Eight health benefits of having green tea

Green tea has increasingly become a very popular drink worldwide because of its immensely powerful health benefits. It is amazing what green tea can do for your health. And if you’re not drinking three to four cups of green tea today, you’re definitely not doing your health a big favour. Here is a list of green tea benefits according to Authority Approach:

1  Loaded with antioxidants



Many of the bioactive compounds in the tea leaves do make it into the final drink. It is loaded with polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins, which function as powerful antioxidants.

These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage.

2  Can improve brain function



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. Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, but enough to produce an effect. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which can work in tandem with caffeine to improve brain function.

3  Increases fat burn



If you look at the ingredients list for any fat burning supplement, chances are that green tea will be on there. Green tea has been shown to boost metabolic rates and increase fat burning in the short term, although not all studies agree.

4 May reduce risk of cancer



Cancer is caused by uncontrolled growth of cells. It is one of the world’s leading causes of death.

It is well known that oxidative damage contributes to the development of cancer and that antioxidants can have a protective effect. Green tea is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants, so it makes perfect sense that it could reduce your risk of cancer.

5  May protect your brain in old age



Not only can green tea improve brain function in the short term, it may also protect your brain in old age.The bioactive compounds in green tea can have various protective effects on neurons and may reduce the risk of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, the two most common neurodegenerative disorders.

6  Kills bacteria



The catechins in green tea have other biological effects as well. Some studies show that they can kill bacteria and inhibit viruses like the influenza virus, potentially lowering your risk of infections. This can lead to improvements in dental health, a lower risk of cavities and reduced bad breath.

7 May lower your risk of Type II Diabetes



Type II diabetes is a disease that has become an epidemic in the past few decades and now afflicts about 300 million people worldwide. Studies show that green tea can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels.

8  May reduce your risk of heart disease



Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are the biggest causes of death in the world. Studies show that green tea can improve some of the main risk factors for these diseases. Green tea lowers total and LDL cholesterol, as well as protects the LDL particles from oxidation. Studies show that green tea drinkers have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

WARNING:

Too much of anything is not good. Similarly, green tea has side-effects if it is not consumed in moderation. Having three to four cups a day is just about right. Any more could cause an upset stomach, anemia or sleepless nights due to too much caffeine. If you are taking prescription drugs, you should check to make sure that green tea doesn’t affect your dosage. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 4^th, 2014.

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