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The benefits of green tea are many, as it is a drink with thermogenic and antioxidant properties.Native to India and China, green tea has been used for centuries as a natural tonic to treat various physical and mental conditions. Traditionally, the elixir was used to heal wounds, control bleeding, improve one’s mental health, aid digestion, and regulate a sick person’s body temperature. Much in the same way, recent times have witnessed the increased use of green tea as means of maintaining general health and well-being.
The Science behind the Benefits of Green Tea
The benefits of green tea are noted to arise from the way that the leaves are processed. Made from unoxidized or unfermented tea leaves, green tea is reportedly the least processed type of tea and thus, contains the most beneficial polyphenols. Loosely defined, polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that work in the body to eliminate any compounds that may alter or damage the body’s cells and fight the free radicals that cause illnesses.
In addition, green tea contains folate, caffeine, B vitamins, manganese, magnesium, potassium, and catechins which function to reduce one’s cholesterol levels, boost weight loss, combat cardiovascular disease, and revamp one’s mental capabilities.
You can drink green tea at any time, but is recommended to be at least one hour before and after meals. Drinking green tea while fasting has also been proven to be beneficial because your body more easily absorbs its properties.
The Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Green Tea
Physical
Heart Disease– The key cause of coronary artery disease is the development of blood clots within major blood vessels. According to recent scientific studies conducted on the benefits of consuming green tea, it is noted that catechins, which are some of the polyphenolic compounds found in green tea, exert a number of protective effects within the cardiovascular system. As such, they ensure that the lining of major blood vessels remains relaxed in order to better withstand any changes in an individual’s blood pressure. Moreover, these compounds prevent the formation of any clots in major blood vessels.
Weight Loss/ Cholesterol Control– With regard to cholesterol control and weight loss, the polyphenol compounds contained in green tea are noted to reduce LDL, commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol, while raising “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels within the body. In addition, these polyphenolic compounds block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. The combination of catechins and caffeine, in particular, is noted to aid the body in burning calories by speeding up the metabolic process.
Diabetes Control– The various compounds contained in green tea are also noted to prevent, as well as slow down, the development and progression of Type I diabetes, respectively. This is due to the fact that catechins assist the body during the process of glucose regulation, thus preventing high insulin spikes by assisting in the body’s process of converting glucose into energy.
Tooth Decay– According to recent studies, the antioxidant catechins also works to destroy the viruses and bacteria that are renowned for causing dental carries and throat infections.
Skin Care– The high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content of green tea helps reduce the various signs of aging including wrinkles and crow’s feet when topically applied.
The Brilliant Mental Benefits of Green Tea
In terms of one’s psychological and mental capabilities, the phytochemicals contained in green tea are noted to assist in the maintenance of positive mood states. This specific benefit of green tea arises from the fact that polyphenols boost the availability of the chemical compound dopamine which works within the brain to increase one’s level of motivation as well as positive mood state. Tannin , yet another chemical compound contained in green tea, has certain brain boosting benefits as it prevents brain injury and neuron damage. This is noted to be the key reason why the consumption of green tea is noted to reduce an individual’s risk of developing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
Green tea’s caffeine content also works to assist individuals in staying alert during the learning process. It is worth noting that although caffeine is considered to produce a stimulating effect, this effect is counteracted by the amino acid Theanine. Owing to the fact that Theanine is naturally contained in tea leaves, the amino acid elicits a tranquilizing and relaxing effect that effectively offsets caffeine stimulation in the brain to produce the feeling of being alert, yet relaxed at the same time. As such, the consumption of green tea also works to combat any feelings of anxiety and depression that an individual may experience.
Green tea for weight loss | Benefits of green tea
All in all, green tea drinkers obtain numerous health benefits that range from simple skin care to important physiological and psychological body functions.
