Green tea is one of the healthiest and delicious variety of tea on the planet.
It is made from the Camellia sinensis plant.
This tea is made from the same plant where normal tea is obtained, the only differences is the mode of processing
Green tea has been enjoyed as a beverage for centuries and its gaining much popularity due to its numerous health benefits.
Green tea is considered as a superfood due to the fact that it is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on the body.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
Some of its beneficial effect includes fat loss, brain function, lower risk of cancer and other outstanding benefits.
This article takes a look at some amazing health benefits of green tea that have been confirmed by research.
Green Tea: Nutrition Facts
As earlier mentioned, green tea is naturally derived from the leaves of the tea plant.
Due to its low-calorie content, it is often beneficial for people who are on a weight loss diet.
It also helps speed up metabolism and help burn calories faster.
Also, it contains caffeine with a characteristic taste of bitterness and stimulating effect.
Green tea also contains catechin polyphenols (tannins), antifungal properties and powerful antioxidants.
Green tea is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals that stimulate which is important for healthy living (1)
There are more than 450 known organic compounds present in green tea.
In one serving of green tea (100ml) it contains
- 2 Calories
- 0 g Fat
- 27 mg potassium
- 2 mg magnesium
- 3 mg sodium
- 6 mg vitamin C
- 2 g Carbs
- 0 g fiber
- 2 g protein
- 16 g folic acid (Folate)
- 3 mg calcium
- 2 mg iron
- 5 mg vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
- 31 mg manganese
- 1 mg vitamin B6
Health Benefits Of Green Tea
i. Anti-diabetic
Diabetes especially type II diabetes is a disease that affects about 300 million people worldwide.
It is a metabolic disease which has to do with the inability of the body to produce insulin or elevated blood sugar level due to insulin insensitivity.
However, studies suggest that green tea can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
Diabetic patient are at a greater risk of suffering from stroke, loss of vision and heart disease
Those suffering from diabetes may have increased health risks, such as amputation, stroke, loss of vision, and heart disease.
A 2006 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that Japanese individual who drank at least 6 cups of green tea had a 33% reduced risk of developing type II diabetes.
ii. Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Health Benefits of Green Tea
A WHO report shows that heart disease and stroke are the biggest causes of death in the world .
Studies show that green tea can combat some of the main risk factors for these deadly diseases. Some of the risk factors include total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Green tea contains flavonoid antioxidants which help protects the LDL “bad” cholesterol from oxidation which is one of the pathways towards cardiovascular disease.
Due to these beneficial effects, green tea drinkers have up to a 31% lower risk of heart disease.
A 2012 study published in Nutrition Research shows that people who took green tea for three months had a significantly lowered blood pressure.
iii. Helps in Weight Loss
Given that green tea can enhance metabolism, it makes so much sense that it could help you lose weight.
Green tea has actually replaced so many other beverages due to their effect on weight loss.
Studies reveal that green tea leads to a decrease in abdominal fat.
Other studies reveal that catechins found in green tea can actually help in maintaining weight apart from weight reduction.
iv. Improves Vision
Green tea plays a vital role in vision improvement.
Being a rich source of vitamin C, E, lutein and zeaxanthin, they help protect and strengthen your eye tissues
By so doing, they help protect the eyes from eye disease like glaucoma.
v. Anti-carcinogenic
Health Benefits of Green Tea
Apart from its role in aging, free radical can also lead to cancer formation.
Green tea contains chemical compounds known as EGCG which may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Due to this benefit, green tea is often used as a preventive cure for cancer.
The EGCG don’t just inhibit cancer cell proliferation, but it also kills cancer cells.
How does this works?
A 2013 study reveals that this compound triggers proteins that cause cancer cells to die.
vi. Prevents Kidney Stone Formation
Kidney stones are very painful conditions which normally occur due to the accumulation of uric acid in the kidney.
About 5% of the world’s population is affected by this ailment.
If you are suffering from this condition, a cup of green tea may be all you need.
You may ask how green tea solves this menace.
Green tea forms a bond with this stones and changes this conformation, making the likelihood of the kidney stone sticking together much lower.
vii. Prevents Flu and Common Cold
Health Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea may be all you need whenever common cold strikes.
Due to its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, it helps combats cold and flu.
Final Thoughts
In order to feel better, you can explore these amazing health benefits of green tea. If you want to lose weight and lower chronic diseases or prevent the common cold, then you might consider making green tea a part of your daily meal