Many of us know that green tea is good for health. However, many of us may not be actually be aware the specific health benefits. Our assumption, we presume, may not be misplaced. Hence, in this article we shall highlight tentative benefits of drinking green tea. So, here it goes:
a) Improve brain function:
Green tea does more than just keep you alert. It may also help boost brain function. The key active ingredient is caffeine, which is 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. Caffeine affects the brain by blocking an inhibitory neurotransmitter called adenosine. This way, it increases the firing of neurons and the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine
b) Increase fat burning
If you look at the ingredients list for any fat burning supplement, chances are, green tea will be on there. This is because, according to research, green tea can increase fat burning and boost metabolic rate. In one study involving 10 healthy men, taking green tea extract increased the number of calories burned by 4%.
Caffeine may also improve physical performance by mobilizing fatty acids from fat tissue and making them available for use as energy.
c) Lowering risk of cancer
Cancer is caused by uncontrolled growth of cells. It’s one of the world’s leading causes of death. Research has shown that oxidative damage can lead to chronic inflammation, which can lead to chronic diseases, including cancers. Antioxidants can help protect against oxidative damage, Green tea is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants.
Research has linked green tea compounds with a reduced risk of cancer, including the following studies:
· Breast cancer. A comprehensive review of observational studies found that women who drank the most green tea had an approximately 20–30% lower risk of developing breast cancer, one of the most common cancers in women
· Prostate cancer. One study observed that men drinking green tea had a lower risk of advanced prostate cancer.
· Colorectal cancer. An analysis of 29 studies showed that those drinking green tea were around 42% less likely to develop colorectal cancer.
Many observational studies indicate that green tea drinkers are less likely to develop several types of cancer, but more high quality research is needed to confirm these effects. To get the most health benefits, avoid adding milk to your tea. Some studies suggest it can reduce the antioxidant value in some teas.
d) Protect brain from aging
Not only can green tea improve brain function in the short term, it may also protect your brain as you age. Alzheimer’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. Parkinson’s diseases another common neurodegenerative disease and involves the death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Several studies show that the catechin compounds in green tea can have various protective effects on neurons in test tubes and animal models, possibly lowering the risk of dementia.
e) Prevents Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes involves having elevated blood sugar levels, which may be caused by insulin resistance inability to produce insulin. Studies show that green tea may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. One study in Japanese individuals found that those who drank the most green tea had an approximately 42% lower risk of Type 2 diabetes.
f)Live longer
Given that some compounds in green tea may help protect against cancer and heart disease, it makes sense that it could help you live longer. In one study, researchers studied 40,530 Japanese adults over 11 years. Those who drank the most green tea — 5 or more cups per day — were significantly less likely to die during the study period:
· Death of all causes: 23% lower in women, 12% lower in men
· Death from heart disease: 31% lower in women, 22% lower in men
· Death from stroke: 42% lower in women, 35% lower in men
Another study involving 14,001 older Japanese individuals found that those who drank the most green tea were 76% less likely to die during the 6-year study period.
(Source: Kris Gunnars in https://www.healthline.com)
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