Although green tea has been enjoyed in China for thousands of years, it’s only recently that green tea became a mainstream health drink. Enjoyed for its taste and stimulating effect, green tea has been hailed for its amazing health benefits that range from a stronger immune system to a longer, healthier life. And besides drinking it as an herbal drink, you can incorporate green tea into many recipes, including muffins, salads and stir-fries.

Science-based benefits of green tea

Green, black or oolong – all tea comes from the same tea plant. But green tea boasts an edge over other kinds of tea and popular health drinks because of these reported benefits:

1. It fights inflammation

Green tea is a great source of polyphenols, a group of micronutrients that naturally occur in plants. They act as antioxidants, protecting your cells from the damaging effects of inflammation caused by free radicals. Multiple studies have linked inflammation to various chronic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.

2. It supports heart health

Keep your ticker in good shape by drinking green tea. In addition to keeping inflammation at bay, antioxidants in green tea prevent the oxidation of “bad” cholesterol. Oxidized cholesterol can clog your arteries and severely raise your risk of developing heart disease.

In fact, one study even found that a compound in green tea called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) can break up and dissolve plaques in your blood vessels that put you at risk of a stroke or heart attack.

3. It improves cognitive functions

Green tea has short- and long-term benefits for your brain. In the short-term, green tea can elevate your mood, enhance your memory and boost your cognitive performance thanks to its caffeine and L-theanine combo.

In the long-term, green tea can protect your brain from inflammation and minimize your risk of brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

4. It helps control blood sugar levels

People with diabetes and those facing a heightened risk of the disease might do well to drink green tea. Studies have shown that green tea helps lower fasting blood sugar levels and values for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a test used to diagnose and monitor people with diabetes.

5. It aids in weight management

Some people have a harder time losing weight and keeping it off because their metabolism is slow. Fortunately, green tea can help boost your metabolism and stimulate your body to burn fat more effectively. And as if that’s not impressive enough, green tea can naturally suppress your appetite so that you’re less likely to snack. In the long run, you might just find it easier to keep those extra pounds off.

6. It fortifies immune health

Strengthen your immune system by drinking green tea. Green tea’s antioxidants keep disease-causing bacteria, viruses and fungi out of your system. You can even get rid of odor-causing bacteria by rinsing your mouth with green tea!

7. It can lower cancer risk

Cell damage is thought to trigger the abnormal growth or reproduction of cells, which can lead to cancer. Since its antioxidants protect cells from damage, green tea might be conferring protection from cancer as well.

8. It strengthens bones

Keeping your bones strong and avoiding fractures may only be a matter of drinking green tea. Multiple studies have shown that the antioxidants in green tea can prevent bone loss and lower fracture risk by protecting bone cells from damage and reducing inflammation.

9. It slows down skin aging

Exposure to environmental pollutants and too much sunlight can result in dull and damaged skin. Fortunately, drinking green tea may help remedy that. Antioxidants in green tea can boost your skin’s hydration and keep it moisturized for long periods. They may also help prevent collagen, an important component of your skin, from breaking down, effectively preventing wrinkle formation in the process.

10. It contributes to a longer, healthier life

Green tea may be the key to living a longer, healthier life. One Japanese study found that people who said they drank at least five cups of green tea each day were less likely to die over an 11-year period than their non-green tea-drinking peers. Experts believe the tea’s effect on longevity may have something to do with its antioxidants.

Green tea’s benefits go far beyond refreshment. Thanks to its many antioxidants, drinking green tea may boost your memory, strengthen your bones and keep heart disease at bay, among other health benefits.

Sources:

Health.com

ScienceDaily.com