Promoting bowel activity
Green tea contains caffeine, which stimulates the digestive system and promotes bowel movements. Drinking green tea also increases hydration, preventing dehydration—a common cause of constipation—and facilitating easier bowel movements. Compounds like L-theanine in green tea can reduce stress, which often contributes to digestive disorders.
Reducing gastrointestinal inflammation
Green tea can alleviate stomach and intestinal inflammation. Its catechin compounds have anti-inflammatory effects on the gastrointestinal tract. According to WebMD, these compounds reduce inflammation for individuals with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, two common inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Green tea is rich in antioxidants. Photo: Bao Bao |
Green tea is rich in antioxidants. Photo: Bao Bao
Slowing starch digestion
While some starch-rich foods like whole grains, legumes, and root vegetables are beneficial, others such as white bread, cookies, and potato chips offer fewer nutrients and fiber, potentially causing blood sugar spikes. Green tea inhibits starch digestion—the process where the body breaks down starch into sugar for energy—by suppressing enzyme activity. This slows glucose release from food into the bloodstream, preventing negative impacts on the intestines.
Modifying gut microbiota
According to Health, regular green tea consumption can positively alter the gut microbiota. This community of microorganisms, including bacteria, resides in the intestines and directly influences overall health. Green tea's antioxidants stimulate beneficial microorganism growth while inhibiting harmful bacteria.
Lowering colorectal cancer risk
Green tea may also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, a type of cancer originating in the large intestine. Green tea polyphenols, which are plant-based antioxidant compounds, possess anti-colorectal cancer activity. These polyphenols neutralize free radicals produced during digestion and help mitigate chronic inflammation in the colon lining, a known factor in polyp development. Some studies indicate that EGCG, an active compound in green tea, inhibits the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors, thereby limiting cancer cell growth.
Compiled by Anh Chi
