REMEMBER: These Are 8 MOST Important Benefits of Drinking Green Tea! Pay SPECIAL Attention to Benefit #7! These Tips Helped Over 19,000 Readers!
Green tea is one of the healthiest drinks on the planet. A warm, soothing cup of this antioxidant powerhouse can provide you with numerous health benefits.
It’s no wonder it has been such a prominent part of various Asian cultures. It was nearly 4,000 years ago when this hot beverage was first brewed in China. Today, it’s still revered for its medicinal and comforting properties.
Does green tea contain fiber?
Sadly, the answer to this question is no. Total fiber value in green tea is 0 grams. The only part of green tea that contains fiber are green tea leaves, but you wouldn’t eat them, right?
Thinking of adding it to your daily routine? Here are eight health benefits that will convince you to change your cup of morning coffee for green tea.
BENEFITS YOU WILL FIND IN THIS POST
- PROMOTES WEIGHT LOSS & BOOSTS YOUR METABOLISM
- PROMOTES BRAIN FUNCTION & DELAYS ALZHEIMER´S + PARKINSON´S DISEASES
- FIGHTS BAD CHOLESTEROL
- REDUCES TOOTH DECAY & INFECTIONS IN YOUR THROAT
- STRONG ANTI-VIRAL & ANTIBACTERIAL AGENT
- IMPROVES YOUR SKIN WITH ANTIOXIDANTS
- PREVENTS & DELAY GROWTH OF CANCER
- PROMOTES GOOD CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
PROMOTES WEIGHT LOSS & BOOSTS YOUR METABOLISM
(BENEFIT #1)
Green tea has long been touted as an excellent fat loss aid and metabolism booster. The chemical makeup of the tea leaves is what helps produce these effects, especially these two:
- Caffeine – While this drink contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee, it still has enough to assist with belly fat reduction. This substance, as you know, is a natural stimulant that boosts your metabolism, so you burn more body fat and have more energy.
- Catechins – While the effect of caffeine is impressive, it’s really the catechins (antioxidants) that give this drink its superpowers. The most important of these is Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) – a substance that really helps raise your metabolism.
You’ll need to either drink real green tea or take its high-quality extracts. Products that include just the flavor but do not actually contain any real stuff will not have the same effect.
RELATED RESEARCH STUDY:
“Catechins or an epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-caffeine mixture have a small positive effect on WL and WM.”
– Hursel, R., et al. (2009). “The effects of green tea on weight loss and weight maintenance: a meta-analysis”, in International Journal of Obesity. Vol. 33(9). Pp. 956-61.
PROMOTES BRAIN FUNCTION & DELAYS ALZHEIMER´S + PARKINSON´S DISEASES
(BENEFIT #2)
Did you know that this drink can actually make you smarter? Its caffeine content does more than just wake you up; it also helps improve your mood, memory, reaction time, and concentration.
In addition to this, Green tea also contains L-theanine, which results in an increase in Gamma-Amino Butyric acid (GABA) levels.
GABA is a neurotransmitter that has calming, anti-anxiety effects on human body. It also increases the production of alpha waves, dopamine, and boosts brain functions.
Except that, it is capable of fighting off diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Both of these are the most common neurodegenerative health problems, but green tea may be able to prevent the onset of these conditions. Studies have shown that the catechin compounds in this drink can have a positive effect on neurons, which may help lower the risk of these.
RELATED RESEARCH STUDY:
“The results of this study lend further credence to the notion that EGCG and other flavonoids, such as luteolin, are ‘multipotent therapeutic agents’ that not only reduce toxic levels of brain Aβ [Amyloid-β], but also hold the potential to protect neuronal mitochondrial function in AD [Alzheimer disease].”
– Dragicevic, N., et al. (2011). “Green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and other flavonoids reduce Alzheimer’s amyloid-induced mitochondrial dysfunction” in Journal of Alzheimer´s Disease, Vol. 26(3).
