health benefits of green tea
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Health Benefits of green teaTRANSCRIPT
Health Benefits of Green Tea
What is Green Tea?
Unbeknownst to many, green tea actually comes from the same plant where
normal tea is obtained. Scientifically, it is known as Camellia Sinensis. In fact, it is the
same tea but it is processed differently. The normal black tea is obtained by fermenting
the tea leaves. This fermentation changes its color and flavor, while raising the level of
caffeine and tannin in it. On the other hand, in the case of Green Tea, the tea leaves are
dried or slightly steamed but not fermented. This is what makes it look green when it’s
brewed.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
The health benefits of green tea are primarily due to its antioxidant properties
that come from its caffeine, Catechin Polyphenols and Theonine content. The major
health benefits stemming from antioxidant effects are listed below.
Anti-Aging:
The free radicals created in the body are responsible for corroding the body in
various ways, one of which we see as the signs of aging and the related symptoms. The
main job of antioxidants is to neutralize the oxidants or free radicals present in the body
and green tea is very rich in antioxidants. The Catechin Polyphenols present in green
tea are hugely responsible for the antioxidizing effects, the most powerful among them
being the Epigallocatechin Gallate. Therefore, regular consumption of green tea can
effectively delay the signs and symptoms of aging.
Stimulating:
One of the primary reasons for the popularity and consumption of all kinds of tea
by human civilizations is its stimulating effect. This effect, again, is due to the Caffeine
and Tannins present within the tea leaves. Caffeine & Tannins, despite their potentially
adverse effects on health in the long run, act as very powerful stimulants. That is why a
cup of tea makes you feel fresh and highly energized. Tea is an easy and ideal solution
to counter fatigue, laziness, sleepiness and lack of energy, and to improve blood
circulation. This is why it is so popular with a wide variety of people in various industries,
including professionals, housewives, students, and anyone else who has ever felt a bit
drowsy during the day!
Immunity Boosting:
Research shows that people who regularly drink green tea do not fall victim to
common bacterial and viral infections as easily as those who do not add green tea to
their diet. The message is clear. Green Tea boosts the strength of the immune system.
The Catechins present in green tea prevent bacteria and viruses from attaching
themselves to cell walls in order to infect them. These Catechins also counter the toxins
released by microbes. This antimicrobial property also protects you from bad breath,
dysentery, diarrhea, tooth decay, indigestion, flu, cough & cold, and colitis, all of which
are caused, in some way, by microbial & fungal action.
Astringency:
This is yet another powerful benefit of green tea. Astringent substances trigger
contractions in muscles and tissues, while toning up muscles and skin. Even if you do
not wish to drink green tea, a simple, daily mouthwash with green tea can cause
sufficient contraction in your gums to keep them firm and tight on the teeth, thus
preventing loosening and loss of teeth. You can also wash your hair with green tea and
feel it grow stronger and healthier every day.
Anti-carcinogenic:
Apart from causing premature aging, free radicals are also responsible for
causing certain types of cancer. The Catechins present in green tea neutralize these
free radicals, prevent formation of carcinogens like nitrosamines and reduce the risk of
cancer for people who regularly consume green tea. Green tea is now being clinically
used and prescribed as a home remedy to aid in the prevention of cancer, particularly
for those patients at high risk for cancer in the colon, rectum, pancreas and intestines.
Reducing Cholesterol:
Green tea has been shown to be effective in reducing cholesterol levels to some
extent, probably due to its alkalinity.
Cardiac & Arterial Health:
Certain components in green tea prevent thickening of the blood, thereby
reducing chances of Arterial Sclerosis, Thrombosis, as well as Cardiac and Cerebral
Strokes.
Anti-diabetic:
If not taken with sugar, the alkaline nature of green tea helps to reduce the blood
glucose level. Moreover, the antioxidant and astringent qualities of green tea ensure
good health and better functioning of the pancreas. Improving the function of the
pancreas means a more efficient and regulated secretion of insulin and the subsequent
improvement in decomposing and absorbing of sugar. This increase in effective
functions can help prevent the onset of diabetes.
Weight Loss:
Believe it or not, but green tea also helps people lose weight by enhancing the
rate of metabolism, thereby promoting a faster consumption of the fat storage of the
body. Recently, green tea has replaced many other beverages in the western world as
its helps in weight loss, and obesity is still a chronic problem in many places. Drink
a cup or two of green tea every morning and you are bound to lose a few pounds of
excess weight over a week or so.
Stamina & Endurance Booster:
You can prove this quality to yourself quite easily. Just have a cup of hot green
tea after some rigorous exercise and within no time, you will be ready for a few more
sets. Furthermore, it effectively counters muscular pain due to overexertion of muscles.
Although green tea isn’t as widely publicized for western athletes due to the dominant
energy drink companies in the market, if you visit Japan & China, you will see that green
tea is the premiere beverage used by practitioners of martial arts and various other
sports.