Green tea has rightly been called the healthiest beverage in the world. The top 10 best health benefits of green tea have fittingly earned this reputation due to its countless health benefits.
Green tea comes from the camellia sinensis bush, which grows in abundance in China and India. The color of tea leaves depends on whether they are fermented or not.
Green tea comes from unoxidized leaves, while tea leaves become black after prolonged fermentation. Less processing is the primary reason why green tea is healthier in comparison to black tea.
Amazing health benefits of green tea
The anti-oxidant (flavonoid and catechin) content of green tea remains higher due to this reason, which makes it very beneficial for health.
Another reason why green tea is better than conventional black tea is that its caffeine content is comparatively lower, at 20 to 45 mg per cup in comparison to 50 mg for the same quantity of black tea.
Other benefits of this magical drink include the presence of minerals and vitamins such as potassium, zinc, magnesium, folic acid, and vitamins B1, B2, and B6. To top it all, unsweetened green tea is a zero-calorie drink.
10 Best Health Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea is an instant refresher and has a fantastic taste. Additionally, it has a large number of health benefits. Listed below are the 10 health benefits of green tea:
1. Good for Heart
Green tea works wonders for your heart. From lowering bad (LDL) and total cholesterol levels to lowering blood pressure, this drink does it all.
Research conducted by the American Medical Association in 2006 has shown that there has been a decrease in mortality rates on account of heart disease among daily drinkers of green tea.
Green tea further highlights its potential for promoting cardiovascular health.
2. Beneficial for Diabetics
Green tea is known to be beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes. Regular consumption of green tea has been shown to cause a mild decrease in blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for diabetics.
This means that green tea can potentially help the body better regulate blood sugar levels and manage diabetes more effectively.
Furthermore, studies have suggested that green tea may also contribute to reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the first place, making it a valuable addition to a diabetic-friendly diet.
In addition, green tea contains compounds called catechins, which have been found to improve insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
3. Weight Loss Benefits
Green tea is an amazing weight-loss drink. Besides being a zero-calorie drink, green tea can boost metabolism, which is a key factor for healthy weight loss.
It is also considered useful in the reduction of abdominal fat. At the same time, this healthy drink naturally raises your energy levels.
4. Protection from Certain Types of Cancer
Another proven benefit of green tea is that it protects against certain types of cancer, including those of the breast, prostate, ovaries, bladder, bowel, skin, and pancreas.
The presence of powerful antioxidants in green tea is instrumental in preventing oxidative damage to cells, which leads to this disease.
5. Good for the Brain
Green tea contains a small amount of caffeine, making it good for stimulating the nervous system. It has several benefits for your brain, including improved mood and memory.
It also has anti-anxiety action on account of an amino acid called L-theanine found in it. The active compounds found in this wonderful beverage also help combat degenerative conditions such as Parkinson's and dementia.
6. Stronger Immunity
Next among the health benefits of green tea is its immunity-boosting properties. It is loaded with potent antioxidants called catechins and flavonoids, which help prevent various infections.
Moreover, the polyphenols present in green tea have been found to enhance the production of immune cells, such as lymphocytes and natural killer cells.
Which play a crucial role in fighting off pathogens and strengthening the immune system. Additionally, green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine.
Which has been shown to enhance the body's defense mechanisms and promote the production of antibodies, further bolstering the immune system's response to infections.
7. Stronger Teeth
The catechins found in green tea have been known to prevent dental problems like plaque and dental caries.
Additionally, green tea is a natural anti-bacterial, which enables it to kill oral bacteria and reduce bad breath. It also contains fluoride, which makes teeth stronger and prevents tooth decay.
8. Anti-aging Benefits
Amazingly, a simple and easily available drink like green tea is a powerful natural remedy for premature aging.
It protects the body from the damage caused by free radicals, which is the pivotal cause of premature aging. It combats age-related problems like skin degeneration, memory loss, hair graying, and bone loss effectively.
9. Beneficial Against Arthritis
Green tea has also been considered beneficial for inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Studies have established that green tea is anti-inflammatory.
Which makes it useful for countering inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. The fluoride found in it also makes bones stronger and maintains bone density.
10. Healthy Skin
Being rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, green tea becomes a natural skin rejuvenator. It makes skin smooth, clear, and wrinkle-free, and it even combats skin cancer.
It can be consumed daily in addition to being used as a natural skin toner to be applied externally to the skin.
A Word of Caution
Although green tea is a mild and natural drink with hardly any side effects, it may show some symptoms like anxiety, nausea, insomnia, and an upset stomach in people who are sensitive to caffeine.
It should also be avoided by pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and people taking blood-thinning medicines.
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