Top health benefits of green tea - lifeseeze

 

Green tea is a kind of tea that is made from Camellia sinesis leaves and buds that have not undergone the same withering and oxidation process, which is used to make black teas and oolong teas. Green tea is considered one of the world's healthiest drinks which is originated in China, but its production and manufacture has spread to other countries in East Asia.

Green tea contains the highest amount of antioxidants called polyphenols. Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases. In fact, Tea is the world's most consumed drink after water.

Top health benefits of Green tea

1. Reduces Cholesterol

High cholesterol may cause heart attack, stroke or hypertension. Catechin helps in blocking the formation of bad cholesterol and increases the good cholesterol.

2. Antibacterial

Catechins has strong antibacterial and sterilizing effect on germs and bacteria. So, green tea is beneficial toward infections and sickness.

3. Weight loss

Antioxidant are catechins in green tea promotes healthy and easy consumption and promotes fat metabolism, indirectly it will help you lose weight over time. Some studies suggest about 3 to 4 kg of weight loss, over a period of a year.

4. Moderating allergies

Catechin has an affect of moderating allergies from airborne pollen, mould and dermatitis. It also moderates the allergy symptoms.

5. Prevents bad breath and cavities

Green tea is affective in preventing dental cavities. Catechin also works to protect enamel and keep your teeth healthy and strong. The bioflavonoids found in green tea, helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy. You can gargle with green tea to kill germs and prevent bad breath.

6. Antiviral

Some studies have shown that catechin can also prevent viral infections. Gargling with Japanese green tea has also shown to prevent influenza and common cold. It also helps to relieve symptoms of flu such as sore throat, cough and nasal congestion.

7. Glowing skin

Vitamin C, E and catechin helps to make your face more beautiful by reducing the blemishes, wrinkles and sun damage. These 3 nutrients also work together to enhance immune system 

8. Removes free radicals

Free radicals, activated oxygen are also powerful agents in the body which causes a wide variety of diseases like, aging and wrinkles. Free radicals are generated by over exposure to ultraviolet rays, smoking and too much drinking.

Catechin and vitamin C are well known antioxidants in green tea. It is beneficial to drink green tea to remove this harmful free radicals.

9. Prevents cancer

Catechin also called tannin, is a bioflavonoid that has both antiviral and antioxidant qualities. The good element in green tea helps to prevent cancer by inhibiting the growth of Cancer cells by acting on free radicals.

10. Good for hair

Green tea is enriched with catechins, it can help in reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is the biggest reason for hair fall. Green tea contains polyphenols, which is great for hair follicles and also promotes hair growth.

Apart from that, applying green tea on hair helps in moisturizing the scalp and also treats dandruff.

11. Energy and mental focus

Green tea contains a small amount of caffeine, less caffeine than coffee and that provides L-theanine and amino acid shown to provide state of calm awareness. Its L-theanine content can relax your mind and make you alert without inducing drowsiness.

By mobilizing your fatty acid, the caffeine content in green tea can be clean and healthy source of energy.

12. Bone health

Green tea may help to decrease the risk of fracture by increasing bone mineral density. Green tea polyphenols combine with the form of vitamin D could boost bone structure and strength.

The mixture may reverse the damage of bones caused by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), induced chronic inflammation which could reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

13. Prevents diabetes

Green tea is proved to be beneficial for who are at risk of diagnose with type 2 diabetes, due to its inflammatory properties. It helps against rapid rise and subsequent crashes in blood sugar levels that lead to fatigue, irritability and food cravings.

Side effects of Green tea

1. Caffeine sensitivity

Green tea is not safe for those who are hypersensitive to caffeine. Although the caffeine content of green tea is relatively low. It still causes numerous ailments such as insomnia, irritability, anxiety, nausea and stomach upset.

If you have ever encountered any of these problems then, drink only 1 cup of green tea, preferably during the first half of the day.

2. Can cause acid reflux

Do not drink green tea on an empty stomach as it can lead to gastric ulcers and acid reflux. Since green tea is a strong stomach acid stimulant, take your cup of green tea occasionally after a meal or between meals. You can reduce the power of your green tea by adding milk or sugar.