FIGHTS BAD CHOLESTEROL
(BENEFIT #3)
This hot drink can also help lower bad while increasing “good” (HDL) cholesterol. Researchers aren’t entirely sure why it does that, but one animal study suggests that the polyphenols inside this beverage may block this substance from being absorbed by your intestines and may even assist the body to get rid of it.
If this is the case, green tea would act as a sort of cholesterol blocker, preventing it from having an effect on your organism.
By fighting bad and increasing good one, you help improve your cardiovascular health as too much of it can clog your arteries, which can cause heart disease and other problems.
RELATED RESEARCH STUDY:
“In addition, green tea consumption improved multiple CHD [coronary heart disease] – related risk markers including total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, mean platelet volume, and uric acid. In conclusion, green tea consumption was associated with a reduced risk of CHD incidence in the middle-aged and older Chinese populations, and the association might be partly due to altered CHD-related biomarkers.”
– Tian, C., et al. (2016). “Green tea consumption is associated with reduced incident CHD and improved CHD-related biomarkers in the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort”, in Scientific Reports.
REDUCES TOOTH DECAY & INFECTIONS IN YOUR THROAT
(BENEFIT #4)
The catechins in this tea are also to thank for its ability to prevent tooth decay and infections of the throat. Some studies have shown that these substances can actually kill bacteria, and can even inhibit viruses.
This may minimize your risk of developing infections.
Streptococcus mutans is the harmful bacteria in the mouth responsible for cavities, tooth decay, and plaque formation. Studies show that this beverage can inhibit the growth of this bacteria.
Drinking this hot beverage help improve your dental health as a result while lowering your risk of caries. Oh, and it can even also reduce bad breath. Try swapping out your morning coffee for a big cup of hot GT, and your teeth will thank you for it.
FIRST RELATED RESEARCH STUDY:
“We also demonstrated that unidentified hexane-soluble fractions of green tea by-products possessed strong anti-influenza activity, in addition to ethyl acetate-soluble fractions, including catechins. This study revealed green tea by-product extracts to be a promising novel antiviral resource for animals.”
– Lee, H. J., et al. (2012). “Anti-influenza virus activity of green tea by-products in vitro and efficacy against influenza virus infection in chickens”, in Poultry Science, Vol. 91(1).
SECOND RELATED RESEARCH STUDY:
“The heat resistance of these bacterial spores was more rapidly decreased by the addition of tea polyphenols at high temperatures.”
– Sakanaka, S., et al. (2000). “Antimicrobial effects of green tea polyphenols on thermophilic spore-forming bacteria”, in Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Vol. 90(1).
THIRD RELATED RESEARCH STUDY:
“Extracts of black tea, green tea, pu-erh tea or coffee inhibited the growth of various bacteria known to cause diarrhoeal diseases. Tea or coffee also showed bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus.”
– Toda, M., et al. (1989). “The bactericidal activity of tea and coffee”, in Letters in Applied Microbiology, Vol. 8(4).
STRONG ANTI-VIRAL & ANTIBACTERIAL AGENT
(BENEFIT #5)
As mentioned previously, studies show that green tea’s catechins contain strong antibacterial and anti-viral properties. Not only can this compound help your body kill bacteria, but it can also inhibit viruses.
Green tea has also been shown to have an effect on various types of influenza, and may even act on the virus itself. In some cases, this drink is used to support your immune system against Hepatitis B, Herpes, HPV, or HIV.
There’s a reason why people reach for a comforting cup of hot tea when they’re sick.
The beneficial catechins in green tea help promote healing. The next time you’re feeling a little under the weather, brew yourself a big pot of this amazing drink.
FIRST RELATED RESEARCH STUDY:
“Besides well-known health benefits, green tea catechins exert antimicrobial and antiviral activities against a variety of infectious agents. Although the detailed mechanism of the antimicrobial activity of tea catechins remains to be explored, the broad-spectrum activity of catechins may involve common target(s), such as the cell membrane, in addition to specific targets for each pathogen.”
– Sonq, J. M., Seonq, B. L. (2007). “Tea catechins as a potential alternative anti-infectious agent”, in Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy, Vol. 5(3).
