Some Facts About Green Tea1.

Green tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is minimally processed thus doesn’t go through oxidation (fermentation) process. This ensures the higher retention of nutritional content. The use of Green tea is believed to have originated in 2737 BC. It was in China when the Emperor Shennong drank water with some tea leaves accidentally boiled in it. Later, when he felt refreshed, he ordered its regular brewing. Camellia Sinensis plant is native to Japan, India, China, and other Asian countries.

 

Health Benefits of Green Tea1

  1. 1. Boosts Metabolism: Green tea is rich in an antioxidant compound called Catechin. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is one of the Catechins that boosts the metabolism. EGCG obstructs the functioning of an enzyme which breaks down norepinephrine hormone. As the level of norepinephrine increases, it promotes the breakdown of fat hence aiding in weight loss.
  2. Fights Depression: The presence of a key amino acid L-Theanine in the green tea helps in combating depression. L-Theanine promotes the production of chemicals like serotonin and dopamine that makes us feel good!
  3. Reduces Cancer Risk: The polyphenols (catechin; epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)) present in the green tea control the cell signals to avoid any dangerous or harmful activity.
    4. Good for Heart: Due to its antioxidant properties, green tea lowers the risk factors for heart diseases such as triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Moreover, it is found to help in promoting normal blood circulation by widening the arteries by 4%.
  4. Improves Blood Pressure: According to the review in the British Journal of Nutrition, the long-term drinking of Green tea improves blood pressure. It’s 12-week study concluded that the blood pressure reduced by 2.6 mmHg systolic and 2.2 mmHg diastolic. This drop in blood pressure is directly proportional to a reduced stroke.
  5. Reduces Risk of Diabetes: The risk of diabetes is minimized due to the high level of polyphenols (antioxidants) in the green tea. Green tea increases the body’s sensitivity towards insulin thus bringing the blood sugar levels down. It is highly beneficial in managing both type I and type II diabetes. It is one of the most ignored health benefits of green tea.
  6. Improves Immunity: The effect of free radicals on the immune system is negated by the antioxidants present in green tea. Consequently, the immune system runs healthy and normal. This leads to its better handling of infections such as viruses and bacteria.
  7. Improves Mental Health: The bioactive compounds of green tea affect the functioning of neurons. As a result, the risk of Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases is highly reduced. The caffeine content of green tea improves cognitive performance. It soothes and calms the brain with its amino acid L-Theanine. It is one of the best health benefits of green tea.
  8. Improves Digestive Health: Green tea is rich in Vitamin C, B, and E which are essential to the body and aid in digestion. Its high antioxidant effect promotes the efficient functioning of the cells and thus helps in clearing out toxins.
  9. Improves Dental health: Green tea reduces oral bacteria growth and promotes healthy gums and teeth. Drinking it regularly help eliminate bad breath, gums and cavities diseases, and improves overall dental health.
  10. Improves Energy Level: You experience an increase in energy levels as a result of the boosted metabolic rate by green tea. The fat burning process speeds up by 17% and you feel energized. The Caffeine content also improves physical performance by making body fats available for use as energy.
  11. Helps to Treat Dark Circles: Green tea is loaded with tannins, caffeine and antioxidants that help reduce dark circles. Caffeine reduces swelling. It shrinks the blood vessels thereby minimizing dark circles. Tannins assist in the functioning of caffeine and alongside treat the puffy eyes. It is one of the best health benefits of green tea.
  12. Reduces Aging Effect: The anti-agingand anti-inflammatory properties of green tea reduce the wrinkles and expression lines. Using green tea and honey as a face mask slows down the skin aging and cleanse it to improve skin texture.
  13. Reduce Dark Spots: The antioxidants in green tea help clear dark spots on your face.
    Drink it regularly and apply it with honey on your face for effective results. You can use green tea bags to apply it to your face. It is one of the best health benefits of green tea.
  14. Protects Skin from Sunburn: The free radicals that cause sunburnand rashes are combatted by the antioxidants in green tea. Boil ½ a cup of green tea leaves in 2 cups of water on medium heat, strain, cool and apply on your face as a soothing agent.
  15. Improves Complexion: Green tea promotes the functioning of the liver and enhances the detoxification process. The waste products and toxic substances produced as a by-product of the body are eliminated. This brings a natural glow to your face and effectively helps in improving your complexion.
  16. Good for Hair Growth: The Dihydrotestosterone hormone responsible for hindering hair growth is inhibited by green tea. It results in stimulated hair growth and reduced hair fall. The antiseptic properties of green tea make it highly effective against hair problems such as psoriasis and dandruff. It is one of the best health benefits of green tea.
  17. Increases Hair Luster: Green tea is a great source of Vitamin Eand C, and polyphenols that soften hair and increases their luster. To make a green tea rinse – Let 3-4 bags of green tea soak in half a liter boiled water. Rinse hair after shampooing.

 

References:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Figure 1.1:

https://www.healthnwellnessmantra.com/health-benefits-green-tea/

1Article excerpt:

https://www.healthnwellnessmantra.com/health-benefits-green-tea/