Why Green Tea is Considered a Healthy Beverage?
There are so many teas white tea, black tea, Green tea, and oolong tea. Green tea has become the hype of this decade. Everyone is quite aware of it. However, green tea benefits are not something that got discovered in the recent times. It is a traditional beverage that was used for ages in Chinese and Indian medicine. Primarily, it was used to heal wounds, regulate body temperature, improve heart health, aid digestion, and boost mental health.
Where does green tea come from actually? Usually all teas except herbal tea are imbued from the dry leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The level of oxidization is what makes each type of tea to be determined. Green teas usually have lesser oxidation level when compared to others. That is why it is loaded with higher levels of catechins and EGCG. It also is known to contain lots of antioxidants and nutrients. These make green tea to have great effects on the body. Know more about green tea benefits and why is it considered the healthiest beverage.
Bioactive Compounds in Green Tea
Green tea contains various Bioactive Compounds which helps in improving overall health. This green liquid is loaded with various polyphenols like catechins and bioflavonoids that are powerful antioxidants. These bioactive compounds reduce the free radicals formation in the body and protect body cells from damage. Since Green tea fights free radicals it helps in combating aging and many sorts of diseases.
Caffeine in Green Tea
We know that green tea keeps you fresh and awake. The reason behind this is the presence of the stimulant called caffeine in green tea. Caffeine??? Do not fret; it is not as much as it is in coffee. Caffeine is a particular compound that blocks the Adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter in brain. Such compounds can help in improving brain function. This is why green tea makes you feel smarter and refreshed. Moreover, caffeine improves aspects of brain functioning as well as improves mood and vigilance.
Amino Acids in Green tea
Apart from caffeine, green tea contains amino acids like L-theanine. This compound has anti-anxiety effects and also has the ability to cut across the blood-brain barrier. Green tea also increases the neurons functioning and concentration of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain. By increasing dopamine in brain, green tea stimulates the production of alpha waves in the brain.
Catechins in Green Tea
Catechins are the crucial compound in green tea. The potent polyphenol is the presence of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These catechins have biological effects on the body and so promote health. Catechins have an effect on fat lipid oxidation and promote the body’s fat-burning process. Catechins also inhibit the growth of micro bacterial organisms and prevent body infections.
Antioxidants in Green Tea
It is well known that green tea is loaded with antioxidants. Moreover, the level of oxidation in green tea is less in comparison to other teas. This lower oxidation levels benefits the human body. Oxidative damages is what contributes to cancer development. The antioxidants in green tea protects against this oxidative damage in the body. This is why antioxidants-rich green tea may help in lowering the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer. It is not advisable to add milk with green tea, as it will reduce the antioxidant value.
Green Tea Improves Body Metabolism
Green tea increases body’s fat burning mechanism. Moreover, it boosts body metabolic rate and physical performance. This is why green tea is considered as a fat burner in a short period of time. This way, green tea helps to lose weight and lowers the risk of obesity in the long run. Thought some studies agree with the overall weight loss concept, green tea is really effective in reducing abdominal fat.
Green Tea benefits overall Health
Not only does green tea benefit weight loss, it has other benefits as well.
- It kills bacteria and other infection in the body. This is why it lowers the risk of body infection to bacterial and viral diseases.
- It improves dental hygiene and oral health. So, regular consumption of green tea lowers the risk of cavities and reduces bad breath.
- Green Tea may also benefit in lowering the risk of Type II Diabetes as it provides mild reduction of body blood sugar levels.
- Few studies show lowered level of LDL cholesterol in body and protects against LDL oxidation. This makes green tea drinkers less possible of cardiovascular diseases.