The Benefits of Green Tea

Almost everyone says that green tea is healthy and has a whole host of benefits. We list the main benefits of drinking green tea regularly. Green tea and normal (black) tea is made from the same plant. Tea leaves that are steamed and dried soon after being picked become green tea. Tea leaves that are dried and crushed and then allowing for enzymes to convert the catechins of tea into more complex forms becomes normal, or black, tea.

1. Full of Antioxidants

Green tea is full of antioxidants. It has a lot of polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins. Another powerful antioxidant found in green tea is the Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) antioxidant. Oxidants are produced as a by-product in the body from regular metabolism and other biological reactions. These oxidants damage cells and are linked to diseases like cancer, cardio-vascular disease, arthritis, eye dysfunctions, lung disorders and premature aging. Oxidants are also linked to significant increases in mental illnesses like Alzheimer's, dementia and Parkinson's disease. Antioxidants like catechins and the other micro nutrients prevent the damage that oxidants and other free radicals cause in your body. That is why antioxidants (like the ones you find in green tea) are important and can even slow the process of aging. They help fight against the diseases listed above by eliminating those damaging oxidants. There are more healthy catechins in green tea because the leaves are 'fresher' than that of normal tea.

2. Kills Bacteria

The same catechins in green tea (that are responsible for its strong anti-oxidant properties) kill off bad bacteria. Green tea is anti-bacterial, meaning that it can kill the bacteria that make us sick. For this reason, green tea is effective at preventing colds and flu. It is also great at speeding up recovery when you are already sick.

3. Oral Health

Drinking a cup or two of green tea might just save you a few trips to the dentist. Due to its anti-bacterial properties, it can kill some types of bacteria in your mouth that cause plaque, tooth decay and bad breath. 

4. Less Caffeine than Coffee

There is caffeine in green tea. It has a little less caffeine than normal tea on average, but significantly less than coffee. Caffeine increases alertness, energy levels and your ability to concentrate. 

It should be said, though, that drinking too much caffeine may induce dependence. Therefore, green tea is a better alternative to coffee if you want to still have caffeine, but at lower levels.

5. L-Theanine

The amino acid l-theanine increases the activity of GABA. GABA helps to decrease anxiety, improve mental and physical performance, improve mood, decrease pain, and lower blood pressure. See why GABA is so good for you. It also raises dopamine levels, which leads to mood elevation.

6. Increases Metabolism

Your body will be better at using fat for energy when you drink green tea regularly. If you think that it's just because of the caffeine content, notice why so many fat burning supplements contain green tea extracts, instead of isolated caffeine; or from coffee. Increased metabolism will result in burning fat and better physical performance. 

7. Aids in Diabetes and Cardio-vascular Disease Prevention 

Apart from the beneficial antioxidant effects which will already assist in disease prevention, green tea helps to increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. Decreased insulin sensitivity and increased sugar levels often lead to diabetes. Green tea also lowers bad cholesterol levels, which in turn decrease cardio-vascular disease risk.  Studies have confirmed the link between regular green tea consumption and lower diabetes and cardio-vascular disease occurrence.

So there you have it: drinking green tea regularly might help you live longer and disease free. It will also help you look and feel better. Do not drink too many cups in a day because over-supplementation of caffeine can lead to dependence. Stick to 2-3 cups a day. STAY STRONG!

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