I’m a big green tea drinker. Not because I prefer the taste – although as it goes it’s pleasant enough – but for the many health benefits. When I first started drinking it I had no idea that it was the healthiest beverage to exist. It makes sense, though, as it is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that work wonders on the body.
Yes, it’s a lot more than just tea.
So why Green Tea?
Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant that have not undergone the same oxidation process that occurs when producing tea leaves today. This means the green tea preserves the amount of antioxidants and is undoubtedly the reason why it has more health benefits than black tea. Green tea originates from China and has since been used throughout Asia as a medicine to lower blood pressure and prevent cancer.
There is still little evidence to suggest that some of these claims are true, however, there is no harm in trying it out.
[video:https://youtu.be/8mvK9WZj1ko]For skincare
Green tea has very noticeable acne-clearing effects and apparently helps reduce wrinkles and signs of aging. It’s recommended that you use it both internally and externally to get the full benefits.
For lowering cholesterol
Drinking this beverage lowers your bad cholesterol while leaving your good cholesterol unaffected. The best way to test this is to buy a cholesterol test kit and make a note of your cholesterol numbers before and after ingesting green tea for a month.
For weight loss
Decaffeinated green tea has been found to help those trying to lose weight. The active compounds in green tea works by intensifying the effects of some fat burning hormones. Of course, this works best alongside regular exercise and a calorie controlled diet.
For lowering Blood Pressure
The antioxidants found in green tea reduces damage to the blood vessels as well as maintaining normal blood vessel function. Over time green tea helps to lower blood pressure naturally.
For preventing Oesophageal Cancer
It is speculated to reduce the risk of oesophageal cancer by eliminating cancer cells without damaging the healthy tissue surrounding them.
[video:https://youtu.be/90Pxc_GSPuQ]For Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Scientists believe that green tea protects against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. When studies were carried out on a group of mice, it clarified how green tea both protects and restores damaged brain cells.
For preventing Heart Disease
Green tea improves the health of the cells lining the blood vessels which in turn helps them to withstand changes in blood pressure. Consuming as little as one cup of green tea can keep your heart healthy and lowers your risk of developing heart disease.
For Diabetes
One of the many health benefits that is attached to green tea is its ability to control glucose levels by slowing down the level of blood sugar after eating.
For improving Oral Health
The chemical antioxidant “catechin” helps to control the amount of bacteria that contributes to tooth decay and poor oral hygiene. It also prevents cavities.
Reducing risk of depression
Studies showed that those who drank just four cups a day felt happier than those who did not. It is said that the amino acid found in the leaves provides a warm and rather calming effect.
How much should you be drinking?
To be able to notice the many health benefits you will have to drink more than just one cup a day. However, it entirely depends on both your own determination and personal preference. Some will say drinking just three to five cups a day is enough, while others say to achieve weight loss you have to be drinking at least seven. Now that’s a lot of green liquid which means a lot of toilet trips! If you do intend to drink over seven cups daily, it might be more beneficial to take a capsule instead (less trips to the bathroom).
I must point out that green tea is not usually recommended for pregnant women or those trying to conceive. If you do have any questions or concerns then it is best to discuss the matter with your doctor. Many people who are sensitive to caffeine switch to decaffeinated green tea which is apparently much better for you and reduces the effect that caffeine has on the body such as nervousness, restlessness and increased heart rate. So if you had no reason to start drinking green tea before, I’m sure you do now.
What do you think? Do you drink green tea? Have your say in the comments section below.
