In the last decade there have been more and more studies extolling the benefits of drinking green tea and its role in fighting cancer to improving the health of your heart. While most of green tea's benefits are results of findings from lab experiments, real world studies have proven its benefits to be highest in the East where green tea is a staple beverage. It is proven that green tea performs best when taken in addition to fish and soy protein. The bottom line is that green tea has vital antioxidants and compounds that help you keep in good health and influence a vast area of your body functions.
Green tea's powerful antioxidants
The antioxidants in green tea, known as catechins, scourge for free radicals that damage DNA and cause cancer, blood clots and atherosclerosis. Antioxidants are also found in grapes, berries, dark chocolate and red wine.
The leaves in green tea go through minimal processing. Its leaves are withered and steamed unlike those of black tea which are fermented. This ensures that the unique catechins in green tea especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), are more concentrated.
Fight cancer with green tea
It has been tested and discovered in the lab that green tea's EGCG controls and restrains cancer growth and kills cells that are increasing inappropriately.
While it has not been proven scientifically, a study conducted in Japan has shown that women with Stage I and Stage II breast cancer found that increased green tea consumption before and after surgery was associated with lower recurrence of the cancers.
Studies in China have shown that the risk of stomach cancer decreased greatly with increased consumption of green tea. Another analysis of 22 studies concluded that increasing daily green tea consumption by two cups decreased the chances of lung cancer by 18%.
Green tea and a healthy heart
Green tea has antioxidants that help in dilation; they improve the flexibility of blood vessels and help them against clogging. The same characteristics can be found in antioxidant-rich blueberries and pomegranates do the same. While green tea is not prescribed as a solution to heart related problems it is now being universally recommended as a lifestyle feature for better heart health.
Green tea and weight
Green tea is known to show good results in fighting obesity and lowering LDL (low density lipoprotein) which is bad cholesterol. Since obesity and high LDL content also lead to heart disease and diabetes, green tea consumption can help keep these risks at bay. Studies have shown that both caffeinated and decaffeinated green tea can help you lose weight.
Green tea and healthy teeth
Green tea is known to fight tooth decay. It has bacteria-destroying abilities that can help fight dental plaque and keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong. It can also be of immense help in fighting viruses that cause throat infections.
Green tea and allergies
The antioxidants in green tea inhibit the biochemical process that causes allergic reactions. It may be useful against a host of allergies caused by pollen, dander and dust.
Green tea and cosmetic benefits
The bacteria-destroying ability of green tea can also be used to fight aging skin, wrinkles and is being used in deodorants also.
While none of the benefits have been ratified to be given as prescriptions, practical use of green tea against a host of ailments has been recognized across the world and green tea is finding its way into more people's lifestyles increasingly.
Supplements or straight up?
The best way to get most benefits out of green tea is to consume it directly. While supplements with green tea can also help it is best consumed directly. Also, if you have a liver problem it is advisable not to consume supplements. But also remember to complement green tea consumption with whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts and maintain a healthy lifestyle. That is the only way you can extract the best benefits out of green tea.
Best Regards
Prakash Nair
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