Green tea is rich in antioxidants. It may have some cancer-protective properties, as well as supporting brain function and fat loss.
Green tea is considered one of the most healthful beverages on the planet, with many health benefits.
1. It Contains healthy bioactive compounds.
Green tea is much more than a hydrating drink.
The green tea plant is rich in healthy compounds, which make it the final beverage.
Tea is high in Polyphenols. These are natural compounds that can have health benefits, such as helping to reduce inflammation and fighting cancer.
Green tea contains a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate. Catechins, which are natural antioxidants, help to prevent cell damage and offer other benefits.
These substances can help reduce the number of free radicals that are formed in the body. This protects cells and molecules from harm. These free radicals are involved in many diseases, including aging.
EGCG is one of the strongest compounds in green tea. It is effective in treating various diseases. It is believed to be the main compound that gives green tea its medicinal qualities.
You can also benefit from the small number of minerals in green tea.
Choose a high-quality brand of green tea. Some lower-quality brands may contain too much fluoride.
However, the benefits outweigh any risks, even if the brand is of lower quality.
2. It May increase brain function
Green tea is more than just a way to keep alert. It may also boost brain function.
Caffeine, a well-known stimulant, is the key ingredient.
Although it doesn’t have as much caffeine as coffee, it is enough to give you a response.
Caffeine blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine, which in turn affects the brain. Caffeine increases neurotransmitter concentrations, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, and stimulates the firing of neurons.
Studies have consistently shown that caffeine has a positive effect on brain function in a variety of areas, including mood, vigilance, and reaction time.
Green tea contains more brain-boosting compounds than caffeine. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which crosses the blood-brain barrier.
L-theanine can increase the activity of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This has anti-anxiety properties. It increases dopamine levels and produces alpha waves in the brain.
Studies have shown that L-theanine and caffeine can work together. Combining the two can result in powerful brain functions.
Green tea can give you a milder, more subtle buzz than coffee due to the L-theanine (and small amounts of caffeine).
Green tea is reported to have more energy stability and higher productivity than coffee.
3. Fat burning increases
You can be sure that green tea is in any fat-burning supplement.
Research has shown that green tea may increase fat-burning and metabolic rates.
A study that involved 10 healthy men found that green tea extract increased calories burned by 4%. Another study involving 12 healthy men showed that green tea extract increased fat-oxidation by 17% compared to those who took a placebo.
Some studies on green tea have not shown an increase in metabolism.
Caffeine can also be used to improve physical performance. It mobilizes fatty acids from fat tissues and makes them available for energy.
Two independent review studies found that caffeine can increase physical performance by around 11-12%.
4. Some cancers may be less likely to occur if antioxidants are used.
Uncontrolled cell growth is what causes cancer. It is one of the leading causes of death in the world.
Research has shown that chronic inflammation can lead to oxidative injury, which can cause chronic diseases such as cancer. Antioxidants may help prevent oxidative damage.
The best source of powerful antioxidants is green tea
There has been evidence linking green tea compounds to a lower risk of developing cancer. This includes the following research:
- Breast Cancer. An extensive review of observational studies showed that women who consumed the greenest tea had a 20-30% lower chance of getting it.
- Prostate Cancer. One study found that green tea drinkers had a lower chance of developing advanced prostate cancer.
- Colorectal Cancer. A review of 29 studies found that people who drink green tea are around 42% less likely.
Numerous observational studies have shown that green tea drinkers are less likely than others to develop cancer. However, more quality research is required to confirm these effects.
Avoid adding milk to your tea for the best health benefits. A few studies have shown that milk can lower the antioxidant value of some teas.
5. It May help protect the brain against aging
Green tea can not only improve brain function, but it can also help protect your brain from the effects of aging.
Alzheimer’s Disease is a neurodegenerative condition that affects the majority of older adults.
Parkinson’s Disease is another neurodegenerative condition that causes the death of dopamine-producing brain neurons.
Numerous studies have shown that green tea’s catechin compounds can protect neurons in animal models and test tubes, potentially lowering the risk of dementia.
6. Bad breath may be reduced
Green tea’s catechins have many benefits for your oral health.
Studies in the test tube have shown that catechins may suppress the growth and spread of bacteria.
Streptococcus mutant is a common bacterium found in the mouth. It is responsible for plaque formation and is a major contributor to tooth decay and cavities.
Research has shown that green tea catechins can inhibit oral bacteria growth in labs. However, there is no evidence that green tea has such effects.
There is some evidence that green tea can reduce bad breath.
7. Type 2 Diabetes Prevention
In recent years, the incidence of type 2 diabetes has increased. About 1 in 10 Americans are now affected by this condition.
High blood sugar levels characterize type 2 diabetes. This could be due to insulin resistance or the inability to make insulin.
Research has shown that green tea can increase insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
A study of Japanese people found that those who consumed the greenest tea had a 42% lower chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
A review of 7 studies involving 286,701 people revealed that tea drinkers have an 18% lower chance of developing diabetes.
8. It May prevent heart disease
Heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide.
Research shows that green tea may reduce some of these risk factors, such as high cholesterol and LDL levels (bad) cholesterol.
The antioxidant capacity of green tea can also be increased, which protects LDL particles from oxidation. This is one step in the path to heart disease.
It is not surprising that green tea has a beneficial effect on risk factors. People who drink it have a 31% lower chance of developing a heart attack.
9. It May help you lose weight
It is possible to lose weight by drinking green tea. This is because it can increase your metabolism in the short term.
Numerous studies have shown that green Tea may reduce body fat in the abdominal region.
One of the studies involved 240 obese people in a 12-week-long randomized controlled trial.
The study found that those who consumed green tea had significantly lower body fat percentages, body weight, waist circumference, and belly fat than those who were in the control group.
Some studies have not shown a statistically significant weight loss from green tea. Therefore, researchers will need to continue to investigate this effect.
10. This may help you live longer
It makes sense that green tea could prolong your life, as some of the compounds found in it may protect you from heart disease and cancer.
Researchers studied 40,530 Japanese adults for 11 years in one study. The study showed that those who consumed the greenest tea (at least 5 cups per day) were significantly less likely to die in the 11-year period.
- Death from all causes:23% in women, 12% in men
- Death due to heart disease: 31% for women and 22% for men
- Stroke death: 42% for women, 35% for men
Another study that involved 14,001 Japanese seniors found that those who consumed the greenest tea were 76% more likely to die over 6 years.
The bottom line
There are many health benefits to green tea.
Green tea can help you feel healthier, lose weight and reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases.