10 Benefits of Green Tea
Article Sources
- 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4055352/
- 2. https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/cholesterol-and-artery-plaque-buildup#1
- 3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193
- 4. https://www.gstatic.com/healthricherkp/pdf/rheumatoid_arthritis.pdf
- 5. https://news.wsu.edu/2016/02/16/145706/
Green Tea was discovered in China 3000 BC or earlier and has been used by China and Japan for thousands of years for medical purposes. Green tea is produced by the plant Camellia sinensis. Green tea is made by lightly steaming the leaves. Green tea is most commonly consumed as a caffeinated beverage however it can also be used in different forms. The other forms include liquid extracts, capsules, tablets and skin topical products.
The benefits of green tea are endless. Green tea improves mental alertness, aids in digestive health, promotes weight loss, and even anti-aging effects. Also, studies are finding the green tea can have positive properties on chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. In this article we will be exploring the beneficial effects of green tea.
Green Tea Benefit #1: Cancer Prevention
Many studies have thoroughly researched catechins and theaflavins found in green tea and have confirmed a possible decrease risk of cancer in humans. In four different studies, results on individuals with highest consumption of green tea were less likely at risk for breast cancer as to compare to individuals with the least amount of intake of green tea.
Furthermore, reduced chance of recurrence of breast cancer has also been found in women consuming 3 or more cups of green tea a day. Green tea acting as a chemo preventative against a broad variety of cancers is increasingly becoming clear 1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4055352/.
Green Tea Benefit #2: Healthy Heart
Drinking green tea has been linked to a rise in cardiovascular and metabolic health. Green tea has been found to increase the excretion of triglycerides and cholesterol in the body to oppose to fat being stored. This reduces risk of forming plaques in the arteries since plaques are made up of cholesterol and triglycerides.
Over time plaques can build up in the arteries slowing blood flow to those areas. If a cholesterol plaque ruptures, a sudden blood clot forms over the rupture and causes a heart attack or stroke. In a meta-analysis study, involving 194,965 individuals, subjects that consumed more then 3 cups of green tea were 21% less likely at risk of a stroke then the subjects that consumed less than 1 cup a day 2https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/cholesterol-and-artery-plaque-buildup#1.
Green Tea Benefit #3: Controlling Blood Sugar
Numerous studies have found green tea may have a positive effect of glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Glucose is the simplest form of sugar and is used to test blood sugar levels in the blood. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and aids in storing glucose in the body after we eat so the body can use this glucose later when needed for energy.
Insulin sensitivity refers to how effective insulin is able to store glucose after we eat. When an individual has diabetes, one can no longer control the blood glucose levels which can lead to many other chronic diseases. In a large cohort study preformed in the US, women who drank 4 cups or more of green tea had a 30% less chance of developing type-2 diabetes 3https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193.
Green Tea Benefit #4: Healthy Joints
Green tea may have positive effects on reducing the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks joint lining resulting in painful swelling. Over a course of time rheumatoid arthritis causes bone loss and joint defects. In a study preformed on women who drank 3 cups of green tea a day exhibited a lower chance of contracting rheumatoid arthritis in contrast to women that never consumed green tea 4https://www.gstatic.com/healthricherkp/pdf/rheumatoid_arthritis.pdf.
In another study preformed at Washington State University, examined the phytochemical called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), known as an anti-inflammatory property found in green tea. The results propose that EGCG could be a possible treatment for rheumatoid arthritis because it had effectively blocked molecules of the disease without other side effects 5https://news.wsu.edu/2016/02/16/145706/.
Green Tea Benefit #5: Weight Loss
In the book, “Yojokun”, published in 1713, the author Ekiken Kaibara, explained that long-term consumption of green tea can result to a lean body and fat loss. In recent studies, findings have demonstrated drinking green tea has led to loss in body fat. The catechins in green tea have been found to possibly have an anti-obesity effect.
Tea catechins can possibility result in the reduction of cell growth of lipogenesis in humans. Lipogenesis is the formation of fat in the human body. In another study, mice given EGCG plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels were significantly reduced. Thus, results of these studies show promising evidence that drinking green tea can lead to weight loss.
Green Tea Benefit #6: Memory Improvement
Drinking green tea has been shown to have a positive effect on the brain’s cognitive functions. Researchers have found promising suggestions that green tea can aid in the therapy of cognitive improvements. In a double-blind study conducted on 12 healthy individuals, who received green tea extract or no green tea extract found green tea extract positively enhanced task performance from those that were not given the green tea extract.
The findings of this study are reported to help assist in finding possible treatments of cognitive impairments in psychiatric disorders such as dementia. If you’re interested in improving your performance at work grab a mug of green tea and skip the cup of coffee.
Green Tea Benefit #7: Neurological Enhancement
Green tea has shown to have positive effects on neuronal diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease affects movement and induces tremors. Parkinson’s disease is caused by nerve damage in the brain, which causes dopamine levels to drop. When levels of dopamine drop symptoms of Parkinson’s increase. In a study conducted on 29,335 subjects aged 25 to 74 years were followed over 12 years. Results found in individuals that consumed 3 or more cups of green tea had a reduced risk of contracting Parkinson’s disease. In case-controlled study preformed in China, examined the relationships between green tea consumptions and Parkinson’s disease. Findings displayed that 3 cups of green tea a day over 10 years lead to 22%-28% less chance of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease [[7]].
Green Tea Benefit #8: Prevents Infections
Worried about calling out sick at work? Worry no more. Green tea may be the answer to keep you healthy during flu season. EGCG tea has been tested and demonstrates anti-infective properties on killing bacteria and lower risk of infection in individuals. In addition, EGCG also has antifungal effect in yeast infections. Furthermore, physiological concentration of EGCG in vitro has antiviral properties. In recent studies, EGCG has been shown to have an inhibiting effect on against hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C is an infection that attacks the liver and leads to inflammation. The most common cause of Hepatitis C is needle sharing or unsterile tattoo equipment [[8]],[[9]].
Green Tea Benefit #9: Healthy Teeth
New research has found that drinking green tea promotes healthy teeth and gums. In a study published in Journal periodontology, analyzed periodontal health of 940 men. Results found that the men who drank green tea had significant increase in periodontal health then compared to the men who did not consume green tea. Periodontology is the specialty of dentistry that studies surrounding structures of teeth and disease and conditions that affect that area. In addition, researchers examined male participants, age 49-59, for different periodontal diseases. Researchers found for every cup of green tea consumed a day a decrease in risk of periodontal disease was noticed [[10]].
Green Tea Benefit #10: Anti-Aging
Out of all the many positive benefits of drinking green tea many will be running to grab a cup of green tea for its anti-aging effects. We are a society that wants to look forever young, and green tea is very popular for its anti-aging properties. Collagen is the main structural protein found in skin and keeps skin young and healthy looking. As we age, collagen declines in the skin making the skin more prone to stretching and wrinkles. Interesting new research has found evidence that green tea can possibly block collagen aging. One study conducted on mice over a 10-month period of time, found delay in collagen aging by the antioxidant mechanism of green tea [[11]].
