Green tea is known to be one of the healthiest drinks on earth. It is a type of tea made from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis bushes. It has its roots in China. Its production and manufacture have grown throughout East Asia.
Green tea has been used by traditional Indians and Chinese as medicine. It is made from unoxidized leaves and is one of the less processed types of tea. It does more than hydration; there are a lot of health benefits to be gotten.
Caffeine, which is categorized as a stimulant, is an active ingredient in green tea. Though it doesn’t contain a lot of caffeine, there is still enough quantity to enhance the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the body.
Caffeine has been known to enhance alertness, mood, memory, reaction time, vigilance, etc.
Type 2 diabetes is caused when there is an increase in blood sugar levels. The increase in blood sugar levels could be due to the body’s inability to produce insulin or insulin resistance.
Some controlled studies show that it may improve insulin susceptibility and reduce blood sugar levels. According to a review, people who drank it had an 18% lower risk of diabetes.
Green tea boosts metabolism and can intensify fat burning. Studies have shown that taking green tea or its extracts increases the number of calories burnt by 4%.
While some studies didn’t show any effect on metabolism, so this benefit may depend on the individual.
Studies show that there is a possibility for those who drink green tea to live longer than those who don’t. This is because it contains compounds that help prevent and reduce the risk of many diseases.
Cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart attack are some of the leading causes of worldwide mortality. However, the risks of developing them can be reduced.
Green tea multiplies the antioxidant capacity of the blood, which protects the LDL particles from oxidation. People who drink it have about a 31% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases.
Furthermore, regular intake of green tea reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
Green tea is rich in antioxidants which may lower the risk of some cancers like bread cancer, prostate cancer, etc.
It is also rich in polyphenols that help to fight cancer and reduce inflammation. Additionally, they contain catechins like epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a useful compound to prevent cell damage and other functions.
Catechins found in green tea can stop bacteria growth, which reduces the risk of bad breath, tooth decay, plaque, and throat infection.
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are common neurodegenerative diseases in older adults. Aging and the death of the brain cells and neurons are the prime culprits behind the development of these diseases. It can help protect against and prevent the onset of these brain diseases.
It reduces the damage caused to the skin by exposure to direct sunlight. This is because it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components. It also helps with aging and wrinkles.
It contains theanine which gives a relaxing and soothing effect that improves overall mood and reduces depression.
Overall, daily green tea consumption can be very beneficial to your health and ensures that you live a wholesome life free from diseases and illnesses.