Green tea contains polyphenols called catechins, which have antioxidant effects. These compounds can prevent cell damage and offer numerous health benefits.
Green tea offers benefits for brain health. Its compounds, including caffeine and L-theanine, support cognition, mood, and overall brain function. The tea's aroma, particularly pyrazine found in roasted green tea, directly impacts the brain, influencing mood, relaxation, and alertness. Additionally, consuming green tea constricts peripheral blood vessels, leading to a refreshing feeling and increased wakefulness.
Plant compounds in green tea are linked to preventing Alzheimer's disease in individuals without cognitive impairment. Compounds like EGCG and L-theanine may be key contributors to this benefit.
Green tea aids fat burning. Tea leaves contain beneficial plant compounds that can reduce the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity. They achieve this by combating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, cholesterol, and insulin levels. Specifically, catechins and caffeine in green tea promote weight loss by increasing daily calorie expenditure (energy consumption) and enhancing fat oxidation, metabolism, and thermogenesis.
The most important catechin in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which accounts for up to 80% of its catechins. EGCG can reduce markers associated with obesity, including total body weight, body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI). This is beneficial for individuals managing weight or living with obesity.
Regular green tea consumption is associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, such as lung or ovarian cancer.
Green tea helps control blood sugar. Consuming catechins from green tea extract lowers blood sugar levels, reduces chronic inflammation, and improves gut health. This is advantageous for individuals with diabetes or those needing to manage their blood glucose.
Green tea offers cardiovascular protection. Its polyphenols also reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), a common cardiovascular disease. Regular tea consumption benefits heart health by lowering high cholesterol and high blood pressure, protecting heart muscle, combating inflammation, and supporting healthier blood vessel lining (endothelial function).
Contributing to a longer lifespan, green tea contains compounds that can prevent cancer and heart disease, thereby reducing overall illness. To maximize green tea's benefits, one can drink three to five cups daily. However, individual factors and desired specific benefits may influence this recommendation.
Excessive consumption of caffeinated tea can cause nausea, heartburn, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping; therefore, prioritizing decaffeinated tea is advisable. Even drinking just one cup daily, combined with a balanced diet rich in whole foods, supports beneficial gut bacteria, blood sugar levels, and overall body health.
Bao Bao (According to Healthline, Medical News Today)
