Health Benefits of Green Tea
Discovered in China, green tea is one of the oldest drinks that are still consumed today. This is because green tea is one of the healthiest and most natural drinks in the world, but despite this being a very well-known fact many still shy away from this magical drink. Why?
Unlike other popular drinks, green tea carries a bitter taste if sugar is not added. Its bitterness can be increased if the tea itself is not good quality or if the water you used was far too hot, however, this is something that is very easy to fix! Many suggest to switch to a loose-leaf tea instead, as it tastes a lot better. Other options include: preparing it with cooler water, drinking it while it’s still warm and adding lemon or honey,
The difference between green and black tea
Many believe that green and black tea are the same, but this is simply not correct. This misconception comes from the fact that both green and black tea come from the same tea plant, Camellia Sinensis.
The biggest difference between green and black tea is, of course, the colour. Green tea is significantly lighter in colour, than black tea. This is because black tea is oxidised, while green tea is not. This is what causes green tea to be lighter and healthier, than black tea.
Some substances that makes green tea a healthy
Tea itself carries a vast number of polyphenols, natural compounds that include many health benefits, which includes the prevention of heart disease, protection from cancer and the reduction of inflammation.
Green tea, specifically, contains catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate or better known as, EGCG. This natural antioxidant prevents the damage of cells and molecules, which protects its consumer from many diseases such as cancer.
Green tea can help boost your immune system
Green tea has been used in China, Japan and India as a natural healer for many years. According to research carried by the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, the natural compounds found in green tea can also be found in pharmaceutical drugs.
Green tea naturally strengthens the immune system protecting the body from cancer, heart disease and UV radiation. This is due to its natural antioxidant properties, because although our bodies produce their own called endogenous, they are not as effective and therefore green tea increases its effectiveness and as a result strengthens our immune system.
The best way to drink green tea to gain its benefits
Although we’ve already mentioned some of the major health benefits green tea can provide you with, the list still goes on. Here are the best ways to drink green tea, in order to unlock all of its health benefits!
The best way to drink green tea would be in the morning, on an empty stomach. This will help you to get that much needed energy boost in the morning, that will last for several hours. If you’re using green tea to help you on your weight loss journey, try drinking a cup or two before working out and you will find it much easier. Drinking green tea half an hour before eating, will also help to boost your metabolism.
If you’re turning to green tea for a healthier lifestyle, then you may want to be cautious with what you add to it so you don’t negatively affect its health benefits. This includes sugar, as sugar leads to weight gain and a higher chance of dealing with heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.
A healthier substitute for sugar to keep or even increase the health benefits of green tea, includes:
- Lemon: supports heart’s health, helps to controls weight, prevents kidney stones, reduces the risk of cancer and improves digestive health.
- Honey: rich in antioxidants, lowers blood pressure and triglycerides. contains nutrients, improves cholesterol, good for the heart, heals burns and wounds, suppresses coughing for children.
- Ginger: contains powerful medicinal properties, treats nausea, helps with weight loss and osteoarthritis, lowers blood sugar and heart disease risk factors, aids chronic indigestion.
- Peppermint: eases digestive problems, relieves headaches and migraines, freshens your breath, helps with clogged sinuses, improves energy, relieves menstrual cramps, fights bacterial infections, improves sleep.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it’s fair to say that green tea is a magical drink. Its benefits are far too amazing, to be ignored. Not only does it prevent cancer and type 2 diabetes, but it also burns fat, contains healthy bioactive compounds, improves brain function and prevents it from ageing, reduces bad breath and so much more!
If you haven’t already, you should try drinking green tea and watch your body glow. However, always remember that too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. If you’re planning on increasing your intake on green tea, aim for 1–4 cups a day, as more than that can lead to stomach problems, diarrhea and iron deficiency.
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