Green Tea Benefits
|There’s so much buzz around green tea benefits but what exactly are these infamous green tea benefits? Are they scientifically proven? There are a lot of people talking about ghosts too, but that doesn’t make them real…I hope. Green Tea has a multitude of health benefits.
A History Lesson
Green tea has been around for thousands of years. Like many teas, it originated in ancient China. Legend goes that a farmer by the name of Shien Non Shei tasted a leaf, mixed it with water, noticed the taste and therapeutic properties, and the rest is history. Only in recent years has it become popular in the western world. Green tea benefits stem primarily through an abundance of antioxidants. Green tea comes from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the same plant our boy Shien Non Shei tasted over 5,000 years ago.
Green Tea Benefits
Reduces Risk of Cancer
Studies have shown over and over that the epigallocatechin-3-gallate found in green tea inhibits cells from developing cancer. It does this by killing cells that are not growing properly. It also prevents overproduction of enzymes that lead to cancerous cells. There are many correlations between green tea consumption and cancer occurrence.
Weight Loss & Exercise
Green tea benefits even extend into the realm of weight loss. Green tea has polyphenois, which are particularly good at dissolving triglycerides, substances made mostly of fat and sugar. Additionally, epigallocatechin-3-gallate speeds up your metabolism. Green tea also helps you exercise longer. Studies have shown that polyphenois increase the bodies use of fatty acids, which reduce carbohydrate use and let us exercise longer. In fact, a recent study showed that animals could increase their endurance by almost 25% after consuming green tea extract! More endurance equals more exercise. If you combine this with the other green tea benefits and metabolism boost, you get a super drink!
Good for the Heart
The cardiovascular system takes the gold medal when it comes to green tea benefits. Green tea prevents the hardening of LDL (bad cholesterol) in your arteries. This in turn mitigates chances of heart disease, stroke, and so on. Countless studies have shown that drinking green tea regularly can decrease chances of high blood pressure by over 50%!
Skin Health
Recently, people have begun to believe that green tea benefits even extend to skin health. Once again, this is due to antioxidants. The scientific community is torn on this. Some believe benefits can only be received by applying green tea directly to your skin. However, others say simply drinking green tea leaves their skin healthy and smooth. In addition to aging, green tea prevents acne. It does due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and antioxidants.
Strengthens Immune System
This shouldn’t be a surprise as green tea is loaded with antioxidants. Green tea is even proven to reduce risk of HIV. Green tea greatly strengthens your immune system. It balances it out and allows it to kill bacteria much more efficiently. Green tea benefits are extremely prevalent when it comes to your immune system and fighting off sickness.
Reduces Stress, Makes You Happy & Smart
Green tea has an amino acid called Theanine. This has been proven to have profound effects on the brain. Theanine reduces mental and physical stress. If this isn’t enough, it also increases brain dopamine levels. Some also believe it releases serotonin, but this is often debated. Furthermore, it increases mental cognition and concentration. The green tea benefits that affect the brain are truly remarkable.
Rehydrates, And Then Some
The common myth that tea dehydrates is not true. In fact, green tea hydrates better than water. This is because it provides your body with nutrients and antioxidants that promote health. If I were ever stuck on an island, I would easily take a limitless supply of green tea over water.
Moderates Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease:
Studies have shown that compounds in green tea, such as epigallocatechin gallate, moderates Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease.
Conclusion
Green tea benefits are truly remarkable. Science has proven this over and over. There’s a reason it’s been used as medication for thousands of years. Green tea benefits include fighting cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and allergies all while promoting healthy skin, making you smarter, reducing stress, making you happier, and increased cardiovascular health. Green Tea is nectar of the gods, and you should be drinking it. Now go buy some.