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.
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