What Are The 10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most widely used beverages across the world due to its several health benefits. It is the second most consumed beverage after water. Here in this article, we will discuss the several health benefits of green tea.

What is green tea?

Tea is produced from the leaves of the plant called Camellia sinensis. Different types of tea like black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are produced by controlling the oxidation process. Green tea is an unoxidized state of tea leaves to preserve its antioxidant properties.

 

Nutritional facts of green tea

Green tea contains the following nutritional values 

• Calorie                      2.3 
• Fat                             0 g
• Sodium                     2.37 mg
• Protein                     0.52 g
• Sugar                        0 gm
• Fiber                          0 gm
• Carbohydrate           0 gram

One standard cup of green tea contains

• 30 mg of caffeine when compared to black tea ( 48 mg of caffeine)   & coffee (95 mg of caffeine).
• 30% of polyphenols by weight which is approximately 80% of EGCG.

 It also contains several minerals like

• Magnesium which regulates blood sugar.
• Potassium which keeps us hydrated.
• Sodium which supports the immune system.

Green tea contains a type of polyphenol called catechin abundantly popularly known as epigallocatechin -3-Gallate (EGCG). This catechin acts as an antioxidant which prevents cell damage.

Benefits of green tea

Green tea is good for you in various ways. The several benefits of green tea can be summarized as

Improve cognitive health

Green tea contains compounds like caffeine & amino acids like L-thinene. They help for better cognitive health by improving the function of the brain. This reduces the chances of Alzheimer’s disease & Parkinsons’ disease.

The L-theanine helps for a better mood. The result is mostly observed in middle-aged & old-aged persons.

Prevents the cell damage

Due to its catechin content which is an antioxidant, green tea prevents the effects of free radicals to minimize inflammation. This helps the body from cellular damage. This results in better skin health.

This is one of the most important benefits of green tea.

Helps in burning fats

Some studies found that green tea increases the metabolic rate & increases the burning of fat when associated with certain types of aerobic exercise.

This helps in maintaining a balanced  weight,

Lowers the risk of cancer

Several studies also suggest that drinking green tea lowers the chances of developing certain types of cancer like lung cancer & ovarian cancer.

Manages the blood sugar

Drinking green tea helps to reduce the fasting blood sugar in the short term. However, for persons with type 2 diabetes, it may not be that beneficial.

Antioxidants present in green tea reduce the insulin resistance which helps the body cells to convert sugar into energy.

Help to prevent heart disease

Recent studies have shown that drinking green tea regularly may lower the risk of heart disease. For better heart health green tea may be taken with consultation with your doctor.

The polyphenols help to lower the blood pressure.

Manage to lower the weight

Another health benefit of green tea is that it increases the metabolic rate & burning of fat due to its antioxidant presence.

Several studies suggest that green tea and weight loss are closely associated.

It also regulates the appetite which ultimately lowers the craving for food. All these factors lead to lower fat in the belly region.

Increases life expectancy & longevity

Due to its combined effects several benefits such as prevention against aging, reduced cell damage & decreased chances of cancer, it helps to lengthen life expectancy.

Reduces blood pressure

Green tea helps to protect the heart by lowering the blood pressure. Due to its high antioxidant content green tea prevents inflammation in the arteries & dilates the blood vessels thereby supporting smooth blood flow.

Support bone health

Green tea lowers the risk of osteoporosis. A high concentration of antioxidants in green tea helps to enhance bone formation & lowers the chances of osteoporosis.

 Types

Green tea is available in several forms like

• Single tea bags
• Loose leaf
• Green tree extracts or supplements

Side effects Of Green tea

Apart from all these health benefits  several side effects of green tea may be summarized as

• Insomnia
• Liver damage
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Headache
• May increase blood pressure when associated with certain drugs
• Feeling jittery

The best time to take green tea

Although no time is specified for its intake, green tea is good for you if you take it in the morning for an energy boost.

Caffeine is a stimulant that makes you awake. So try to avoid it before going to bed.

It increases the acid in our stomach. So it may develop an upset stomach when taken just after food.

Conclusion

Due to several health benefits of Green tea, it is used as a common beverage across the world. It may be summarized as improved cognitive health, better health, weight management, and lower blood sugar.

However, consumption to be regulated with other drugs that cause rapid heart movement