Green tea is a very beneficial drink for health.
It has many antioxidants that help improve brain function, promote weight loss, protect against cancer and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Here are the top 10 benefits of green tea based on scientific evidence.
Benefits of Green Tea
1. Contains Healthy Bioactive Compounds
The green tea plant has several compounds that are beneficial to health.
First, it provides us with polyphenols, which are compounds that reduce inflammation and fight cancer,
In addition, it contains antioxidants called catechins that prevent cell damage, among other benefits.
In fact, green tea contains a type of catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) that has a lot of medicinal properties.
It is advisable to consume good quality green tea since those of low quality provide an excess of fluoride.
2. May Improve Brain Function
Green tea contains caffeine in sufficient amounts to act as a stimulant but without the jittery effects associated with excessive coffee consumption.
Caffeine blocks a neurotransmitter called adenosine, improving the activity of neurons and increasing the concentration of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine.
In fact, studies have shown that caffeine improves brain function.
Not only that, but green tea also has another beneficial compound for brain health, which is an amino acid called L-theanine.
This compound works by fighting anxiety, increasing dopamine, and increasing the production of alpha waves in the brain.
According to studies, caffeine and L-theanine have synergistic effects, so combining both is very good for the brain.
3. Increases Fat Burning
According to research, green tea helps burn fat and accelerates the metabolic process.
In fact, in a study, researchers found that the consumption of green tea extract increases the number of calories burned by 4%. Another study found that green tea extract increased fat oxidation by 17%.
In addition, its caffeine content helps to have better physical development by 11-12%.
4. Antioxidants May Lower the Risk of Some Cancers
Research has shown that antioxidants prevent oxidative damage that causes chronic diseases like cancer.
Green tea is beneficial because it is a rich source of antioxidants.
In fact, it can help prevent and fight the following types of cancer:
- Breast Cancer: One study found that women who consume green tea have a lower risk of developing breast cancer.
- Prostate cancer: according to research, green tea fights prostate cancer.
- Colorectal cancer: an analysis of 29 studies showed that the consumption of green tea reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by 42%.
It is advisable to consume green tea without milk since this could reduce the value of antioxidants.
5. May Protect the Brain From Aging
Among the significant neurodegenerative diseases are Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Several studies have found that the catechin compounds in green tea are beneficial in protecting neurons, which would reduce the risk of dementia.
6. May Reduce Bad Breath
According to laboratory studies, catechins help suppress the growth of bacteria, reducing the risk of infections.
In this way, research has found that the catechins present in green tea prevent the growth of oral bacteria.
There is evidence that green tea might reduce bad breath.
7. May Help Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes affects 1 in 10 Americans.
According to research, green tea helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar levels.
Another study found that consuming green tea helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 42%.
Finally, a review carried out on seven studies affirmed that green tea reduces the risk of diabetes by 18%.
8. May Help Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world.
According to research, green tea improves cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.
In addition, green tea increases the antioxidant capacity of the blood, which prevents bad cholesterol (LDL) particles from oxidizing.
Those who consume green tea have a 31% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
9. May Help You Lose Weight
Studies have shown that green tea helps reduce body fat, mainly abdominal fat.
According to research conducted on people with obesity, green tea reduces body fat and waist circumference.
However, there is still not enough evidence to confirm the effects of green tea on weight loss.
10. May Help You Live Longer
Due to its many benefits, green tea also helps you live longer.
According to an 11-year study, the consumption of 5 cups or more of green tea per day reduces the risk of death:
Death from all causes: 23% lower in women, 12% lower in men.
Death by heart attack: 42% lower in women, 35% lower in men.
Death from heart disease: 31% lower in women, 22% lower in men.
Finally, a study conducted on 14,001 older people found that green tea reduces the risk of death by 76%.
