Cathal BarryGreen tea has been used as a natural medicine for centuries
Green tea has been used as a natural medicine for centuries originating in China. The reason, it is suggested, that green tea has more health benefits attributed to it than black tea is due to the processing. Black tea is processed in a way that allows for fermentation whereas green tea’s processing avoids this procedure. As a result, green tea retains maximum amount of antioxidants and the substances that give green tea its many benefits.
Here are the top 10 reasons you should drink it:
Weight loss
Green tea increases the metabolism. The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories.
Diabetes
Green tea apparently helps regulate glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes and resulting fat storage.
Heart disease
It is understood that green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping 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.
Cholesterol
Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s
It is said to delay the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Studies carried out on mice showed that green tea protected brain cells from dying and restored damaged brain cells.
Tooth decay
Studies suggests that the chemical antioxidant ‘catechin’ in tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections, dental caries and other dental conditions
Depression
Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing effect and be a great benefit to green tea drinkers.
Blood pressure
Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Anti-viral & anti-bacterial
Tea catechins are strong antibacterial and antiviral agents which make them effective for treating everything from the common cold to cancer. In some studies green tea has been shown to inhibit the spread of many diseases.
Skincare
Green tea can apparently also help with the signs of aging due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Both animal and human studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can reduce sun damage.
What about the harmful effects you may ask? To date, the only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine. Although green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, perhaps it’s best not to have a cuppa before bed!