Whether you’re interested in knowing about green tea extract benefits, or learning about antioxidants in green tea, it is no secret that the benefits of green tea are amazing and numerous.
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Introduction – The Green Tea Trend
Green tea has been enjoyed by many cultures, such as Japanese and Chinese cultures, and has positively impacted many people with various conditions and ailments.
The enjoyment and benefits of green tea go back in history. Some people and cultures like it with honey or lemon and others like to drink it plain.
Unless noted otherwise, the references in this post are all about green tea with caffeine.
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Popular Green Tea Types
Whether you like black tea, white tea, or Matcha green tea powder, a lot of studies have concluded that the health benefits of green tea outnumber those of any other tea, like black tea or Oolong tea.
There are many different types of green tea; here are a few:
- Instant powder.
- Loose leaf.
- Single tea bags.
- Beverage drinks with sugar or artificial sweetener.
- Supplements and pills in capsule or extract form.
- Chewing gum form.
The most popular tea in Japan is green tea.
Green tea can vary in grade and in cost, but one of the most popular varieties is the Matcha tea powder, a specific green tea that is used primarily in traditional tea ceremonies. This ceremonial usage of Matcha green tea makes it an integral part of the Japanese culture.
The most popular green tea in China is loose leaf green tea. Different methods of processing the tea prompts for different green tea names, such as Stash Tea Jasmine Blossom Green Tea, which is Chinese green teas enriched with the fragrance of jasmine blossoms, and Dragon Well Green Tea which has a medium body.
Here in the United States, the most common green tea is the one made with tea bags with brands such as Arizona Green Tea, Celestial Seasonings Green Tea, Lipton Green Tea, and Bigelow Green Tea.
Loose leaf tea and Matcha green tea powder have also gained a lot of popularity in recent years.
Although all the teas come from the same plant (the Camellia Sinensis) the difference lies in the methods by which the teas are processed.
It is very difficult to answer the question related to which type of green tea is best. All green tea types can have positive effects on health, even green tea extract form.
It is good to try different types of green tea to see which ones fit your personality. Some like the preparation involved in the making of Matcha green or loose leaf tea, and others prefer the simplicity of a single tea bag. So, it will be good for you to explore and see which one you like best.
The 17 Health Benefits OF Green Tea
Not too long after black tea was discovered in China, green tea became the almost miracle tea. The Japanese Buddhist monks believed that it kept the body and soul in great harmony and often used it in their religious ceremonies.
May Help Prevent Cancer And Reduce Tumors
Green tea benefits are confirmed through a recent study at the University of Purdue where it was concluded that it can stop the growth of cancer cells.
In addition, according to a recent study by the American Institute for Cancer Research, the polyphenol compounds in green tea (specifically EGCG), along with a good nutritional diet, and the method by which tea is brewed may be helpful in reducing tumors.
Green tea catechins are a type of antioxidant found in tea. They help in the prevention of cancer while lowering the toxic effects of some carcinogens, which in effect reduce cancer-causing factors.
The catechins and polyphenols (EGCG), which make the tea a powerful antioxidant, are capable of fighting the growth of cancer cells without destroying healthy cells.
Research is still being conducted, but the green tea benefits are clear: The antioxidant healing properties in pure green tea have been documented in many studies as successful aids in the fight against cancer.
Some cancer studies have discussed the effects of green tea with regards to the following cancers:
- Breast cancer.
- Bowel (colorectal) cancer.
- Throat (esophageal) cancer.
- Lung cancer.
- Skin cancer.
- Prostate cancer.
- Bladder cancer.
- Stomach cancer.
- Ovarian cancer.
Fujiki Hiroto, a chemist at the National Cancer Center Research Institute, concluded in his studies on cancer. In essence, he showed the following:
“Tea can’t prevent every cancer, but it’s the cheapest and most practical method of cancer prevention available to the general public.” (Fujiki Hiroto)
The Green Tea And Cholesterol Link
Does green tea lower cholesterol? The short answer is yes.
High LDL levels (known as the bad cholesterol) contribute to arterial deposits known as plaque. Benefits of green tea extend to the heart, and green tea can help in fighting these arterial deposits, thanks to the EGCG substance in green tea.
A recent study published in the National Institutes of Health has concluded the following:
“Consumption of green tea EGCG resulted in a significant reduction of LDL.”
The Green Tea Tooth Decay Connection
Green tea controls the acidity of saliva in the mouth as well as the amount of dental plaque, which aids in the prevention of tooth decay and cavities.
There is about 200 mg of catechins in a cup of pure green tea. This provides a great antioxidant boost to the body and also helps in oral hygiene, particularly in fighting bacteria.
The anti-inflammatory effects of green tea have also shown that when used as a mouthwash, green tea can help a sufferer recover from dental infections and abscesses.
Fat Burner Green Tea For Weight Loss
A lot of practitioners recommend green tea for weight loss. Aside from its excellent health and medical benefits, it can also help in losing weight. Not only is green tea a tea that gives you energy, but it also helps in slimming down.
It is recommended to drink 2 (up to 3) cups of green tea per day to maximize the effects of losing weight. Even people who are sensitive to the effects of caffeine can find weight loss benefits in drinking naturally decaffeinated or caffeine free green tea (the stripping of caffeine does not strip the effects of the antioxidants that help reduce weight. Review the FAQ below).
