Green tea benefits enshrine it as one of the best drinks to consume of a daily basis.
What Is Green Tea?
Green tea is a type of tea that is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. These leaves are minimally processed to prevent oxidation and retain high levels of their nutrients.
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Green Tea Benefits
The following 20 benefits of green tea explain why it is touted as the healthiest drink to consume. These benefits underscore the importance of green tea which is attributed to its content of the potent polyphenol known as EGCG (epigallocatechin 3 gallate).
Green Tea has anti-cancer properties
Green tea contains polyphenols which have anti-neoplastic (anti-cancer) properties. Studies suggest that it may lower the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, prostrate cancer and stomach cancer.
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Green Tea can prevent heart attacks and stroke
Studies reveal that green tea can lower bad (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels which reduces the risk of developing heart disease, heart attack and strokes.
Green Tea protects brain health
A study found that middle-aged and older adults who drunk green tea had a reduced risk of developing memory loss or concentration problems.
Green Tea has antiaging properties
Green tea is a potent anti aging drink because it is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols which fight the free radicals that contribute to the aging process. It also decreases the risk of developing heart disease, neurological decline, and certain cancers.
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Green Tea may prevent diabetes
Studies suggest that drinking green tea may prevent diabetes due to its high L-theanine content. Persons with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes may also benefit from drinking green tea since it improves blood sugar and the body’s sensitivity to insulin. To reap these benefits, green tea should be consumed without sweeteners.
Green Tea reduces the stress response
Studies have shown that green tea and black tea contain a compound known as L-Theanine which reduces the body’s psychological and physiological responses to stress.
Green Tea reduces anxiety
Green tea reduces anxiety due to its L-theanine content. It also improves mood and concentration.
Green Tea has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
Green tea contains polyphenols which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Green Tea is beneficial for weight loss
Green tea is beneficial for weight loss because it is a low calorie drink which boosts metabolism and increases the amount of fat burnt during exercise.
Green Tea has less caffeine than coffee
Green tea is great when reducing caffeine intake since it contains 30mg of caffeine per 240 ml cup which is 1/3 of the caffeine content of coffee and this can help one wean off caffeine gently. This lower caffeine content also enables it to give an energy boost without keeping a person up at night.
Green Tea has numerous benefits for the skin
Green tea benefits for the skin include the following:
Green Tea reduces oil production
Green tea reduces oil production when applied to the skin and taken internally. This is beneficial for persons with oily, acne prone skin.
Green Tea protects skin from UV damage
Green tea protects the skin from the damage caused by UV rays from the sun.
Green Tea has antiaging properties
Green tea is a potent anti aging drink because it is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols which fight the free radicals that contribute to premature aging of the skin.
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Green Tea has numerous benefits for the stomach
Green tea benefits for the stomach include the following:
Green Tea has anti-cancer properties
Studies show that it inhibits the formation of substances that lead to cancer. It also inhibits the growth of cancer cells and may prevent cancer of the stomach.
Green Tea acts like a probiotic
Green tea promotes healthy gut bacteria by increasing the good bacteria and inhibiting the harmful ones.
Green Tea reduces bloating
Green tea eases bloating.
It reduces inflammation since it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Green Tea is good for the liver
Green tea reduces accumulation of fats in the liver and improves liver health.
Green Tea reduces absorption of cholesterol
Studies show that green tea reduces the absorption of cholesterol and lipids in the gastrointestinal tract. This is especially beneficial for persons with heart disease.
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Green Tea is good for menopause
Green tea benefits for women extend into menopause because it contains phytoestrogens which act like estrogen in the body. This is beneficial for estrogen when the estrogen levels decline.
Green Tea may aid menopause brain fog
Green tea is also good drink for menopause brain fog because a study found that middle-aged and older adults who drunk green tea had a reduced risk of developing memory loss or concentration problems.
Green Tea may aid menopause belly fat loss
Green tea is also one of the best herbals teas for menopause belly fat loss because it contains EGCG which boosts metabolism and may aid in fat burning.
Green Tea strengthens bones
Green tea is also beneficial for bone health because a study found that drinking green offered protection from osteoporosis and fractures by improving bone density and reducing the amount of age-related bone loss.
Green tea is therefore good for menopause because it can help reduce menopause belly fat, brain fog and fractures.
Click on the link to learn about The Best Teas For Menopause
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How To Brew Green Tea
To prepare green tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried green tea leaves or 1 teabag or 1 tablespoon of fresh green tea leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 3 minutes while covered. Drink it once it cools.
Share with us in the comments section your favorite green tea benefits.
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FAQ
What are the benefits of green tea with lemon?
Adding lemon to green tea increases its vitamin C content which fights the free radicals that cause chronic diseases and premature aging. This vitamin C also boosts the anti-aging properties of the drink since it is also required by the body to make collagen which reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Adding lemon to green tea also increases its benefits in the stomach since it aids digestion.
Adding lemon to green tea also helps it prevent kidney stones formation due to its citrate content.
What are the benefits of drinking green tea at night?
The benefits of drinking green tea at night include reducing stress and improving sleep because of its L-theanine content which enhances relaxation. Taking green tea at night can also boost the metabolism while you sleep.
What are the side effects of green tea?
Green tea is a relatively safe drink but drinking more than 4 cups a day can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, headache, jitteriness and sleep disturbances. Green tea side effects for females include iron deficiency anemia since it can affect iron absorption and females tend to loose iron during their monthly periods.
