Picture this: you, cozy in your favorite chair, sipping on a warm cup of green tea while feeling like a zen goddess who just unlocked the secret to eternal youth. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Green tea? Isn’t that just fancy leaf water?” Oh, my dear friend, it’s so much more. With antioxidants that could make your skin glow like a K-pop star and metabolism-boosting powers that put your last diet to shame, green tea is the superhero of beverages. Studies even show that people who drink green tea are 47% more likely to be mistaken for their younger sister (okay, I made that up, but you get the idea). So why not join the green tea revolution? Read these benefits of green tea and your body, your skin, and your senses will thank you.
Benefits of Green Tea for Your Healthy Life
1. Antioxidant
Green tea is known for its antioxidant properties, the major component with numerous health benefits. Catechin, a polyphenol in green tea leaves, helps fight cell damage preventing oxidative stress.
2. Lowers the Risk of Cancer
Oxidative stress leads to chronic inflammation which results in cancer development. The polyphenols in green tea destroy the free radicals which cause oxidative stress. Consuming antioxidants may help lower the risk of cancer cells. Research suggests that antioxidants in green tea may prevent cancer.
It is believed to treat several types of cancer including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and oral cancer. Regular consumption of green tea reduces the risk of diseases.
3. Cognition
Green tea supports cognition and improves your brain health. The caffeine compound of the tea enhances mood, memory, and energy levels. Besides caffeine, it contains L-theanine, an amino acid that could boost serotonin and dopamine production to enhance your mood by lowering stress. Along with caffeine, L-theanine relaxes and provides calmness to your mind.
Catechins, which are EGCG in green tea, destroy the free radicals, protect neurons from damage, and prevent the death of the cells. It is potent enough to fight against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, and dementia. It can even manage age-related cognitive decline by decreasing 64% of the cognitive issues.
4. Bone Health
Osteoporosis –a bone disease that occurs when mineral density and bone mass decrease or when changes happen in the structure of bones. It may lead to fractures in the hip, spine, or wrist. Most menopausal women face this bone disorder during postmenopause. Studies suggest the high concentration of antioxidants in green tea may help reduce mass loss and keep your bones healthy.
5. Enhance Memory
Besides enhancing the mood, green even contributes to improving memory power. It may stimulate essential cognitive functions such as problem-solving, comprehension, planning, and reasoning. A small study revealed that people who consumed green tea showed improvement in brain connectivity and memory. These study results are not accurate but need more evidence for better understanding.
6. Manages and Prevent Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that arises due to an imbalance in insulin production. It often results in high blood sugar and other linked diseases. Those who consume green tea regularly can prevent the risk of type 2 diabetes.
7. Lowers Stroke
Stroke is a killer disease that causes unexpected death in adults. Research says consuming green tea may prevent the risk of stroke. According to a study, having a moderate amount daily lowered the risk of stroke. However, taking green tea along with a balanced diet would be more effective.
8. Weight Loss
People who wish to lose weight can consume this green tea with a proper consultation. The caffeine and catechins contribute even to weight loss it seems. These two compounds are believed to break the fat molecules and enhance the metabolism. However, green tea is one of the factors that could help with weight loss, so it is recommended to take it along with your balanced diet instead of solely depending on it.
9. Blood Pressure
Maintaining a normal blood pressure will keep your heart healthy. A minor change or imbalance may lead to major health complications like heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure can affect the lining of arteries, increase the risk of plaque, and restrict blood flow. Research says the antioxidants in green tea will lower the pressure by reducing inflammation and supporting the blood flow. When the blood flow and pressure stabilize, heart risks may be reduced.
10. Heart Health
As we already see, green tea burns cholesterol and removes toxins from the body hence it will protect you from cardiovascular risks.
11. Improved Skin Condition
Scientists conducted animal testing on mice using black, green, and white tea to study inflammation. Results claim that all three decoctions reduced the skin inflammation and its marks. However, it is still doubtful that this will have the same effects on humans.
The anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of green tea ensure healthy skin. Many cosmetics are also available with green tea extracts in them.
5 Benefits of Green Tea
How to Brew a Perfect Green Tea?
1. Tea Bags
Green tea bags contain a mere amount of tea leaves which is enough for 1-2 servings. Boil a glass of water, pour into the cup, let the tea bag in, and leave it for 1 to 2 mins based on your taste preference. Brewing it for a long time may have a bitter taste so brew only for a few mins.
2. Loose Leaf Green Tea
Loose-leaf green tea provides a different taste compared to packed tea bags. Boil water and pour it into a pot, take an infuser ball, add one teaspoon of leaves, immerse it in the pot, and leave it for one to two minutes. If you are making it without an infuser, add tea leaves directly to the pot, let it sit for some time, and strain it with a strainer.
3. Matcha Green Tea
Add matcha powder to a small bowl, pour two ounces of water, and whisk well to break the lumps. Then goes water or steamed milk, mix it well until it gets blended with the milk. Add honey or sugar to make the drink more sweeter.
Green tea has several health benefits but if you have allergies or health conditions kindly consult with the physician before consuming.
So there you have it- green tea isn’t just a drink; it’s a lifestyle upgrade in a cup. Enjoy every sip and experience the magic, from brightening your skin to sharpening your mind. Go ahead, enjoy your sip, and have a healthier and happier life.
