Based on science, green tea has many health benefits that’ll play a significant role in improving your overall health and well-being.
Green tea is extracted from the Camellia Sinensis plant. The degree of fermentation is a key aspect that differentiates green tea from black tea and oolong tea.
Green tea is unfermented, black tea is fully fermented, and oolong tea is partially fermented.
According to research, green tea contains polyphenols termed catechins. This type of polyphenol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The main objective of catechins is to prevent cell damage. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate is the most abundant catechin in green tea. Below are the key benefits of drinking green tea.
1. Boosts Cognitive Function
The most common stimulant in green tea is caffeine. Caffeine will not only keep you alert but also improve your brain function. Green tea contains minimal amounts of caffeine; therefore, there’s no jittery effect, even if you consume too much of it.
Based on studies, caffeine improves your brain function by blocking adenosine. Scientifically, adenosine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Blocked adenosine plays a vital role in increasing the concentration of neurotransmitters and the firing of neurons.
The common neurotransmitters include norepinephrine and dopamine. According to science, caffeine can enhance various aspects associated with cognitive function. Some of these aspects include:
- Memory
- Mood
- Reaction time
- Vigilance
Amino acid L-theanine is another brain-boosting compound found in green tea. L-theanine plays a significant role in improving the production of alpha waves and dopamine in the brain.
In addition, it has anti-anxiety effects. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine has a synergetic effect.
2. Lowers the Risk of Some Cancers
As previously mentioned, green tea contains antioxidants. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death. Uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells is the common causes of cancer.
Antioxidants in green tea prevent oxidative damage, thus lowering the risk of chronic inflammation. Regular consumption of green tea will reduce your odds of developing cancers, such as:
- Prostate cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
There is more ongoing research to confirm the ability of green tea to reduce the risk of cancer.
3. Increases Fat Burning
Scientifically, green tea plays a significant role in boosting metabolism and increasing fat-burning.
Burning excess fats and calories in the body aids weight loss. Most individuals are struggling with obesity and weight gain.
Green tea helps burn fat.
Therefore, drinking moderate amounts of green tea can help you attain your fitness goals. Caffeine in green tea can improve your overall physical performance.
You can achieve this through mobilizing fatty acids and converting excess fat into energy. Statistically, caffeine can improve your physical performance by eleven percent.
4. Lower the Risk of Type-2 Diabetes
Inactive lifestyle and obesity are two common causes of type-2 diabetes. Currently, most individuals have type-2 diabetes. Diabetic patients have elevated blood sugar levels.
High blood sugars can be caused by the inability to produce insulin or insulin resistance. Some of the common risk factors of type-2 diabetes include the following:
- Age
- Family history
- Prediabetes
- Blood lipid levels
- Weight gain
- Race and ethnicity
- Pregnancy-related risks
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Potential complications of type-2 diabetes include dementia, sleep apnea, nerve damage, hearing impairment, skin conditions, kidney disease, and heart problems.
Based on science, green tea can stabilize your blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. According to statistics, regular consumption of green tea reduces the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by forty-two percent.
5. Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure, arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, heart attack, and cardiomyopathy, are among the leading causes of death.
Green tea reduces the risk of heart problems by improving cholesterol levels in the body. LDL cholesterol increases your odds of developing heart problems.
Antioxidants present in green tea protect the LDL particles from oxidation. Consuming green tea and working out regularly will increase insulin sensitivity and improve your heart health.
6. Reduce the Risk of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition. It affects fine motor control and movement. Loss of substantia nigra is the leading cause of Parkinson’s disease.
Scientifically, substantia nigra are nerve cells found in the brain. Green tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols that prevent cell injury.
Neurotoxins are the leading cause of cell injury. Parkinson’s disease has no cure; therefore, it’s advisable to reduce its risk.
7. Reduces Bad Breath
Bad breath can be caused by several factors: tobacco products, medications, poor dental health, infections in the mouth, dry mouth, and food.
Catechins in green tea are essential for improving overall oral health. Catechins reduce bad breath by suppressing the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
This is crucial because it lowers the risk of developing mouth infections that can cause bad breath. The most common bacterium in the mouth is termed streptococcus mutans.
This type of bacteria leads to plaque formation, thus increasing your risk of developing oral health issues, such as tooth decay and cavities.
8. Improve the Quality of Life
Green tea contains compounds that protect you from chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Improving the quality of life will help you live longer.
This is because chronic health issues cause health deterioration, thus lowering your quality of life. In addition, improving your health plays a vital role in enhancing your productivity in your field of specialization.
9. Keeps Bones Strong
Loss of bone strength is a common health condition, especially for postmenopausal women. Loss of bone strength is linked to osteoporosis. There are three distinct causes of osteoporosis:
- Inactive lifestyle
- Estrogen deficiencies in women
- Calcium deficiencies.
Polyphenols in green tea are essential in increasing bone mass, thus protecting your bone tissues from damage.
10. Balance the Ratio of Bad and Good Cholesterol
According to research, not all cholesterols are bad for your heart health. For instance, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) protects you from cardiovascular diseases.
On the other hand, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) increases your risk of developing heart problems.
Polynutrients in green tea play a significant role in balancing the ratio of good and bad cholesterol ratio. This is essential because it reduces the risks of cardiovascular issues.
Above-listed are the key green tea benefits. Other benefits of drinking green tea are aid weight management, preventing Alzheimer’s disease, boosting the immune system, etc.
