Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea has become a very popular beverage, especially for health-conscious individuals. This tea is made from the Camellia sinensis leaves and originated in China. The Chinese and Indians use this tea as a form of medicine to heal wounds, regulate body temperature, help with digestion, and improve heart health. The key to this tea is that it contains catechins which are antioxidants that fight and prevent cell damage. Catechins help kill bacteria and help ward off viruses, and green tea is packed with them in their natural state.

There are a number of benefits to green tea. It has been shown to improve blood flow and lower cholesterol. Because of this, green tea helps improve heart health by lowering high blood pressure and reducing the risk for heart failure. Green tea has also been shown to improve memory; brain health is improved with healthy blood vessels. This tea also helps lower blood sugar, which is great news for diabetics, and keeping blood sugar stable is necessary for everyone (not just diabetics). Green tea also contains caffeine, which is a natural stimulant; however, it is a much milder dose than in a cup of coffee. 

Research is mixed on the link between weight loss and green tea. This drink does contain EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate is a type of polyphenol) which has been successful in helping people lose a few pounds. Green tea is composed of approximately 30% polyphenols, which help protect cells form damage. Some fat burner products contain green tea, claiming that it helps boost metabolism.

Compared to other beverages, green tea is a great choice. Swapping out soda or sports drinks for green tea will save calories and sugar; this could translate to weight loss, feeling better and better overall health - any time you remove sugar from your diet you win. The key is to have this tea unsweetened, so watch out for hidden sugars and additives. Green tea on its own is the best version. It can be tasty hot or cold.

Because green tea helps with cellular health, there are those who believe it may reduce the risk of cancers; however research isn’t strong in this area yet. Green tea can have different effects for different people. For some, it can be an energizer and for others, ironically, it can be a relaxer. Green tea can be a great addition to your morning routine or mid-day break. It is inexpensive, easy to make, and good for your health. No wonder it is so popular and such a buzz "word" in the health world.

Sources: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4055352/

https://nccih.nih.gov/health/greentea

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228355417_Green_tea_Health_benefits