Table of Contents Show
Green tea has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries, and recent scientific research has revealed that it can positively impact health. The benefits are wide-ranging, from lowering blood pressure to boosting calorie burn.
Lowers blood pressure
Because of its diuretic properties, green tea may help reduce blood pressure by eliminating excess fluid from the body. Furthermore, green tea does not increase heart rate or create jitters, unlike other caffeinated drinks, since it does not contain caffeine.
It may inhibit cancer cell growth.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of green tea are well established. Free radicals are dangerous chemicals that may cause cell damage and even cancer, and antioxidants help protect the body from them.
Catechins, a kind of polyphenol found in green tea, have been demonstrated to have anti-cancer capabilities in lab experiments. There is a powerful antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea. This unique polyphenol can potentially thwart the development of tumors by inhibiting enzymes necessary for cell proliferation.
It helps lower the risk of diabetes.
Green tea is a natural source of catechins, which can help lower blood sugar levels. One study found that those who drank the most green tea had a 30 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance and inflammation are two factors that contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome (a cluster of signs and symptoms that includes obesity, hypertension, and cholesterol issues.
), and the polyphenols in green tea can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels by facilitating glucose absorption from food without excessively increasing insulin production.
Green tea may also help with weight loss because it’s high in antioxidants like catechins that have been shown to decrease fat storage while increasing fat-burning potential within cells!
Helps fight infection
Antioxidants included in green tea aid in warding off illness. Protecting against cancer, heart disease, and diseases also benefits your immune system. The catechins included in green tea have been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
It may boost calorie burn and fat oxidation.
Green tea increases metabolism, helping you burn more calories and fat. Over 12 weeks, those who drank green tea dropped an average of two pounds, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition.
Green tea contains catechins, an antioxidant that may help mobilize fat stores for burning. It also increases levels of norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter responsible for increasing heart rate), which can keep you energized throughout the day.*
- Adapted from: “Green Tea.” Nutrition Diva’s Cookbook by Heather K Jones MS RD CSSD LDN; UPDATED MAY 2018
Improves heart health
Green tea has been linked to reduced blood pressure, better heart health, and a decreased risk of stroke. Antioxidants abound, and there’s some evidence that they may help with cholesterol, too.
Green tea helps prevent heart disease by:
- After three months of regular usage, LDL (bad) cholesterol is reduced by 10% to 25%.
- Decreases the risk of developing coronary artery disease by up to 50%.
Green tea can be good for you.
Green tea contains healthy compounds called polyphenols and antioxidants. There is evidence that drinking green tea helps prevent cancer and decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Green tea has been proven to promote health and well-being in numerous ways. Keep in mind that there is a big difference between teas. Green tea is most beneficial when it is organic and unsweetened.
