Benefits of Green Tea

Have you tried to switch from the traditional tea that you drink every day with milk and sugar to a healthier option such as green tea? It is obvious to be curious about the health benefits and composition of green tea.

Tea obtained from plant leaves has been consumed as black tea, green tea or Oolong tea as a popular beverage all over the world. A survey shows that out of the 2.5 million tea leaves produced every year around the world, approximately is 20% is green tea and is consumed mainly in Asia and some parts of Europe, America and North Africa.

Let us discuss more about green tea and its health benefits.

What is green tea?

The method of preparation of the different types of tea is different. In the tea factory, they steam the harvested tea leaves without letting them ferment to produce green tea. Steaming destroys the enzymes that break down the green pigment in the tea leaves and thus maintains the green color during the further stages of processing. Green tea contains almost 2-4% caffeine, and other phytoconstituents such as polyphenols, and several minerals.

What are the health benefits of green tea?

Green tea has a hydrating effect on your body. Its health benefits are due to the various phytoconstituents such as catechins, caffeine, and minerals present in it. The following are the health benefits of drinking green tea:

• Improvement in brain function: Caffeine in green tea is a stimulant. It improves brain function, elevates mood, improves vigilance and memory. It acts synergistically with another ingredient L-theanine to improve brain functions.

• Burns fat: Green tea increases fat oxidation. Caffeine commonly found in green tea is responsible for improving physical performance by mobilizing fat and burning up calories.

• Antioxidant activity: Caffeine from green tea is a well-known antioxidant. It reduces oxidative stress. It also prevents the transformation of the skin cells damaged by UV radiation into cancerous cells. Some studies indicate that green tea is associated with lowering the risk of breast cancer, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer.

• Protect ageing of the brain: Certain chemicals in green tea protect the brain from neurodegenerative changes.

• Lowers the risk of some diseases: Green tea is associated with lowering the risk of type-2 diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar. It may also lower the risk of heart diseases by reducing cholesterol levels.

• May reduce weight: When taken without milk and sugar, green tea may help in weight loss.

You may drink green tea as your everyday beverage. Its constituents such as caffeine, polyphenols and minerals are beneficial for health. Remember to consume only moderate quantities within the recommended caffeine limits.