01 Oct Benefits of Green Tea
Benefits of Green Tea
I love starting my mornings with a cup of green tea! 
Not only is green tea one of the healthiest beverages on the planet, there are so many other benefits too! It is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on the body! Um…Score! This includes improved brain function, lower risks of cancer, heart disease and many other incredible benefits.
Green tea’s biggest benefit – Antioxidants – that fight and may even prevent cell damage. Fun fact: Did you know green tea has 10 times the amount of antioxidants found in fruits and veggies?
It’s also good to know that Green tea does contain caffeine, a stimulant. It doesn’t contain as much as coffee, but enough to produce a response without causing the “jittery” effects associated with too much caffeine.
I recently learned that Green tea, black tea, oolong tea — all come from the same tea plant. But here’s the cool thing: Green tea is not processed as much before it’s poured in your cup, so it’s rich in beneficial antioxidants.
Did you know: If you sub 1-2 cups of green tea for one daily can of soda, over the next year you’d save over 50,000 calories!
Here are 10 health benefits of Green tea:
1. Contains Bioactive Compounds That Can Improve Health
Now what does that mean exactly? Green tea is LOADED with powerful antioxidants. These wonder nutrients help detoxify the body, and are known to play a role in aging and many diseases. Green tea contains the powerful compound EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate ), which has been studied to treat various diseases and may be one of the main reasons green tea has such powerful medicinal properties.
2. Compounds in Green Tea Can Improve Brain Function and Make You Smarter
A key active ingredient is caffeine, which is a known stimulant. However… Green tea contains more than just caffeine. It also has the amino acid L-theanine which has anti-anxiety effects. It also increases dopamine and the production of alpha waves in the brain, promoting relaxation and creativity.
3. Increases Fat Burning and Improves Physical Performance
If you look at the ingredients list for any fat burning supplement, chances are that green tea will be on there. Caffeine itself has also been shown to improve physical performance by mobilizing fatty acids from the fat tissues and making them available for use as energy.
4. Antioxidants in Green Tea May Lower Your Risk of Various Types of Cancer
It is well known that oxidative damage contributes to the development of cancer and that antioxidants can have a protective effect. Multiple studies show that green tea drinkers are significantly less likely to get various types of cancer including: breast, prostate and colorectal cancers.
5. Green Tea May Protect Your Brain in Old Age, Lowering Your Risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Bioactive compounds in Green tea have also been shown to help block the formation of plaques that are linked to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, the two most common neurodegenerative disorders.
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Another awesome benefit of green tea… multiple studies show that it can reduce bad breath.
6. Green Tea Can Kill Bacteria, Which Improves Dental Health and Lowers Your Risk of Infection
Studies show that the catechins in green tea can inhibit the growth of streptococcus mutans, a harmful bacteria in the mouth that causes plaque formation, which is a leading contributor to cavities and tooth decay.
7. Green Tea May Lower Your Risk of Type II Diabetes
Studies show that green tea can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. It may also lower the risk of developing type II diabetes in the long term.
8. Green Tea May Reduce Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are the biggest causes of death in the world. Studies show that green tea can reduce some of the main risk factors for these diseases including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
9. Green Tea Can Help You Lose Weight and Lower Your Risk of Becoming Obese
Green tea can boost the metabolic rate and could help you lose weight. Sorry, no drink or food melts the pounds off. BUT green tea IS a smart swap for sugary drinks. If you sub 1-2 cups of green tea for one daily can of soda, over the next year you’d save over 50,000 calories. That’s more than 15 pounds! (Remember to watch for hidden calories in honey or sugar!)
10. Green Tea May Decrease Your Risk of Dying and Help You Live Longer
Multiple studies have confirmed a link between green tea consumption and longevity. Of course, no one food will protect you from disease. Your health is wrapped up in your lifestyle and your genes, so even if you drink green tea all day long, you also need to take care of yourself in other ways, like not smoking, being active, and eating a healthy diet.
SO there you have it. In order to feel better, lose weight and lower your risk of chronic diseases, you might want to consider making Green tea a regular part of your life !
“Be Happy… Be Healthy… Be Fit!”
– Natalie Jill
