Green tea is one of the most popular and healthy beverages today. This is because green tea packs many useful properties that come in handy in promoting good health. More and more people are slowly switching to green tea with the primary aim of promoting good health. One of the reasons why green tea is the most preferred beverage today is because it packs plenty of phytonutrients and compound that promote good health. Outlined below are some of the health benefits (scientifically proven) of green tea you ought to know about.
1. It Promotes Digestive Health
Green tea is a handy home remedy for indigestion, bloating, IBS, and flatulence among other digestive issues. Rich in epigallocatechin-3-gallate, green tea helps fight inflammation as well as cases of indigestion. Simply drinking 3 to 5 cups of warm green tea every day goes a long way in improving your digestive health. Green tea is also known to reduce the risk of water retention within the gastrointestinal tract as well. You don’t necessarily have to be suffering from digestive issues to enjoy a warm or hot cup of green tea. You can enjoy a cup each day before or after work to help keep body cells well hydrated and healthy.
2. It Is Rich in Antioxidants and Other Detoxing Agents
In addition to having potent phytonutrient, green tea packs potent antioxidants that help expunge toxic compounds from body cells, and especially the liver. The rich diuretic properties help prevent liver cell damage by removing toxic compounds from its cells. According to research, drinking at least 5 cups of green tea every day lowers the risk of liver disease and related conditions. The potent antioxidants also act on toxins in other parts of the body to the cellular level, hence suitable for cleansing. Health experts also believe green tea helps prevent the development of visceral fats in and around the liver.
3. It Promotes Cardiovascular Health
The heart is one of the most important organs of the body. The blood circulatory system, however, faces lots of challenges and especially with people depending on fast foods, factory manufactured foods, and leading sedentary lifestyles that promote conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, thickened arteries. Green tea, however, contains polyphenols that help keep the cardiovascular system healthy by getting rid of bad cholesterol and promoting blood circulation. The antioxidants help keep the muscles of the heart, as well as arteries healthy by fighting inflammation and lowering triglyceride levels in the blood.
4. Facilitates Improved Brain Function
Green tea is the perfect replacement for coffee. Merely taking a warm cup of green tea in the morning helps keep you alert for the better part of the day. In addition to caffeine, green tea packs L-theanine, a compound that improves the efficiency of neurotransmitters (GABA) as well as the production of the hormone dopamine. Dopamine is the hormone responsible for good feeling and alertness. In addition to this, taking green tea helps lower anxiety and especially when in a stressful situation. Research also shows that taking green tea makes it easier for one to work on tough and brain-intensive tasks. It also gives your brain bursts of energy that helps keep you productive and active, which is unlike jitteriness experience from taking large volumes of coffee.
5. Improves Physical Performance
Most people looking to shed some weight or maintain the perfect beach body have green tea as part of their dietary regimen. This is because green tea is rich in compounds that promote increased respiration of body fats. The increased metabolic rates contribute to the respiration of body fats to produce energy. Although the effects vary from one individual to the other, taking a cup of coffee before indulging in physical activities or exercise does give you more energy thus improving your performance on the field. The improved physical performance is due to the increased energy production as these fats are respired.
6. It Promotes Weight Loss
As mentioned above, green tea is rich in properties that promote increased respiration of body fats. With many people struggling with obesity and weight, taking green tea can help you shed off a few of these body fats. Grabbing a cup of green tea after every few minutes triggers increased respiration throughout the day thus helping you to tone down. According to research, these compounds target fats around the abdominal area thus making it possible for one to shed off belly fat. Coupling this with physical exercise, eating well, and leading an active lifestyle can see you lose weight in the process. This is particularly recommended for anyone looking to have a beach body.
7. It Contains Anti-Aging Properties
Green tea is a powerhouse of antioxidants, polyphenols, phytonutrients, and amino acids. These make up the perfect combination for an anti-aging regimen. The potent antioxidants help get rid of toxins and other toxic compounds that cause cell degeneration and damage to skin cells. Polyphenols and amino acids work hand in hand in promoting increased production of collagen and other proteins that help prevent the development of wrinkles. The increased collagen production plays a huge role in preventing premature aging. Enjoying a cup of green tea every day will see you have a soft, smooth, and radiant skin for many more years.
8. It Promotes Oral Health
Unknown to many, green tea packs potent antimicrobial properties that come in handy in promoting dental and oral health. A cup of green tea is therefore recommended for fighting dental cavities and bad breath caused by bacterial infestation in the mouth. Bacterial infestation in the mouth is one of the leading causes of gingivitis among other oral and gum infections. Brushing and flossing aren’t enough to keep these bacteria at bay. Nonetheless, taking a cup of green tea does help keep these bacteria at bay. Health experts recommend taking green tea with natural sweeteners such as honey to make it more effective. This way, you get to enjoy fresh breath and overall dental health.
9. It Lowers the Risk of Certain Types of Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death today. One of the causes of cancer is when cells start dividing abnormally and uncontrollably. Doctors and researchers believe chemical imbalance and free radicals are the causes of this. When these radicals react with the cell membrane and the DNA making it hard for the body to break down or expunge these toxins. However, increasing your intake of antioxidants (from natural sources) lowers the risk of the development of cancerous cells. Green tea is one of the most abundant sources of antioxidants, hence a perfect home remedy for preventing cancer. According to research, drinking green tea regularly can help lower the risk of colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer among other types.
10. Fights Development of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition characterized by elevated levels of blood sugar commonly caused by the inability to produce enough insulin or insulin resistance. Insulin resistance may be as a result of reduced insulin sensitivity which makes it hard for the body to convert blood sugar into energy and fats. Green tea, however, packs properties that induce insulin sensitivity hence helping lower blood sugar levels. According to research, taking just one cup of green tea does help fight the effects of type 2 diabetes, and even lowers the risk of developing the same (for healthy individuals).
These are but a few of the many proven health benefits of green tea. You too can ditch the regular coffee for green tea to enjoy all these benefits. You can enjoy green tea mixed with healthy ingredients such as ginger, hibiscus, or honey for the best results, and taste.