10 Best Health Benefits of Green Tea

Drinking green tea for health benefits is not a modern trend. For centuries, people from all around the globe have embraced green tea for its exceptional medical properties, and rightly so as many researchers have indicated positive multiple health benefits of green tea to the body when consumed regularly.

Same as other true teas, green tea also comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Green tea is untouched when it offers the most health benefits for tea enthusiasts. The reason behind the excellent health properties of green tea is its delicate processing approach.

The tea is produced from the unoxidized leaves and goes through the minimum processing which helps it to get a hold of the maximum antioxidants and nutrients. 

To add to its perks, green tea provides you options to enjoy the drink hot as well as iced; both are tremendously refreshing with no difference in the potential health benefits.

What is green tea?

Teas are generally categorized into two types - Herbal Tea and True Tea. Green tea belongs to the “True Tea” category as it is a caffeinated beverage from the Camellia Sinensis plant. 

Originating in China, it gained global recognition for its high polyphenol content to offers immense medical benefits. 

Green tea is usually cultivated in high-elevation areas where the temperature is generally cool to help it thrive. 

The production process of green tea starts with the manual harvesting of camellia Sinensis leaves. Usually, the plant’s terminal bush and the first couple of leaves below it are collected. Those fresh and young buds are touted to be responsible for holding the beneficial nutrients. After harvesting, the plant goes through the steaming and pan-frying process before drying. Since it does not go through the fermentation process preventing oxidation, it holds on to higher concentrations of antioxidants, and polyphenols than other tea varieties.

Health Benefits of Green Tea

Now we know the secret behind the health properties of green tea. Without further ado, let's dive into the key health benefits of green tea. Keep your kettle turned on!

May Help Prevent Cancer

It doesn't come better than this. Yes, green tea may help you prevent cancer, a life-threatening disease caused due to unwanted cell growth in the body. 

As our body goes through the regular metabolism, there is a risk for oxidative damage which can cause chronic inflammation which further may result in cancer. Green tea contains the antioxidants named epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which can control oxidative damage. Not all, but this health property of green tea may help you prevent numerous cancers including prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, skin cancer, stomach cancer, etc.

May Aid in Weight Loss

Though in fewer amounts, green tea does contain caffeine. Caffeine is often praised for aiding fat burn with its stimulant characteristic to improve exercise and workouts.

Besides, green tea is packed with epigallocatechin gallate, an antioxidant that amazingly boosts metabolism. So, how does this impressive catechin help you to cut down that stubborn fat from your fat? Well, firstly let's understand the fat-burning process. Your body requires breaking down the fat into tiny cells to transfer it to the bloodstream, which results in fat burn. The research has shown that EGCG is effective in improving the performance of fat-burning hormones to promote quick and effective fat breakdown. 

So, if you are on weight-loss workouts, including green tea in your diet plan can significantly improve the result. 

Boosts Your Immune System 

Your immune system guards your body against outer threats to prevent diseases and infections. So, building a good immune system is crucial to living a healthy life. Green tea is packed with polyphenols; and antioxidants including EGCG that help you fight disease by reducing inflammation and improving immunity. Plus, some catechins in green tea also include antiviral properties which help you to fight off different infections such as adenovirus, viral flu, and hepatitis.

Aids Cognitive Behaviors 

Not only for your physical health, but green tea also does wonders for your mental health. 

The caffeine in green tea acts as a stimulant to improve your brain function by blocking adenosine which prevents different mental illnesses including depression and anxiety disorder. However, caffeine is not the only compound behind the health benefits of green tea on your mental health. Green tea also contains L-theanine which plays a role in calming your brain by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. 

So, caffeine and L-theanine compounds combine to improve your overall cognitive function. 

Additionally, green tea polyphenols also boost the development of new brain cells and their aptness to form the neural connection reducing the risk of cognitive disorders. 

Lowers the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease 

Heart attack and stroke are life-threatening. So, every step you take to reduce the risk is crucial. One of the simplest preventive steps could be to include green tea in your diet plan. 

Yet again, EGCG which is abundant in green tea comes in the role of preventing you from serious cardiovascular diseases. The compound prevents amyloid formation in the arteries to reduce the risks of strokes and heart attacks. Additionally, by breaking up plaques that pose the risk of creating a blockage in heart vessels, the antioxidants also help to lower the LDL cholesterol level. 

With such merits, it is understandable why the research indicates that drinking green tea regularly reduces your risk of dying from heart disease by 31 %.

Improves Oral Health 

The flavonoids in green tea contain anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing gum inflammation and prevent periodontal diseases. 

Besides, the antioxidants in green tea also possess antibacterial properties to kill microbes to prevent numerous oral diseases including weak enamel, cavities, and bad breath. So, drink green tea for fresh and healthy breath. However, note to drink it unsweetened if you are looking for maximum oral health benefits. 

Help Sound Sleep 

While many caffeinated beverages are usually not recommended before bed, green tea actually might be a good option for sound sleep. All the credit goes to the L-theanine compound for this substantial benefit of green tea before bed. The compound helps to balance the stress hormones in your brain and aids your brain to calm down. However, if you are caffeine-sensitive, you should consider drinking low-caffeine green tea to avoid the opposite effect. 

