Green tea has been used as a medicine for thousands of years, originating in China but widely used throughout Asia, this beverage has a multitude of uses from lowering blood pressure to preventing cancer.
The reason that green tea has more health benefits attached to it than black tea is due to the processing. Black tea is processed in a way that allows for fermentation whereas green tea’s processing avoids the fermentation process. As a result, green tea retains maximum amount of antioxidants and poly-phenols the substances that give green tea its many benefits.
Improves brain function
Consuming green tea was reported to improve brain functions. It contains caffeine, a stimulant that blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine. The blockage increases the concentration of neurotransmitters that improves brain activity. It also enhances memory, mood and vigilance.
Another substance in green tea that improves brain functions is L-theanine. It is known to have anti-anxiety effects by increasing the body’s dopamine levels and producing alpha waves in the brain.
Promotes weight loss
Green tea boosts your body’s metabolic rate, especially in the abdominal area. Studies have shown that consuming green tea on a regular basis significantly decreases body fat percentage and reduces your waistline.
Reduces cancer
Green tea comes from extracting tea leaves to make the final drink. It is rich in polyphenols which is a common component used to relieve inflammations. It has also been known to prevent and minimize the adverse effects of cancer cells in the body.
The green tea drink contains about 30 percent of polyphenols that have a significant amount of catechin. Catechin found in green tea is an antioxidant that protects the body from cell damage, making it a cancer-prevention substance. It even contains Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), which is a compound known for its medicinal properties, according to Health Line.
Improves mortality rate
Since green tea prevents cancer, results in a study of Japanese adults showed that it also improves the mortality rate. Those who drank five or more green tea cups per day were found to less likely die in the next 11 years since their intake. The results also showed a significant decrease in heart disease and stroke.
Diabetes
Green tea also regulates the glucose levels of the body. Whenever your sugar levels increase after consuming food, drinking green tea during or after your meal prevents high spikes of sugar in your blood, as per Life Hack.
Skin care
Apart from affecting the organic functions of the body, green tea also prevents aging and the development of wrinkles in the skin. Its antioxidant components reduce sun damage, thereby preventing the deterioration of skin cells. One cup of green tea every day brings maximum benefits to the skin.
Remedies severe diseases
Consuming green tea delays the deterioration of the body if you are suffering from Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. Studies conducted on mice showed that its components prevent brain damage as it does against cancer cells. Its protective mechanism restores the damage caused by these diseases, making the patient retain memory for longer periods.
