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Green tea health benefits have captivated the interest of many, and for good reason. From weight loss and cardiovascular health to its potent antioxidant properties, green tea is truly a remarkable beverage. In this article, we shall delve into the many benefits green tea has to offer.
It's important to state here, that it's not a 'cure' - it's a preventative measure, green tea health benefits work to prevent issues, drinking green tea isn't a 'magic bullet'.
The links within the text go to scientific articles - mostly they're the 'extracts' and give you an overall view, the general gist of the research and results, but you can wade into them deeper if there's something of particular interest to you.
You can try a sample lesson to help you decide if the Herbal Academy of New England is the right choice for you - follow the link below.
Source: PubMed
Weight Loss
One of the most popular and sought-after benefits of green tea is its potential to aid in weight loss.
Dr. Perricone famously claimed on Oprah Winfrey's show in 2004 that replacing coffee with green tea could result in a weight loss of 10 pounds in six weeks.
This bold statement is explained by the fact that green tea affects insulin levels in the body, which in turn influences body fat. The caffeine in green tea helps to boost metabolism, and catechins, a type of antioxidant in green tea, help break down excess fat.
Clinical evidence supporting these claims is growing, and many have found success in incorporating green tea into their daily routines for weight management.
However, trials have shown that whilst there is a weight loss, it is sometimes fairly small - it's not going to help you lose masses of weight on its own, but there are other health benefits to drinking green tea.
Green tea for weight loss and weight maintenance in overweight or obese adults
Lowering Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
Green tea is also beneficial for heart health. Studies have shown that regular consumption of green tea can lead to lower LDL cholesterol levels, which is often referred to as "bad cholesterol." The antioxidants in green tea, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), play a significant role in this process.
Additionally, green tea helps to relax blood vessels, enhancing circulation, and lowering blood pressure. This makes green tea a valuable ally in the fight against cardiovascular diseases, which are prevalent in many parts of the world.
Antiseptic and Oral Health
Green tea also has antiseptic properties, which contribute to better oral health. The natural fluoride content in green tea helps to protect teeth from decay, while its antibacterial properties combat harmful bacteria in the mouth that cause gum disease and plaque.
Regular consumption of green tea can therefore help maintain oral hygiene, reducing the risk of cavities and other dental problems. This makes green tea an excellent, natural choice for those looking to improve their dental health.
Green tea: A boon for periodontal and general health
Lowering Blood Sugar
Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health, particularly for individuals with diabetes. Green tea has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. The catechins in green tea help to regulate glucose production and its absorption into the cells. This makes green tea an effective natural remedy for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Cancer Prevention
So this is a knotty one - it's a conclusion reached by the lower incidence of certain cancers in countries (China and Japan) where the consumption of green tea is high. It's too much of a leap to rely on. There is research (naturally) and there are scientific reasons behind the presumption - antioxidants *do* inhibit the growth of cancer cells and polyphenols *can* protect cells from damage and *may* block the mechanisms that cancer cells use to spread. But it's not something you can rely on as 'treatment'. Green tea is *perhaps* a factor in the lower incidence of cancers in certain countries, but there are other factors which may have an equal or greater effect.
There are studies and I'll link one here - it's dated 2022 and is a balanced review of literature found. It's interesting and is certainly supportive of people taking green tea as a *preventative* because it has properties which are beneficial to overall health and there are significant differences in the health of people who drink it regularly against people who don't.
Tea Polyphenols and Their Preventive Measures against Cancer: Current Trends and Directions
How to Include Green Tea in Your Diet
To reap the green tea health benefits, it is suggested to consume about four cups a day, which provides an adequate amount of polyphenols. If you are sensitive to caffeine, green tea supplements with lower caffeine content are an alternative. For those looking solely for the health benefits without the caffeine, these supplements can provide similar advantages without the jittery side effects.
Some people find it very bitter, but it's an acquired taste and if you brew it for a shorter amount of time, it will be less bitter and you can gradually get used to it, increasing the amount of time you steep the tea.
Conclusion
Green tea is a powerhouse beverage that offers a myriad of health benefits. From facilitating weight loss and improving heart health to its rich antioxidant properties and potential cancer-preventive effects, green tea deserves a place in your daily regimen. While further research is needed to fully understand the scope of its benefits, incorporating green tea into your diet can contribute positively to your overall health and well-being.
Polyphenols are known to have an antioxidant effect in vitro - that means in the test tube, under laboratory conditions. It's a fact that antioxidants stop the chemical reaction of oxidation - that is the process by which free radicals are produced which are known to damage cell walls.
What we can't say for sure, is what effect individual antioxidants have in vivo - in the body. Metabolisms are different, even on a day to day basis, foods you consume one day to the next, have a different effect.
It's too big a leap to say 'this product has polyphenols, therefore it will protect you from cancer and heart disease'.
What we can say, that green tea will do you no harm consumed in normal quantities and may very well bring some green tea benefits.
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