Green tea comes from the plant with a biological name- Camellia sinensis. What makes them so special?
Green Tea consists of leaves that haven’t been fermented and processed, allowing them to retain high levels of antioxidants giving them medicinal properties. It is rich in polyphenols that help in reducing inflammation and helps to fight cancer. In composition, it is about 30 percent polyphenols by weight and predominantly large amount of a catechin called EGCG. Catechins are natural antioxidant this is one of the main reasons green tea has such powerful medicinal properties. EGCG helps to prevent cell damage and treats several diseases. It has been studied to treat various diseases and prevent many more. These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage. These free radicals play a vital role in aging and protection from all sorts of diseases. Other Important components of green tea are:
- quercetin
- methylxanthines (caffeine, theobromineandtheopylline),
- numerous amino acids and enzymes
- linoleic acid
- aginenin
- carbohydrates (cellulose, pectins, glucose, sucrose, and fructose)
- minerals like magnesium, calcium, chromium, manganese, iron, copper, and zinc in small traces
- traces of carotenoids
- esters, and aldehydes, lactones, and hydrocarbons
It offers various health benefits, some of the most important ones being better heart health, weight loss, and prevention of serious diseases like cancer and diabetes. Below are some of the major benefits of drinking green tea:
- Protects Your Heart
Many studies have been conducted which suggest that consumption of flavan-3-ols and anthocyanidin antioxidants, is beneficial for metabolic and cardiovascular health. These are present in abundance in it.
With regards to anticipating a large number of the hazard factors for coronary illness, for example, having hypertension or cholesterol levels, some evidence demonstrates that green tea contains 10 beta-blocking mixes, 16 diuretic mixes, and 7 calcium channel blockers. It also has more ACE-hindering properties than various other plant nourishments that are normally devoured, which helps increment the measure of blood your heart pumps and brings down circulatory strain.
- Fights Against Cancer
EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), along with other polyphenols found in green tea, fights free radicals and protects the cells from DNA damage which is caused by the reactive oxygen species. Green tea polyphenols also strengthen immune system function. As per another study, it cuts the risk of a range of cancers. These include lung cancer, skin cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, and pancreas cancer. The components of green tea prevent cancer cell proliferation and also accelerates recovery. Studies have also found that EGCG also kills cancer infected cells leaving the healthy ones, just making recovery easier.
- Improves the Brain function and also helps prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
Green tea is more than just a drink which keeps you awake. It contains caffeine, not as much as coffee but enough to make you feel agile. Caffeine is a known stimulant, it blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine which causes dizziness in the rain. This way, it actually increases the activities of neurons and the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. It leads to improvements in various aspects of brain function, including improved mood, memory, reflexes, and vigilance. Apart from caffeine green tea also has the amino acid L-theanine, which increases the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which helps against anxiety. Several studies show that the combination of caffeine and L-theanine can have magnificent effects in improving brain health. Green tea protects our brain from cognitive decline.
- Cuts the risk of Type II Diabetes
It can enforce the cells to utilize sugar better, enhancing diabetes manifestations. It additionally works awesome for diabetics since it upgrades the metabolic framework work. Furthermore, green tea contains polyphenols which direct glucose levels in the body, cutting diabetes chance. The starch we consume breaks down during digestion into basic sugars by amylase (a chemical) with the goal that it can be easily absorbed into the circulation system. It represses amylase movement – this diminishes the measure of sugar assimilated into the blood.
- Burns Fat and Induces Weight Loss
EGCG the antioxidants found in green tea accelerates the metabolism and modestly prevents weight gain. According to research studies conducted in the UK, researchers found that ingredients of green tea- catechins or an epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-caffeine mixture with some lifestyle changes helps in burning that extra fat and have positive effects on weight loss.
- Helps Protect Bone Health and Give Relief in Arthritis
EGCG, the antioxidant again does the magic here. It controls the production of molecules which causes inflammation and arthritis pain. It also has positive effects in improving the health of the bones and cartilage. According to the Arthritis Foundation, EGCG found in green tea is far more effective than vitamins C and E in its antioxidant properties which benefit from arthritis.
- Kills Bacteria That Cause Tooth Decay and Improve Dental Health
Studies show that people who drank green tea had better oral health than those who didn’t. It controls inflammation and inhibits the growth of certain bacteria that may lead to periodontal diseases, such as tooth decay. The polyphenols in green tea prevent tooth decay by fighting against the bacterial plaque by ceasing the activity of a compound oral bacteria called glucosyltransferase that feeds on sugar. It also contains fluoride which also helps in preventing tooth decay. Catechins in green tea also fight against the bacteria called Streptococcus mutans, It causes plaque formation and is a leading contributor to dental cavities and tooth decay. It can reduce bad breath and lower the risk of dental infections.
- Boosts Immunity and Promotes Longevity
Okinawa, in Japan, is, considered one of the world’s “Blue Zones” that are associated with highest life expectancy, drinking green tea daily is considered “essential.” A popular practice is to sip a tea made of the combination of steeped green tea leaves, jasmine flowers and a pinch of turmeric. Green tea because of the antioxidants is considered to be the ultimate “anti-aging beverage.”The antioxidants in green tea have an anti-inflammatory effect and can delay skin aging and wrinkles. For brightening of skin, a DIY green tea and honey face mask can be easily made at home. Moisten the green tea leaves and mix with honey, apply the pack on your face and let it rest for 20 minutes and rinse with water. The antioxidants present in both green tea and honey help reduce the aging effect while the antibacterial properties help cleanse the skin.
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