Green tea is a type of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis leaves and buds that have not undergone the same withering and oxidation process used to make oolong teas and black teas.
As a matter of fact, it originated from China, but its production and manufacture has spread to many other countries in Asia.
Thinking about drinking green tea? Start now and achieve the advantages you can gain from it!
Personally, I have been drinking green tea for more than 5 years now and I learned about it when I start working in United Arab Emirates. My friends and colleagues love drinking it and I acquired it from them.
At first, it tastes bitter and I dislike it. However, knowing the benefits I can get from it, I was determined and pushed myself into making it a regular habit.
Read on to know the benefits of drinking green tea which we have researched and compiled for you…
1. Green tea can help you lose weight and lower your risk of obesity.
If you’re a person who loves to drink soda, juice, energy-drink, or sweetened coffee, and you switch to drinking unsweetened green tea, you could see some results in the long run.
It’s because the number one source of added sugar and added calories in the American diet is from sugar-sweetened beverages, so opting for a calorie-free alternative is always best.
However, some studies on green tea don’t show any increase in metabolism, so the effects may depend on the individual.
2. Green tea helps improve skin condition.
Apparently, green tea can help with wrinkles and the signs of aging because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Both animal and human studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can reduce sun damage.
3. Green tea improves health and reduces risk of cancers.
Current researches concluded that antioxidant-compounds found in green tea have certainly been touted with cancer-fighting properties. A pair of studies conducted in 2002 discovered that polyphenols found in green tea may suppress certain tumor cells across the body.
More recently, a 2018 review of published research over the last decade found that those who regularly consumed green tea marginally lowered their risk of developing breast cancer and other diseases.
- Breast cancer: A meta-analysis of observational studies found that women who drank the most green tea had a 20-30% lower risk of developing breast cancer, the most common cancer in women.
- Prostate cancer: One study found that men drinking green tea had a 48% lower risk of developing prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer in men.
- Colorectal cancer: An analysis of 29 studies showed that those drinking green tea were up to 42% less likely to develop colorectal cancer.
In addition, EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) is one of the most powerful compounds in green tea. It has been studied to treat various diseases and may be one of the main reasons green tea has such powerful medicinal properties
4. Green tea may reduce risk of heart disease.
In population studies, people who frequently drink unsweetened green tea are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease later in life; this 2013 review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition tied the benefit to tea’s flavonoids. That said, many of these population studies are specific to region and genetics.
In addition, studies show that green tea can improve some of the main risk factors for these diseases. This includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
5. Green tea helps lower blood sugar and decreases chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
Drinking unsweetened versions of green tea is certainly blood sugar-lowering. However nowadays, green tea is now becoming an ingredient used for formulating some other products such as sugary juices, “tonics” and “elixirs”, frozen yogurt, pasta sauce, and dressings, which can be loaded with sugar. So, make sure to check the “nutrients facts” label on every packaged products you purchase to ensure you’re not accidentally guzzling tons of added sugars every day.
Furthermore, Type 2 diabetes is a disease that has reached epidemic proportions in the past few decades. Having this kind of disease involves elevated blood sugar levels in the context of insulin resistance or an inability to produce insulin.
Studies show that green tea can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels.
Also, a study with Japanese individuals found that those who drank the most green tea had a 42% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
According to a review of 7 studies with a total of 286,701 individuals, green tea drinkers had an 18% lower risk of becoming diabetic.
6. Green tea improves brain functions.
Green tea does more than just keep you awake, it can also make you smarter. The key active ingredient is caffeine, which is a known stimulant.
It doesn’t contain as much as caffeine in coffee, but enough to produce a response without causing the “jittery” effects associated with too much caffeine.
In addition, it has the amino acid L-theanine, which is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. L-theanine increases the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which has anti-anxiety effects. It also increases dopamine and the production of alpha waves in the brain.
Studies show that caffeine and L-theanine can have synergistic effects. The combination of the two is particularly potent at improving brain function
Most noteworthy,
The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest caffeinating at around 300-400mg per day from coffee and tea to reduce risk of cognitive decline, boost memory, and improve energy.
7. Green tea may keep you calm.
Green tea is a source of the amino acid L-theanine, a compound that’s linked to alertness and mood-enhancement. Research has also linked l-theanine consumption to reduced anxiety and improved focus.
This is highly based on personal tolerance, meaning, if you know thaty you’re easily ruffled by caffeine, you may want to avoid drinking the caffeinated varieties of tea and coffee in the afternoon through bedtime. Otherwise, you might have a hard time having a full deep sleep.
8. Green tea kills bacteria which improves dental health and lowers risk for infection.
The catechins in green tea also have biological effects. Some studies show that they can kill bacteria and inhibit viruses like the influenza virus, potentially lowering your risk of infections.
Streptococcus mutans is the primary harmful bacteria in the mouth which causes plaque formation, cavities and tooth decay.
Studies show that the catechins in green tea can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans. Green tea consumption is associated with improved dental health and a lower risk of dental caries.
Similarly, multiple studies also show that green tea can reduce bad breath.
9. Green tea may help you live longer.
We all have to die eventually, that’s for sure and that is inevitable.
However, given that green tea drinkers are at a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, it makes sense that it could help you expand your life span.
In a study of 40,530 Japanese adults, those who drank the most green tea (5 or more cups per day) were significantly less likely to die during an 11 year period:
- Death of all causes: 23% lower in women, 12% lower in men.
- Death from heart disease: 31% lower in women, 22% lower in men.
- Death from stroke: 42% lower in women, 35% lower in men.
Another study in 14,001 elderly Japanese individuals aged found that those who drank the most green tea were 76% less likely to die during the 6 year study period.
10. Anything Else?
In order to feel better, lose weight and lower your risk of chronic diseases. Likewise, you might want to consider making green tea as one of your regular habits.
If you’d like to try it, there’s a wide variety of products available on Amazon. You may choose according to your own perference as green teas have different flavors too such as Mint, Lemon or Jasmine.
Note the contraindications!!!
There is caffeine in green tea. If you are sensitive to caffeine, then one cup a day should be your limit.
Moreover, Green tea also contains tannins which decreases the absorption of iron and folic acid. Therefore, if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, then green tea may not be ideal for you.
I have read the amazing benefits of green tea, and there is a lot at that. These are some amazing reasons to pick up the habit of drinking green tea. I personally love tea, but typically I drink herbal blends. I am sensitive to caffeine so I have avoided it for years. It triggers bad panic attacks unfortunately, however my anxiety has gotten a lot better over these last few years. I think I’d like to give it a try again, and just limit myself to a small cup. Great post!
That is so nice to hear, thank you very much for sharing your experience. Herbal teas are great too, would really give it a try soon. Good luck to your road to optimal health and wellness!
I can never get sick of green tea! I love mixing green tea with peppermint. 🙂
It really does tastes good! Honey is a good additive too.
When I do drink tea, I tend to drink Green Tea. I knew it had some health benefits, but not this much to be honest. Thank you for the helpful information ♥️
Wow, that sounds great! Green tea must be giving you a lot of benefits already without you knowing. Hope this article helped you be more aware about its health benefits. Thanks for sharing your experience too!
Great article with lots of really good information!
Thank you! Hope it helps.
I love Green Tea! I started drinking it to lose weight and at first I really didn’t like it. But now I’m obsessed! It really calms me down and helps me relax!
That’s true! At first, it tastes really bitter but once you get used to it, it’s totally worth it due to its numerous health benefits.