Published March 11, 2022, 12:28 p.m. by None
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is made from the tea plant known as Camellia sinensis. It is a healthy powerhouse that has been used for centuries as a medicinal tool in Ayurveda from India and traditional Chinese medicine to treat everything from fever to heart disease. From accelerating weight loss to preventing cancer and managing blood pressure, green tea comes with several health benefits. It has also been shown to prevent neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's. Green tea has also been promoted as an alternative to coffee for people who are trying to reduce their caffeine intake. It is rich in catechins that increase metabolism and fat breakdown and inhibit lipid absorption. According to Ayurveda, Green Tea has Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties that help improve the digestive system and aid in weight loss. Due to its Kshaya (astringent) properties, it helps in maintaining the elasticity and firmness of the skin. Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages you can put in your body. It can help you focus, fight to age, and even give you an energy boost! You’ve probably heard a lot about green tea’s benefits and how it is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that are great for your body and mind. Instead of drinking green tea, some people apply green tea bags to their skin to soothe sunburn and prevent skin cancer due to sun exposure. Green tea bags are also used to decrease puffiness under the eyes, as a compress for tired eyes or headaches, and to stop gums from bleeding after a tooth is pulled. A green tea footbath is used for athletes’ feet. Some people gargle with green tea to prevent colds and flu. Green tea extract is also used in mouthwash to reduce pain after tooth removal. Green tea in candy is used for gum disease. Green tea is used in an ointment for genital warts. In food, people drink green tea as a beverage Green Tea Benefits It might be the most consumed tea in the world, but black tea has nothing on green tea’s nutritional properties. While both come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, many benefits of drinking green tea are thanks to its lack of processing. Green tea is rich in protective polyphenols including catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These serve as potent antioxidants, which help to strengthen the body against various diseases. Improves brain functioning One of the main ingredients in green tea is caffeine. Caffeine can block a chemical messenger in the brain called adenosine, which controls when you feel sleepy or awake. Blocking adenosine can prevent drowsiness, which is why so many people use caffeine to stay awake and mentally sharp. An overproduction of adenosine in the brain has also been linked to cognitive conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Research shows that regular consumption of caffeine may reduce the risk of developing these conditions. Keeps your heart healthy Green tea has been found to play a role in heart health by reducing the risk factors that cause heart disease. High blood pressure is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease. Research shows that consuming green tea significantly lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which are the two different numbers by which a person's blood pressure is recorded. A large 2006 study also showed that people who consumed six or more cups of green tea a day, compared to those who consumed less than once a week, were 33% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Lowers cholesterol Catechin is a major component of green tea. Catechins are natural antioxidants that have antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertensive effects. They lower cholesterol levels by decreasing the absorption of cholesterol into the body. A showed that drinking an average of two cups of green tea per day for 10 years resulted in significant reductions in LDL cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is also known as bad cholesterol because it can cause plaque buildup in your arteries, which increases your risk of getting a heart attack or a stroke. "Some clinical research does show that drinking green tea or using green tea extracts can lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and increase levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). The mechanism for this isn't well-defined, though one theory is that epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC), a compound of green tea, affects the circulation of bile acids, which helps to regulate cholesterol," says Ring. Strengthens bones Green tea also helps to keep your bones healthy and strong. Research shows that it may help treat and prevent osteoporosis, a condition that makes your bones weaker and more prone to fractures. "Tea leaves contain fluoride, which might slow osteoporosis, as well as beneficial compounds such as flavonoids and phytoestrogens," Ring says. Flavonoids are and phytoestrogens are plant chemicals that can strengthen bone formation and prevent the breakdown of bone tissue. Prevents skin aging Drinking green tea or using it topically has many benefits for your skin. Green tea contains a micronutrient called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that may be responsible for green tea's skin repair properties. Some research shows that EGCG contains antioxidants, which help to prevent sun damage. It also boosts skin hydration, moisture retention, and prevents wrinkle formation. Green tea has also been shown to have anti-aging properties. A small 2005 study studied the effects of using oral supplements and applying green tea topically on aging skin for 8 weeks. Researchers found that the combination of using green tea topically and orally in the participants caused an improvement in the skin's elasticity. Catechin, a polyphenol in green tea, also helps to soothe inflamed skin when used topically.