Both will offer the heat-generating effects needed to slim down, as well as the antioxidants necessary to lose weight.
However, if you’re looking for overall health benefits in addition to weight loss effects, then you may want to consider regular caffeinated green tea. You don’t need to consume green tea full of caffeine in order to reap the benefits of the substances that can help you reduce your weight.
Improves Memory Health (Alzheimer and Dementia)
Green tea is a tea that gives you energy both physically and mentally. A few cups of green tea a day can help boost memory health.
Although there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, green tea can help maintain a good memory and a sharp brain function.
This also applies to dementia, thanks to a new study from the National Institute of Health that was conducted recently. It showed the excellent benefits of flavonoids in promoting memory health.
The Green Tea And Diabetes Connection
Green tea can help prevent the sudden elevation of blood sugar and glucose levels, helping many people with diabetes.
In a recent study published in the National Institute of Health, green tea was given to diabetic mice and healthy humans. The study’s goal was to improve the glucose levels and metabolism in these groups by consuming green tea. The green tea diabetes study concluded that the antioxidants in green tea have proven to have anti-diabetic effects.
The Green Tea Anti-Aging Connection
Green tea can be consumed in the form of digestible tea or supplements, and a lot of products, such as a Matcha mud mask, have incorporated the antioxidant effects of green tea in their formula.
An article published in the Archives of Dermatology showed the positive correlation between the polyphenol compounds found in green tea and good skin.
In addition, the skin is often rejuvenated with noticeably less wrinkles by simply introducing green tea to one’s diet.
Green Tea For Arthritis
Green tea can promote healthy cartilage by fighting the enzymes that destroy this important elastic substance.
A recent article published by The National Center for Biotechnology Information showed an excellent correlation between the reduction of arthritis and the consumption of green tea, thanks to green tea’s active ingredient, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). It concluded that the benefits were apparent and that further studies could be “initiated with confidence” for those people suffering from joint disease before clinical trial could start.
The Green Tea and Bones Connection
Green tea has a highly concentrated amount of fluoride, which keeps the bones strong and preserving bone density.
A recent study from The National Institute of Health found that older women who drank green tea on a consistent basis were less likely to have bone damage and more likely to have a higher bone density in their hips, compared to their peers who did not drink green tea.
May Help Slow Parkinson’s Disease
Due to the strong effects of antioxidants found in green tea, this drink is likely to slow down the destruction of Parkinson’s disease and stop cell damage.
A study published by the Michael Fox Foundation found that the polyphenols in green tea have the ability to slow down Parkinson’s disease during its early stages.
The Green Tea Blood Pressure Connection
Angiotensin is a peptide hormone that can lead to an increase in blood pressure. Green tea represses this operation which helps lowering blood pressure considerably.
A recent study at National institute of Health showed that there was a “significant reduction” in systolic blood pressure. This was noticed in those subjects who were supplemented with green tea over the subjects who were given a placebo or just caffeine.
Boosts Immunity And Wellness
The medical benefits of green tea include helping the immune system.
Green tea has polyphenols and flavonoids which can help boost the immune system and fight against infectious diseases. They are what makes green tea full of antioxidants.
In addition, green tea contains vitamin C which helps in the fight against the common flu. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help in the maintenance and wellness of connective tissues, bones, skin, and blood vessels.
Helps Asthmatic Patients
The green tea’s health benefits extend to asthmatic patients thanks its relaxing effects.
Green tea helps relax the muscles that are responsible for the bronchial tubes, thus reducing the severity of asthma.
Can Help Fight An Ear Infection
The tea that cleans out your system is none other than green tea.
If you’re suffering from an ear infection, soak a cotton ball with some green tea and attempt to clean the infected area.
Children can benefit from green tea if they have an ear infection due to tea’s qualities in fighting allergies and viral infections.
Can Help Reduce Stress
One of the benefits of drinking green tea is the reduction of stress levels.
In clinical evidence, the L-Theanine (an amino-acid found in green tea) has shown that it helps with anxiety.
L-Theanine is also a natural stress relief agent. Therefore, incorporating 2 cups of green tea a day or taking a green tea support aid can prove to have a calming result on the body while alleviating stressful and harmful effects.
Can Help Relieve Allergies
The EGCG found in green tea can relieve most common allergies.
People who suffer from allergies may benefit from adding a few cups of tea per day to help them with their sniffles.
This is primarily due to new evidence that showed that drinking tea can help with many common allergies.
May Increase The Effectiveness Of Treatment For Herpes
Green tea increases the effectiveness of the treatment of topical interferon herpes.
The green tea products are applied to the skin, and then dried out before the treatment begins.
READ MORE: Green Tea Side Effects, FAQs (And Best Time To Drink It)
In Conclusion
The health benefits of green tea are numerous and magical and the side effects are minimal. This tea has bioactive compounds that will improve all areas around health functions. If you have a health condition, make sure to consult with your doctor before including green tea in your diet, since green tea could have some side effects that may interfere with your medicine. If, however, you are healthy, you may want to add a couple of cups of green tea per day to your daily diet (but not first thing in the morning) for maximum antioxidant effects, to help you lose weight, and to aid you in the maintenance of your wellness.
Adding green tea to a healthy diet full of nutritional food such as avocados can help you live a long and healthy life.
