Bhubaneswar: Green tea, currently, is the healthiest beverage in today’s stressful life. It is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on the body.
In this article, we will be discussing the ten proven health benefits of drinking green tea.
Cancer Prevention
According to the National Cancer Institute, the polyphenols in green tea have been shown to decrease tumour growth in laboratory and animal studies and may protect against damage caused by ultraviolet UVB radiation. Cancers such as breast, bladder, ovarian, lung, prostate, skin, stomach, etc have been known to kill cancerous cells.
Weight Loss
Green tea likely increases metabolism. The polyphenol found in the tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories. Hence it helps the process of weight loss
Regulate Diabetes
Green tea apparently helps regulate glucose levels. It then slows the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes and prevent fat storage.
Prevents Tooth Decay
Several studies suggest that the chemical antioxidant “catechin” in tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections, dental caries and other dental conditions.
Scientists think green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping keep them stay relaxed and better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. It may also protect against the formation of clots, which are the primary cause of heart attacks.
Delays Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Studies carried out on mice showed that green tea protected brain cells from dying and restored damaged brain cells. The tea hence delays the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Delays Ageing
Green tea can apparently also help with wrinkles and the signs of ageing. This is because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Both animal and human studies have demonstrated that the tea even applied topically can reduce sun damage.
Improve Brain Function
Green tea has amino acid L-theanine, which is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. The amino acid 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.
Lowers Infection Risk
Some studies show that the catechins in the tea can kill bacteria and inhibit viruses like the influenza virus, potentially lowering your risk of infections. Multiple studies also show that green tea can reduce bad breath.
Helps Relieve Arthritis
According to the Arthritis Foundation, EGCG in green tea is over 100 times more effective than vitamins C and E when it comes to offering antioxidant benefits during arthritis. It also helps to reduce inflammatory conditions in rheumatoid arthritis without interfering with other cellular functions.
These are some of the many benefits but the reality is one cup of tea a day will not give you all the abundant gains. As little as two and at max four are known to do wonders.
Prasanta Patnaik