Health Benefits of Drinking Green Tea Daily
Do you prefer tea over coffee? If yes, you should opt for green tea for all its amazing health benefits. It is estimated that approximately 3 billion cups of tea are consumed each day.
There are four main kinds of tea: oolong, white, black, and green tea. All these types of teas offer certain health benefits, green tea is often the tea of choice for the health-conscious crowd.
Everyone knows that green tea is good for you, right? This bittersweet liquid can do a lot for you. The therapeutic properties of green tea have been known for thousands of years, and modern science has confirmed these health benefits.
Here are the main health benefits of green tea.
Green Tea and Inflammation
Chronic inflammation has been linked to numerous health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. The powerful antioxidants in green tea, especially EGCG, have potent anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation throughout the body, potentially lowering the risk of developing chronic diseases.
Some experts believe that inflammation is the root cause of all chronic diseases, from cognitive decline to cardiovascular disease. The antioxidant properties in green tea can help relieve inflammation.
Green tea has benefits for those who have inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, or any inflammation-driven diseases.
Green Tea and Heart Disease
A study from Japan in which 40,000 adults participated found that those who drink green tea regularly have a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases. Greater benefits could be seen for those who had three to four cups a day compared to those who had one cup a day or no cups of green tea.
Green Tea and Diabetes
Researchers show that green tea can improve our sensitivity to insulin, protecting pancreatic cells from any further damage while decreasing inflammation and benefiting those who are at risk of getting diabetes. High carb diets, such as white rice have been linked to diabetes. Studies suggest that women who ate a high carb diet and drank several cups of green tea a day had a lower risk of diabetes than those who did not drink green tea daily.
Green Tea and Metabolism
Scientists proved that green tea could enhance fat burning, reduce body weight, and increase metabolism. Two to six cups of green tea a day can provide you with all these amazing benefits.
Green Tea and Cancer
The antioxidants in green tea can reduce metastasis and improve outcomes for cancer of the lungs, skin, breasts, colon, and others. A study from Japan found that women who drank 10 or more cups of green tea a day had a delayed onset of cancer of up to 7 years.
Green Tea is Rich in Antioxidants
Green tea is packed with polyphenol antioxidants, including a catechin called EGCG. These antioxidants aid in defending the body’s cells against damage from free radicals, unstable molecules that can cause chronic illnesses like cancer and heart disease. Regular consumption of green tea can help maintain a healthy balance of free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting overall health.
Green Tea is Good for Brain Health
The bioactive compounds in green tea can have various protective effects on the brain. They may help improve brain function, increase mental alertness, and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The caffeine and L-theanine in green tea also work together to boost brain function and improve mood, making it an excellent choice for maintaining and improving our cognitive capabilities, especially mental clarity, and alertness in healthy adults.
Green Tea is Good for Weight Loss
Green tea has been linked to increased fat burning and weight loss. The substances in green tea can help to increase the body’s metabolic rate, even when you’re at rest. Additionally, the catechins in green tea have been shown to reduce body weight and body fat by increasing fat oxidation and energy expenditure. Drinking green tea regularly can be a useful addition to a healthy diet and exercise routine for managing weight.
Green Tea Protects Against Cardiovascular Disease
Green tea’s antioxidants, particularly EGCG, have been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Drinking green tea may help reduce blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol, and improve overall heart health. Some studies have also suggested that green tea consumption may help prevent the development of atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries, leading to heart disease.
Green Tea Supports Oral Health
Green tea contains catechins that have antibacterial properties, which can help kill bacteria in the mouth and prevent cavities and tooth decay. Regular consumption of green tea may also help reduce bad breath and improve overall oral hygiene. Drinking green tea without added sugar or sweeteners can be a great alternative to sugary drinks, which contribute to tooth decay and other dental issues. Green tea can decrease bacterial infection in the mouth, which can reduce the risk of cavities, periodontal disease, and even the possibility of oral cancer, as mentioned above.
Green Tea Boosts the Immune System
The antioxidants and other bioactive compounds in green tea can help support a healthy immune system. Regular consumption of green tea may help strengthen the body’s defense against illnesses and infections by enhancing the function of immune cells. A robust immune system is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.
Green Tea Enhances Exercise Performance
Green tea’s combination of EGCG and caffeine can help improve exercise performance and fat-burning during physical activity. Some research suggests that green tea can increase endurance, allowing individuals to exercise for longer periods without feeling fatigued. This can lead to better workout results and improved overall fitness.
Green Tea Supports Liver Health
The antioxidants in green tea can help protect the liver from damage and reduce inflammation. Regular consumption of green tea has been linked to a lower risk of developing liver disease, including fatty liver disease and liver cancer. By promoting liver health, green tea may contribute to the body’s overall detoxification processes and maintain optimal function.
Green Tea is Good for Healthy Skin
Green tea’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may also benefit skin health. The catechins in green tea can help protect the skin against damage from UV radiation, reduce redness and irritation, and improve overall skin complexion. Some research suggests that applying green tea extracts topically or consuming green tea orally may help prevent signs of aging and support healthy, glowing skin.
Is There Any Reason Not to Drink Green Tea?
There are tons of reasons why we should drink more green tea. Are there any reasons why we should avoid drinking green tea? Those who are sensitive to or even allergic to green tea may need to limit or completely avoid drinking it. Also, the tannins and caffeine in green tea can reduce iron absorption, especially plant-based iron. Those who are at risk of anemia may also need to reduce their intake of both green tea and coffee.
Additionally, always check the source of your tea. If the plant is not grown organically, and responsibility is taken care of, it can contain dangerous metals and chemicals from the soil it was grown in.
If you think you drink too much coffee, you might consider replacing your cup of coffee with a cup of green tea. You will still have caffeine intake, but additionally, you will have all the health benefits of drinking tea too.
How Much Green Tea Should I Drink?
According to the European Food Information Council, children can also safely consume up to two cups of green tea thanks to its low caffeine level. Pregnant women may also consume several cups of tea daily.
If you want to see the full benefits of drinking green tea, you should aim to drink between three to six cups a day. Your heart, brain, and whole body will thank you.