3. Could affect your medication

Those who drink blood thinners (anticoagulant medications) should consume green tea with caution because of its vitamin K content.

Do not mix green tea and aspirin as this may result in lower clothing effectiveness of platelet. In combination with stimulant medicines, green tea may increase blood pressure and heart rate.

4. Could lead to kidney problems

Polyphenols in green tea are believed to prevent heart disease and cancer. However, a review of polyphenol toxicity studies has shown that when consumed in large quantities, the same polyphenols can cause liver and kidney damage. Therefore, do not exceed the consumption of green tea by two cups daily.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. What are the benefits of adding lemon in green tea?

Adding lemon in your green tea helps to fight flu and also gives strong resistance to fight against any future colds. It can boost the catechin intake from green tea by upto six times. Catechins boost absorption of nutrients in small intestine and improves digestion.

2. What are the benefits of adding honey in green tea?

Honey will help in reducing the bitterness and it will become easier to drink green tea. Honey contains antioxidants which will boost the properties of green tea and it also has antiseptic, antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties.

3. How and when to consume green tea?

You can take 1 cup of green tea in early morning to boost metabolism, 1 cup during mid morning or mid-afternoon is good. But don't take it too close to Meal time, you should must keep one hour of space between having green tea and meal. Drinking green tea very close to your bedtime may affect the quality and duration of your sleep.

Top health benefits of kiwi - lifeseeze

Kiwi fruits are native to the northern part of China, kiwi contains many important nutrients that the human body needs. Kiwi fruit has been known as one of the fruits with the highest nutritional value including vitamin C.

Kiwi also contains a digestive enzyme that can help the absorption of protein, an enzyme called actinidin. It is a protease enzyme (this means that it breaks down protein) which is in the green kiwi fruit, helping to digest proteins so that they are readily absorbed.

Nutrition facts

1 medium size kiwi without the skin, provides-

• Calories: 46

• Total fat: 0.4 gram

• Total carbohydrate: 11 gram

• Fiber: 2.3 gram

• Sugar: 6.8 gram

• Protein: 0.9 gram

Top health benefits of kiwi fruit

1. Asthma

The high vitamin C content in kiwis may aid asthma treatment. A research on kiwi fruit founds it's protective effect on children with wheezing and asthma. The vitamin C and E in kiwis can have a complimentary effect as well.

In another study, fruits rich in these two vitamins were found to enhance lung functioning in children. Kiwis are potent in improving respiratory ailments like asthma. If you want to avail their benefits, it is recommended to consume them more than once or twice a week.

2. Promotes digestion

The fiber in kiwis helps promote digestion. Fiber treats both constipation and loose stools - two common digestive issues. Kiwis also contain potassium, an important electrolyte that also helps the digestive system.

Another major contributing factor here is antinidin - an enzyme found in kiwi fruit that aids digestion as well.

3. Cancer treatment

In a study, kiwi fruit extracts showed promising potential against oral cancer cells. The fruits also reduced DNA oxidative damage. An increase in free radicals dramatically increases cancer risks. The vitamin C in kiwi fights free radicals and keep them at a low level in your body.

The fiber in kiwi fruit also helps fight cancer - more specifically, cancers of the digestive system. Other critical group of compounds in kiwis include sulforaphane, isocyanate and indoles. These are known to inhibit the action of carcinogens.

4. Promotes heart health

Kiwi fruit is rich in potassium, a nutrient essential for heart health. Studies show that this nutrient alone can have a dramatically protective effect again heart disease.

An intake of 2 to 3 kiwi fruits per day may lowerPlatelet hyperactivity and levels of plasma lipids - two factors that can cause cardiovascular issues.

5. Treats diabetes

Including kiwifruit in your diet can improve the glycemic response, as per research. The fruit also has high water content, making it an ideal addition to a diabetes diet. A 100 gram of the fruit contains only about 5 grams of glucose.

Hence, its effect on blood glucose would be minimal. A medium kiwi also contains 11 grams of carbohydrates, which is on the lower side compared to most other fruits. The fibre in fruit also helps regulate blood sugar levels.

