Jun, 28 2023
The journey of understanding green tea's healing power begins with knowing its origin. Green tea is a type of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis leaves and buds that have not undergone the withering and oxidation process used to make oolong teas and black teas. It originated in China, but its production and manufacture have spread to many other countries in East Asia.
Green tea is not just a soothing and refreshing beverage, it is a powerful dietary supplement that comes with numerous health benefits. Its healing power is primarily due to its high antioxidant content, specifically catechins, which are natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and provide other benefits. These compounds can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage. Free radicals are known to play a role in aging and many types of diseases.
Are you struggling with weight loss? Green tea could be the answer. It has been observed to increase fat burning and boost metabolic rate in human controlled trials. This could be due to the presence of caffeine, which is known to aid fat burning and improve exercise performance. However, it's not just about caffeine. Green tea has bioactive substances like catechins and antioxidants, which can also contribute to weight loss.
Heart diseases, including heart attack and stroke, are the biggest causes of death worldwide. Studies have shown that green tea can improve some of the main risk factors for these diseases. This includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Green tea also dramatically increases the antioxidant capability of the blood, which protects the LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation, which is one part of the pathway towards heart disease.
Green tea does more than just keep you awake, it can also make you smarter. The key active ingredient is caffeine, a known stimulant. It doesn't contain as much as coffee, but enough to produce a response without causing the jittery effects associated with taking in too much caffeine. But green tea contains more than just caffeine. It also has the amino acid L-theanine, which is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. This can have anti-anxiety effects and increases the production of dopamine and the production of alpha waves in the brain.
Diabetes is a disease that has reached epidemic proportions over the past few decades and now afflicts about 400 million people worldwide. Some controlled trials have shown that green tea can cause mild reductions in blood sugar levels. It may also reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes in the long term.
Cancer is caused by uncontrolled growth of cells. It is one of the world's leading causes of death. Antioxidants can have a protective effect against oxidative damage, which is believed to be one of the leading drivers of cancer. Given green tea is high in powerful antioxidants, it makes sense that it could reduce your risk of cancer.
Green tea has natural fluoride which supports healthy teeth. The catechins in green tea also kill bacteria and inhibit viruses like the influenza virus, potentially lowering your risk of infections. Some studies also show that the catechins in green tea can inhibit the growth of bacteria and some viruses. This can lower the risk of infections and lead to improvements in dental health, a lower risk of caries and reduced bad breath.
With all these health benefits, it's clear that green tea is a great addition to any diet. It's easy to incorporate into your daily routine. You can drink it hot or cold, and it's available in many different forms, including tea bags, loose leaf, and even as a powder. You can also find green tea in many foods and drinks, like smoothies and baked goods. With its subtle flavor and numerous health benefits, it's no wonder green tea is considered a superfood.
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