SECOND RELATED RESEARCH STUDY:
“The [catechin] derivatives exerted inhibitory effects for all six influenza subtypes tested including three major types of currently circulating human influenza viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B type), H2N2 and H9N2 avian influenza virus. The compounds strongly inhibited adsorption of the viruses on red blood cell (RBC).”
– Arora, R., et al. (2011). “Potential of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Preventive Management of Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Pandemic: Thwarting Potential Disasters in the Bud”, in Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine.
IMPROVES YOUR SKIN WITH ANTIOXIDANTS
(BENEFIT #6)
The antioxidant power of this hot beverage can make your skin look brighter and more youthful from the inside out. These substances fight free radicals, which damage cells and speed up the aging process.
Luckily, antioxidant substances included in green tea neutralize free radicals, slowing down the aging process and keeping your look healthy.
What is more, they can:
– Help prevent skin cancer
– Aid to protect it from sunburns
– Improve various ailments, such as rosacea and psoriasis by reducing inflammation
– Clear up acne
– Help to avoid overstimulation of hormones
The bottom line – this drink can beautify your skin from the inside out.
RELATED RESEARCH STUDY:
“Plant polyphenols are a promising approach to disease prevention and treatment. Green tea is an abundant source of plant polyphenols that exhibit significant antioxidant, chemopreventive, and immunomodulatory effects in protecting the skin.”
– OyetakinWhite, P., et al. (2012). “Protective Mechanisms of Green Tea Polyphenols in Skin”, in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity.
PREVENTS & DELAY GROWTH OF CANCER
(BENEFIT #7)
Once again, its antioxidant power shines with its ability to prevent cancer or delay its growth. Oxidative death can lead to the development of this disease, but above-mentioned substances can actually have a protective effect by neutralizing the free radicals that cause cell death.
Thus far, studies have shown that this beverage can help prevent breast cancer, colorectal sarcoma, and prostate cancer. Numerous research indicates that GT drinkers enjoy a lower risk of developing many other types of this disease as well.
FIRST RELATED RESEARCH STUDY:
“The results of this meta-analysis indicate a lower risk for breast cancer with green tea consumption. Available data suggest a possible late-stage, promotional effect of black tea on breast carcinogenesis.”
– Sun, C. L., et al. (2006). “Green tea, black tea and breast cancer risk: a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies”, in Carcinogenesis, Vol. 27(7).
SECOND RELATED RESEARCH STUDY:
“The multivariate relative risk was 0.52 (95% confidence interval: 0.28, 0.96) for men drinking 5 or more cups/day compared with less than 1 cup/day (p(trend) = 0.01). Green tea may be associated with a decreased risk of advanced prostate cancer.”
– Kurahashi, N., et al. (2007). “Green Tea Consumption and Prostate Cancer Risk in Japanese Men: A Prospective Study”, in American Journal of Epidemiology, Vol. 167(1).
PROMOTES GOOD CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
(BENEFIT #8)
Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death in the world. Drinking this beverage can keep your cardiovascular system in good shape and help with strokes.
Green tea promotes cardiovascular health by affecting two of the primary risk factors of these illnesses:
- Triglycerides
- LDL cholesterol
This tea increases the blood’s antioxidant abilities, which helps prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidation. In addition, it also contains several beneficial properties that boost your metabolism and make you lose weight.
By maintaining a healthier weight, you also improve your cardiovascular system and reduce your chance of developing heart disease or having a stroke. In particular, green tea is effective at reducing abdominal fat, which is a contributor to heart damage.
In some cultures, drinking up to 10 cups per day is the norm. Unlike other hot beverages, mainly coffee, the beneficial properties of this tea are only increased with each additional cup you drink.
RELATED RESEARCH STUDY:
“These data suggest that tea catechin may provide a unique approach to reduce atherosclerosis, although further studies will be necessary to clarify the precise mechanism of these effects, especially the role of metabolites of catechin and the target sites of these compounds.”
– Naito, Y., and Yoshikawa, T. (2009). “Green tea and heart health”, in Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology. Vol. 54(5). Pp. 385-90.
