Green tea has always been considered a help to health. It is categorized as a food item and also generally recognized as safe. Many research revealed the health benefits of green tea. Safety reports of the consumption of up to 1200 mg of EGCG in supplement form in healthy adults over 1- to 4-week time periods. This revealed the adverse effects which included excess intestinal gas, nausea, heartburn, stomach ache, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, and muscle pain.
Research in Japan, children between the age of 6 to 16 years consumed a green tea beverage containing 576 mg catechins (experimental group) or 75 mg catechins (control group) for 24 weeks without any side effects. The safety of higher doses of catechins in children is not known.
Here’s a review of the amazing health benefits of green tea. Benefits that you may possibly not have been aware of. A few of these benefits are still being discussed. Seek medical advice if you’d like to consider green tea for medicinal purposes.
Table of Contents
Lowers the Risk of Getting Cancer
Green tea can reduce the chances of having cancer. There is growing evidence to suggest that green tea contains compounds that attack cancerous cells. The tea contains a compound called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which helps inhibit blood vessel growth. [4]
Further studies have looked into whether green tea catechins or green tea extracts alter prostate cancer. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 people took 200 mg of green tea catechin or a placebo 3 times every day for 12 months. These men had high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, which is considered to be a precursor of prostate cancer. After 1 12 months, fewer prostate cancers have been detected within the green tea catechin group (1 cancer in 30 guys) as compared with the placebo group (9 cancers in 30 guys). Other scientific trials, each uncontrolled research, investigated using green tea extracts to lessen prostate-specific antigen levels in men with prostate cancer and observed no proof of this kind of reduction.
Enhance Healthy Heart
Green tea can reduce the chances of having heart problems. It is shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. This is due to its efficient antioxidant which can inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the arteries. The formation of abnormal blood clots (thrombosis) is known as a leading cause of stroke and heart attack. Green tea has been shown to inhibit abnormal blood clot formation as effectively as aspirin.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Green tea may help lower blood pressure. The secretion of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a major cause of hypertension (high blood pressure) in humans. Common drugs for hypertension do behave as ACE inhibitors: by blocking the effects of ACE, lowering blood pressure. Green tea acts as a natural ACE inhibitor. Several clinical research show lowered blood pressure in both animals and humans taking green tea extracts.
Weight Loss
Another health benefit of green tea is that it boosts the body’s ability to burn fat. This is by the process, of thermogenesis and fat oxidation. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the combination of polyphenols and caffeine from an extract of green tea resulted in a “significant increase” in energy expenditure compared to a placebo.
Some analyses indicate that green tea leaf helps with fat loss too. It increases serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These hormones control the desire for food, feeling, cravings and energy.
Different studies showed that people who consumed green tea for several months have lost extra body weight than people who consumed regular tea. Green tea is high in antioxidants and weight loss is one of its essential health benefits. It melts away body fat and calories. Although it doesn’t show quick results like other weight loss products. It helps you shed a few pounds without any negative effect on your health. It increases calorie burning and you can become slimmer.
Prevent Brain Cells from Damaging
EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) is one of the most effective substances in green tea. It deals with several health challenges and maybe one of the main reasons green tea has such effective therapeutic properties. [3] [1]
A newly released research article published in the journal Phytomedicine has found significant proof that enzymes found in green tea safeguard the human brain cells from damage. One more research carried out by the University of South Florida looked at the effects of antioxidant EGCG. It inhibits certain proteins which halted the chemical reactions that may bring about nerve damage that can lead to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Improves Mood
Green tea leaf contains a small amount of caffeine. A 2008 study in Nutrition Bulletin found can boost mood, brain function, and physical performance. Caffeine is much less in green tea than does in coffee. Also the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid in green tea proven to promote a state of calm awareness. Therefore, green tea gives the benefits of alertness linked to caffeine with no “jittery” feeling a side effect of coffee.
Boost Immune System
Research revealed that catechins – antioxidant polyphenol compounds, have a significant impact on your immune system. Research conducted by the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in 2003 revealed that theanine, found in green tea, boosted the activity of the gamma delta T cells that form part of our adaptive and innate immunity. The study followed a group of coffee drinkers and a group of tea drinkers who each drank 600ml of their drink daily. Blood samples taken four weeks later quite clearly showed that production of these anti-bacterial proteins was five times higher in those drinking tea.
Antibacterial Properties
Your Body used antibacterial properties found in green tea to kill the bacteria that cause plaque on your teeth. Research by the Journal of Periodontology has also shown that for every cup of green tea you drink, there is a decrease in indicators for gum disease. Also, fluoride in green tea helps to protect against cavities.
Healthy Process
Heat or boil water, but don’t let it completely boil and become too hot. You may miss out on the numerous health benefit of green tea. High heat can destroy some of the delicate compounds found in green tea leaves. The “ideal” temperature for brewing green tea is between 160 degrees Fahrenheit to 180 degrees F. Traditionally standard Chinese green teas brew at slightly higher temperatures. Pour hot water into the teapot to steep the leaves for only about 1-3 minutes. Larger leaves need more time to steep than finer, smaller leaves. At this point, you can also add any fresh herbs you plan on steeping.
Final Conclusion
Green tea also contains tannins (which can decrease the absorption of iron and folic acid). If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, then it is not advisable to take green tea.
Green tea is also not ideal for women that are pregnant. The presence of caffeine in green tea may cause premature birth and also low birth weight.
If you want to try green tea teabags, look for a sampler box. You can try different kinds of green tea, including flavored versions. That way, you can decide which ones you like the most.
There is caffeine in green tea. If you are sensitive to caffeine, then one cup a day should be your limit.
