Green tea comes from the plant Camellia sinensis and has been used around the world for medicinal purposes. Green tea is consumed as a beverage and can also be taken in supplements. There are many different types available and it is very versatile.
Here are the top 10 health benefits of drinking green tea.
- Compounds in green tea can improve brain function, mental performance, and prevent cognitive decline. The two main compounds in green tea, L-theanine and coffee, can significantly boost levels of attention and alertness.
- Increases fat burning and improves physical performance. Green tea increases metabolism and the nutrients found in green tea works to increase levels of fat burning.
- Improves bone density. The bioactive components of green tea help decrease the risk of fractures by improving bone mineral density.
- Can kill bacteria, which improves dental health and lowers your risk for infection. Green tea has natural antibiotic and antifungal properties and can protect against cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
- May lower risk of Type 2 diabetes. Green tea improves insulin sensitivity and helps protect against rapid rises and crashes in blood sugar levels.
- Maintains a healthy cardiovascular system. Green tea contains significant amounts of antioxidants that protect against heart disease by preventing blood clots and improving blood vessel function.
- Aids digestion. One of the ways that green tea promotes digestive healthy is because the catechins (antioxidants) found in green tea can help increases the activity of pepsin, a digestion enzyme.
- Improves your mood and helps you relax. Green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, which is found in tea plants. L-theanine exhibits anti-anxiety effects by increasing dopamine levels in the brain and decreases blood pressure.
- Live longer. Not only has green tea been found to help prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but it has also been found to prevent cancer, which can greatly impact one’s life expectancy.
- Lowers blood sugar. Green tea helps reduce insulin resistance, which goes hand in hand with the prevention of Type 2 Diabetes.
Here are some more tips to make drinking green tea more enjoyable.
- Be mindful of water temperature. Green tea should usually be brewed between 150 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The best way to control water temperature is to use a tea kettle. If you don’t have one, you can simply boil water in a pot on the stove.
- Don’t add sugar or honey. This may take away from the nutritional value of tea. A better alternative would be using mint or lemon juice.
- Drink three to five cups a day for maximum health benefits.
Feel better, lose weight, lower your risk of chronic disease, and be healthier by incorporating green tea into your everyday routine!
Written by Dami Falade
