Did you know tea is the second most common drink after water?
People all over the world love tea for its refreshing flavor and taste.
Moreover, green tea is becoming famous for its health benefits.
But is it really worth the hype?
Is it safe to have green tea daily? Is it beneficial for your body?
Let’s find it out for you.
Here’s what research has to say about the effect of green tea on your body:
You may have seen many advertisements or videos on the health benefits of green tea for weight loss. That’s because green tea can boost fat burning and your metabolic rate.
Metabolism is the rate at which your body digests food for energy. Faster the metabolic rate, the faster the rate of burning food and the lesser the chance of fat accumulation. In a study, drinking green tea increased fat reduction by 17% and the number of calories burned by 4%.
The compounds in green tea, such as polyphenols-flavonoids-catechins, fight bacteria and reduce acid production in the mouth.
Bacteria in the mouth can result in plaque formation and infection of teeth and gums. Studies have shown that regular consumption of green tea can prevent tooth decay and cavities. Experts also believe that green tea can prevent bad breath.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your body cells use glucose in the blood for energy. In Type 2 diabetes, the body cells don’t respond to insulin as they should, a condition known as insulin resistance.
Some studies have proven that green tea can promote insulin sensitivity, improving blood sugar levels and Type 2 diabetes.
According to research, participants on green tea had a 42% lower risk of Type 2 diabetes than those without it.
According to a study, green tea lowered the risk of death associated with heart diseases. This study analyzed the benefit of drinking tea on 40,000 individuals for 11 years.
Another study suggested that polyphenols in green tea manage blood pressure, soothe inflammation and improve heart functions. All these benefits lower the risk of heart diseases in overweight or obese people.
Cancer is a condition where your body cells grow uncountably and is a leading cause of death.
Experts believe oxidative damage triggers inflammation in your body, resulting in conditions such as cancer.
Antioxidants in green tea can protect you from oxidative damage and may even prevent cancer. Here are some studies on the benefit of green tea on certain cancers:
Your body has two main cholesterol types: LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol).
LDL cholesterol promotes the accumulation of fatty substances in the blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart diseases and stroke. On the contrary, HDL cholesterol removes fatty substances from the blood vessels, improving heart and brain health.
Studies have shown that antioxidants in green tea help in lowering LDL cholesterol levels. Participants on green tea had a 31% lower risk of heart diseases.
Green tea improves brain functions and prevents the destruction of brain cells as you age.
As one ages, the brain and nerve cells in the brain start to degenerate, increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Catechin compounds in green tea may protect nerve and brain cells, lowering the risk of forgetfulness associated with these diseases.
Consuming green tea regularly is safe for most individuals. Experts believe one can have two to five glasses of green tea daily.
However, it may cause headaches, dizziness, diarrhea, vomiting and other side effects in some people. If you notice these symptoms, reduce the intake of green tea and monitor these symptoms.
If the symptoms persist, it’s best to consult your physician.
Green tea has various health benefits. From promoting weight loss to preventing memory loss, green tea can help you.
Include green tea in your daily schedule and see the benefits for yourself!
https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/70/6/1040/4729179
https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/87/3/778/4633440
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19437116/
https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/167/1/71/185454
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28454102/
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-alzheimers-disease
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6493995/