Green tea is considered one of the most healthful beverages on the planet.
It is loaded with antioxidants, which have many health benefits. These may include:
- Improved brain function
- fat loss
- Protecting against cancer
- Lowering your risk of developing heart disease
You may also be able to reap additional health benefits.
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These are the health benefits of green tea.
Contains healthy bioactive compounds. Green tea is much more than a hydrating drink.
The green tea plant is rich in healthy compounds, making it into the final beverage ( 1Trusted Source).
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 (EGCG). Catechins, which are natural antioxidants, help prevent cell damage and offer other benefits.
These substances can help reduce the number of free radicals formed in the body. This protects cells and molecules from harm. These free radicals are involved in many diseases, including ageing.
EGCG is one of the strongest compounds in green tea. It is effective in treating various diseases. It is the main compound that gives green tea its medicinal qualities ( 2Trusted Source).
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 ( 3Trusted Source).
However, even if the brand is of lower quality, the benefits outweigh any risks.
May increase brain procedure
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 affects the brain. Caffeine increases neurotransmitter concentrations, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, and stimulates the firing of neurons ( 4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).
Studies have consistently shown that caffeine has a positive effect on brain function in various 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 ( 7, 8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source).
Studies have shown that L-theanine and caffeine can work together. Combining the two can result in powerful brain functions ( 10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).
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.
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 rate.
A study that involved 10 healthy men found that green tea extract had a 4% increase in calories burned. Another study involving 12 healthy men showed that green tea extract increased fat oxidation by 17% compared to those who took a placebo ( 13Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source).
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 ( 16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source).
Two independent review studies found that caffeine can increase physical performance by around 11-12% ( 18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source).
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 ( 20Trusted Source).
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 ( 21Trusted Source).
- Prostate Cancer. One study found that green tea drinkers had a lower chance of developing advanced prostate cancer ( 22).
- Colorectal Cancer. Twenty-nine studies found that people who drink green tea are around 42% less likely ( 23Trusted Source).
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 ( 24, 25Trusted Source).
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 ( 26Trusted Source).
It May help protect the brain against ageing.
Green tea can improve brain function, but it can also help protect your brain from the effects of ageing.
Alzheimer’s Disease is a neurodegenerative condition that affects most older adults. ( 27Trusted Source).
Parkinson’s Disease is another neurodegenerative condition that causes the brain to stop producing dopamine.
Numerous studies have shown that green tea’s catechin compounds can protect neurons in animal models and test tubes, potentially lowering the risk for dementia ( 28, 29, Trusted Source, 30, Trusted Source).
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 ( 31Trusted Source, 32 33Trusted sources, 34TrustedSource).
Streptococcus Mutans is a common bacterium found in the mouth. It is responsible for plaque formation and is a major contributors to tooth decay and cavities.