way to boost your health. Green tea is a powerful and scientifically proven medicine that you can drink as a hot drink, iced tea or matcha latte.

References:
Cabrera, C., Artacho, R., & Giménez, R. (2006). Health benefits of green tea — A summary. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 25(2), 79-99. doi:10.1080/07315724.2006.10719518.
Kuriyama, S. (2008). Environmental epidemiology: the connection between green tea and cardiovascular disease. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 54(2), 1-6. doi:10.3177/jnsv.54.s1
Khan, N., & Mukhtar, H. (2013). Tea and wellness: Human research. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 19(34), 6141-6147. doi:10.2174/1381612811319340007doi=10.2174/1381612811319340007
Thielecke, F., & Boschmann, M. (2009). Green tea catechins: a potential mechanism for the prevention of the metabolic syndrome–A review. Phytochemistry, 70(1), 11-24. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2008.11.011