Green tea has been used for ages for optimal health. Thanks to many new studies we now know a few scientifically proven benefits of drinking green tea.
Green tea can be an excellent substitute for a morning cup of joe or for a sugary juice or beverage. It is a great energy booster, without the jitters that drinking coffee can come with.
It is also great in smoothies instead of juice for diabetics or to prevent blood-sugar spikes.
Some of the longest living cultures have drank green tea as a way to increase overall health and wellbeing.
Here are some of the proven benefits of drinking green tea:
1. Kills Cancer Cells.
In various studies, green tea has been shown to kill cancer cells, without harming normal cells. Due to it’s powerful antioxidants, it could reduce your risk of cancer including Breast cancer, Prostate cancer and Colorectal cancer. Moreover, Green tea drinkers are significantly less likely to get various types of cancer.
2. Promotes weight loss.
Green tea is used in many weight loss supplements, and for good reason – it is shown to burn fat and boost the metabolic rate. The caffeine in green tea has also been shown to improve physical performance by mobilizing fatty acids from the fat tissues and making them available for use as energy.
3. Kills bacteria and lowers your risk for Infections.
Catechins in green tea have been shown to kill bacteria and inhibit viruses like the influenza virus, potentially lowering your risk of infections. Catechins also inhibit the growth of streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity and improves overall dental health, including bad breath.
4. Reduces type II diabetes.
Studies show that green tea can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels, making you less likely to get Type II Diabetes.
5. Improves cardiovascular health.
Studies show that green tea improves total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Green tea also dramatically enhances the antioxidant capability of the blood, which protects the LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation (one of the major causes of heart disease). In fact, green tea drinkers have up to a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
6. Increases longevity.
In a study of 40,530 Japanese adults, those who drank 5 or more cups of green tea per day were significantly less likely to die during an 11 year period.
7. Helps prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Green Tea may Protect Your Brain in Old Age and improve brain function in the short term. Multiple studies show that these amazing catechin bioactive compounds in green tea can have various protective effects on neurons, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
8. It makes you smarter.
The caffeine in green tea has been shown to improve brain function and block Adenosine ( an inhibitory neurotransmitter). Studies on caffeine show improved mood, vigilance, reaction time and memory. Furthermore, the amino acid L-theanine is prevalent, which is used for anxiety. Dopamine (the happy hormone) and alpha waves are also increased. Caffeine and L-theanine together work synergistically to improve brain function.
9. Enhances blood flow and lowers cholesterol.
Green tea is great for heart health including blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
Bottom line: If you are looking for a way to get mega anti-oxidants in your system and increase your overall health, green tea is a great option. Some people are sensitive to the naturally occurring caffeine in green tea, so listen to your body to determine how much green tea is right for you. Opt for high-end organic green tea to protect yourself against harmful pesticides in some teas.
Here’s to a healthier you!