6. Fights inflammation

Kiwi fruits contain a peptide called kissper that is known to fight inflammation. This peptide can combat inflammation in the colon tissues. There is no data yet if the fruit exhibits anti-inflammatory properties against any other form of inflammation, apart from that of the intestines.

7. Weight loss

Kiwis are low in calories. They have negligible fat content. Moreover, they are rich in fibre. All this only makes them an ideal addition to a weight loss diet. There is no direct research on how kiwis can contribute to weight loss. You can replace other high calorie foods in your diet with kiwis. This when coupled with exercise and other good habits, may aid weight loss.

8. Improves vision

Kiwi fruits are rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. This antioxidant keeps the cells and tissues of your eyes healthy. Kiwis are also great sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, two powerful antioxidants that boost eye health.

The bioavailability of these nutrient in kiwis (and a few other foods) is thought to be 100%. The most important benefit of lutein and zeaxanthin is the prevention of age-related macular degeneration.

9. Liver health

A specific compound in kiwi fruit was found to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD refers to a liver condition caused by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver, and it is something that is not caused by alcohol intake.

The kiwi compound, called pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), was found to prevent the progression of NAFLD in mice whose mothers were fed a high fat diet.

10. Promotes sleep

Eating kiwi fruit before bed can improve sleep quality. In a four-week study, 24 men were given two kiwi fruits one hour before bed. By the end of the time period, their sleep quality improved by 42%. In addition, their total sleep time increased by 13% and their ability to sleep through  the nightWithout waking up increased by 5%.

11. Skin health

Kiwis contain vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production. It produces connective tissue and firms your skin. Anti-inflammatory properties of kiwi, fights and clear acne.

The antioxidants properties in kiwi helps to delay the signs of ageing like, wrinkles, fine lines and age spots. The amino acids and vitamin C present in a kiwi protects you from sun damage.

12. Immune health

Kiwi fruit works wonderfully well in boosting your immunity. The fruit helps to fight oxidative stress and promotes beneficial immune responses. Studies show that kiwi fruit can reduce severity and incidences of upper respiratory tract infections.

13. Pregnancy

Kiwi have high amount of dietary fibers, which helps a pregnant woman to deal with painful constipation. Being a low carb and low fat fruit, it makes the best snack for all pregnant women and also prevents mental or nervous disability in babies.

During pregnancy, kiwi can help in the cognitive development in the foetus and also prevent any neural defects. Regular consumption of this fruit reduces the risk of the stretch marks while delivery of the baby.

14. Improves Hair health

Kiwis are abundantly rich source of vitamin C and vitamin E, which may provide positive benefits for the hair by helping to prevent the loss of hair. The rich amounts of copper that are present in kiwi may assist with the prevention of the hair prematurely turning grey, while also helping the hair to maintain its colour.

They are rich in phosphorus, magnesium and zinc, which helps to promote the circulation of blood in the scalp and may also help to encourage the hair growth. It may assist in keeping the hair hydrated through its rich Omega 3 fatty acid properties.

15. Increase platelets

Kiwi is rich source of vitamin C, potassium and iron, which helps to increase platelets count. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and higher doses of this vitamin prevents the free radical damage caused to the platelets. One should have, two kiwis daily to increase platelets count.

Side effects of kiwi fruit

For most people, eating kiwi fruit is healthy but if you have latex allergy, you must be careful. Latex allergy is a condition in which a person is allergic to certain proteins found in the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree.

Kiwi fruits contain similar proteins. Hence, when you consume them, you may experience a cross reaction. The symptoms include skin rashes, itching, dizziness, fainting, diarrhoea, and swollen lips and tongue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. How to eat kiwi fruit?

You have to just, cut the kiwi in half piece with a knife and scoop out the flesh with a spoon and enjoy it. But you can also peel the kiwi first, then slice it and have it. 

2. What is the best time to eat kiwi fruit?

Best time to eat kiwi fruit is, early in the morning or an hour before bed. It's enough for most people to eat 1 to 3 kiwis a day to get the boost of nutrients.