Green tea has been enjoyed in Asian cultures since ancient times. Today, it’s a popular drink all over the world, and for very good reason.
You probably already know that green tea is healthy. However, do you know just how many benefits it has? If you’re not already hooked on green tea, here are 13 reasons to enjoy a cup every day!
It is a natural source of energy
Green tea contains caffeine, perfect for that morning “wake-up” or an afternoon pick-me-up. However, it’s not too strong or jarring. That’s because an amino acid present in the tea evens out the caffeine. So, if you’re sensitive to coffee, you might find green tea is the perfect energy beverage.
It helps combat chronic inflammation
Green tea is chock-full of antioxidants, including catechins and flavonoid antioxidants. These compounds are crucial for fighting free radicals in the body, and work to reduce inflammation throughout the body’s systems.
As chronic inflammation is linked to a number of diseases, keeping yours down is crucial to your overall health.
It may lower your risk of developing diabetes
A 2013 study published in the Diabetes & Metabolism Journal linked green tea to reducing blood glucose levels and improving insulin sensitivity. The study, which was performed in Japan, found that participants who drank the most green tea had a 42 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
It supports the health of your heart
Not only do the catechins and flavonoid antioxidants found in green tea help to reduce chronic inflammation, they can also improve cardiovascular health by preventing the aggregation of platelets in the arteries. It may also help to lower blood pressure, another important factor in heart health.
It may help improve your memory
Green tea may have a significantly positive effect on cognition, and in particular, on working memory. A 2014 study performed at the University of Basel in Switzerland found that green tea extract helped to improve working memory. Researchers hypothesize that green tea might help to improve symptoms of dementia with future research.
It may help you lose weight
Research performed at Pennsylvania State University in 2014 found that a combination of green tea and exercise could boost weight loss efforts. Mice that were given green tea extract and exercised regularly reduced their average body mass by nearly 30 percent, and their abdominal mass by about 37 percent.
It may fight certain cancers
Research has found that green tea may help combat certain forms of cancer. A 2012 study presented at a conference for the American Association for Cancer Research found that green tea may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer tumors.
Also, a 2006 analysis published in the journal Carcinogenesis found that women who drank the highest amounts of green tea had a 22 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer, compared to women who drank the lowest amounts.
It helps fight the signs of aging
A lot of aging signs, such as wrinkles and age spots, have to do with free radical damage accumulating over time. Since the catechins and other polyphenols found in green tea help fight free radicals, drinking it can help you to look younger, especially if you drink it on a regular basis.
It may help protect your joints
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, drinking green tea may help to keep your joints functioning optimally. Drinking it on a regular basis may help to prevent conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
It may protect the body from toxicity
A 2015 study performed by Pennsylvania State University researchers found that drinking green tea protected against liver toxicity induced by taking green tea extract supplements. Green tea extract is a popular way to get the benefits of green tea, but the high dosage in supplements may be hard on your liver. Researchers found that drinking green tea in the weeks before taking a supplement helped to reduce the risk of liver toxicity. Better to drink the real tea itself!
It’s great for detoxification
Because of all the antioxidants that green tea contains, and all of the health benefits mentioned above, green tea is a perfect addition to a detox regimen. You can drink it hot or iced, or use it as the base for a fruit and veggie smoothie.
It can help you to feel less bloated
Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it can help relieve water weight and bloating. This makes a cup of green tea perfect after a big meal. It may also help women to feel less bloated during PMS and during the menstrual cycle.
It can help ease your mind
Green tea contains an amino acid known as L-theanine, which helps to encourage the production of alpha waves in the brain. This can lead to improved mood, and a state of relaxation.
So, there you have it! If you’re in the market for a great green tea, remember to go organic to avoid any exposure to nasty pesticides, and purchase from a source you trust. Steep the tea in boiled water for just two or three minutes. If you steep it for too long, it may become bitter. This tea is wonderful hot or iced.
If you’d like a little sweetness, add a bit of raw honey once the tea has cooled a little — you’ll be getting even more health benefits, along with a delicious flavor!
—Tanya Rakhmilevich