May Help Manage Type-2 Diabetes 

Insulin resistance is common in people with type 2 diabetes as the body cells are unable to absorb glucose, elevating your risk of developing diabetes complications which may further lead to life-threatening health conditions such as neuropathy, kidney disease, and cardiovascular diseases. 

Green tea contains catechins that smoothen digestion and reduce carbohydrate absorption which may decrease the impacts of insulin resistance in your body. 

May Lower Blood Pressure 

Green helps to relax your blood vessels muscles to relieve any resistance in the blood flow for your arteries which contributes to low blood pressure. 

But if you are already on medication for high blood pressure, check with your doctor before adding the tea to your diet. This is because alongside the medication, sometimes the effects of green tea on blood pressure might just be troublesome as it can excessively lower your blood pressure worsening your health condition. 

Improves Skin Health 

If you are dealing with acne-prone skin, you can benefit from the anti-inflammatory health properties of green tea to protect your skin from external sources. The polyphenols kill the acne-causing bacteria so you achieve healthier skin. Also, it helps to block UV radiation effects. So, if you are a fan of sunbathing, you may want to include green tea in a routine as a natural sunscreen.

Are There Side Effects to Drinking Green Tea?

Although green tea is applauded for its abundant health benefits, the tea does produce side effects for some. Most of the time the reason for side effects is recognized to be the caffeine content in the tea which is common when consumed excessively. Here, we have compiled some possible side effects of green tea on the body for you to help decide on the right dosage. 

May Cause Stomach Problems

Green tea is not recommended on an empty stomach as it contains tannins which may result in the raising of stomach acid and as a result, it may cause different digestive issues such as stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and acid reflux. To prevent these symptoms from impacting your quality of life, make a space for green tea only after a meal. 

May Weaken the Bones

While green tea contains myriad flavonoids to aid your bone health, excessive intake may weaken your bone instead. This is because Green tea extract can minimize the bone accumulation rate which lowers the density of bone minerals. Plus, drinking too much green tea also results in an outflow of copious calcium through urine which is not helpful for our bones. Thus, be careful with these health properties of green tea, especially if you have osteoporosis. 

Provokes Caffeine Side Effects

Though caffeine levels in green tea are comparatively lower than many other true teas, the excessive intake of green tea may lead to many unwanted caffeine side effects. The common symptoms of caffeine sensitivities include irritability, difficulty sleeping, motion sickness, and nausea. 

High caffeine consumption may also result in other serious conditions such as drastic lowering of blood pressure, liver disease, and irregular heartbeats. The side effects are more common when you are on medication. So, it is ideal to check with your healthcare provider if you are taking any medicine. 

What is the best time to drink green tea? 

Though the tea drinking times depend on personal preference, selecting the right time aids you in relishing the maximum health benefits of green tea. 

You can drink green tea in the morning to wake up your mind, enhancing alertness and concentration. However, do not consume it on an empty stomach as it may lead to several side effects. So, if you are looking for caffeine perks in the early morning, make time for green tea after a light meal. With this, you can ensure antioxidant benefits with minimum chances of side effects. 

Another best time to enjoy the maximum health benefits of green tea is during exercise time. Green tea and exercise form a great team to defeat the stubborn fats in your body as green tea is significantly helpful in boosting the metabolism to aid fat burn. So, drinking green tea just before a workout may be your secret to fitness.

FAQs

Can I drink green tea on an empty stomach? 

Drinking green tea on an empty stomach is not recommended as it contains the tannins polyphenols that can raise stomach acid which can lead to constipation, acid flux, abdominal pain, stomach upset, burning sensation, and nausea. So, make time for green tea only after meals.

How much caffeine is in green tea?

On average, green tea typically contains 35 mg. of caffeine in an 8 oz. cup of serving. 

How much green tea should you drink a day?

Limiting green tea to 8 cups a day is considered safe to gain optimal benefits. Excessive consumption may lead to several side effects such as digestive issues, headache, bone weakening, liver disease, irregular heartbeat, etc. 

Who should not drink green tea?

People with medical conditions such as bleeding disorders, acid reflux, and inflammatory bowel disease should not drink green tea. Also, avoid green tea, if you are on different medications for antibiotics, anticoagulants, and antidepressants to avoid interaction. 

How to drink green tea?

Add 1.5 or 2 teaspoons of green tea leaves to a cup and pour hot water into it. Steep it for 2 to 3 minutes to extract the best taste and health benefits of green tea.

Buy Green Tea from the Himalayas

Green tea did not just get its name as a “superfood” by coincidence. The abounding health benefits of green tea justify the term greatly. So, if you are looking to improve your health and fitness, this tea should certainly be on your shopping catalog. You can start your journey to a vigorous lifestyle with Danfe. At Danfe Tea, you can ensure the antioxidant-packed green tea like no other ordinary tea, thanks to the pristine climate and fresh minerally-rich soil in the high hilly region of Nepal where it thrives nutritiously.