10 Good Reasons Why You Should Drink More Green Tea
Nov 29, 2013 21:26
Green tea is more than just something you drink at a Japanese
restaurant. This green beverage packs a pretty powerful punch that can help
you feel healthier and potentially increase your longevity. Below are 10
health benefits of green tea that have been confirmed in human research
studies:
It also has an antioxidant called Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), which has been studied to treat various diseases and may be one of the main reasons green tea has such powerful medicinal properties. If possible, stick to a higher quality brand of green tea as some lower quality brands tend to contain excessive levels of fluoride.
Can Improve Brain Function and Make You Smarter
The key active ingredient here is caffeine, a known stimulant that's been linked to improvements in various aspects of brain function, including improved mood, vigilance, reaction time and memory. It also has the amino acid L-theanine, which helps lower anxiety. This combined with the smaller dose of caffeine makes green tea a great alternative for those who need a quick brain boost.
One study in Japanese individuals found that those who drank the most green tea had a 42% lower risk of developing type II diabetes. According to a review of 7 studies with a total of 286,701 individuals, green tea drinkers had an 18% lower risk of becoming diabetic (47).
In a study of 40,530 Japanese adults, those who drank the most green tea (5 or more cups per day) were significantly less likely to die during an 11 year period.
Another study in 14,001 elderly Japanese individuals aged 65-84 years found that those who drank the most green tea were 76% less likely to die during the 6 year study period.
Contains Various Bioactive Compounds That Can Improve Health
Green tea is loaded with bioactive compounds that can have various beneficial effects on health, including polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins, which function as powerful antioxidants These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body which are known to play a role in aging and all sorts of diseases.It also has an antioxidant called Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), which has been studied to treat various diseases and may be one of the main reasons green tea has such powerful medicinal properties. If possible, stick to a higher quality brand of green tea as some lower quality brands tend to contain excessive levels of fluoride.
Can Improve Brain Function and Make You Smarter
The key active ingredient here is caffeine, a known stimulant that's been linked to improvements in various aspects of brain function, including improved mood, vigilance, reaction time and memory. It also has the amino acid L-theanine, which helps lower anxiety. This combined with the smaller dose of caffeine makes green tea a great alternative for those who need a quick brain boost.Increases Fat Burning and Improves Physical Performance
Some studies have found that drinking green tea can help boost the metabolic rate and increase fat burning in the short term.Contains Antioxidants That May Lower Various Types of Cancer Risks
Since green tea is such an excellent source of powerful antioxidants, it's believed to protect against certain types of cancer, including:- Breast cancer: A meta-analysis of observational studies found that women who drank the most green tea had a 22% lower risk of developing breast cancer, the most common cancer in women.
- Prostate cancer: One study found that men drinking green tea had a 48% lower risk of developing prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer in men.
- Colorectal cancer: A study of 69,710 Chinese women found that green tea drinkers had a 57% lower risk of colorectal cancer.
Protects Brain, Lowers Risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
The bioactive compounds in green tea can have various protective effects on neurons and may reduce the risk of both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, the two most common neurodegenerative disorders.Kills Oral Bacteria, Reduces Risk Of Infections
Streptococcus mutans is the primary harmful bacteria in the mouth. It causes plaque formation and is a leading contributor to cavities, tooth decay and bad breath. Some studies show that catechins found in green tea can kill off this bacteria, and even inhibit viruses like the influenza virus, potentially lowering your risk of infections.Lowers Risk of Type II Diabetes
Some controlled trials show that green tea can cause mild reductions in blood sugar levels. It may also lower the risk of developing type II diabetes in the long term.One study in Japanese individuals found that those who drank the most green tea had a 42% lower risk of developing type II diabetes. According to a review of 7 studies with a total of 286,701 individuals, green tea drinkers had an 18% lower risk of becoming diabetic (47).
Green Tea May Reduce Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Green tea has been shown to lower total and LDL cholesterol, as well as protect the LDL particles from oxidation. Observational studies show that green tea drinkers have up to a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.Helps With Weight Loss, Lowers Risk of Becoming Obese
Some studies show that green tea leads to increased weight loss. It is particularly effective at reducing the dangerous abdominal fat.Helps You Live Longer
Given that green tea drinkers are at a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, it makes sense that it could help you live longer.In a study of 40,530 Japanese adults, those who drank the most green tea (5 or more cups per day) were significantly less likely to die during an 11 year period.
Another study in 14,001 elderly Japanese individuals aged 65-84 years found that those who drank the most green tea were 76% less likely to die during the 6 year study period.
