When it comes to renowned beverages, green tea could rival the early fame days of Coca-Cola. Seen as the healthiest drink in the world, green tea is packed with antioxidants that allow for it to provide plenty of health benefits.
Why green tea?
Made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, green tea can be traced back to ancient China where it was regularly used as a medicine. In fact, today it is a common beverage in Okinawa, Japan – which happens to be a Blue Zone.
Also, unlike other teas, this tea is less processed thus it is able to retain its antioxidants, the catechin EGCG, and polyphenols – all of which help to give it its health benefits.
Aside from its antioxidant content, it also contains amino acids and vitamins A, E, C as well as B vitamins.
Health benefits of green tea
The health benefits of green tea continue to be touted, and while some may be plausible, just how factual and accurate are these benefits? Read on to find out.
Improves dental health
If you start to worry about strange oral symptoms that your mouth is displaying, drinking a cup of green tea may help to clear it up.
According to a study published in the Journal of Basic and Clinical Pharmacy, green tea can help to protect dental health by reducing the risk of tooth decay.
Lowers risk of Type 2 diabetes
High levels of blood sugar lead to insulin resistance, which then increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
If not managed properly, diabetes can lead to eye problems, heart disease, and, in some severe cases, amputations. However, the inclusion of green tea in your diet can help to lower insulin resistance (1). Moreover, a separate study revealed that it can also lower the risk for diabetes risk by over 25%.
Protects heart health
Heart disease continues to be the number one cause of mortality worldwide. Thus, it is important to protect cardiovascular health at all costs.
High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol can increase the risk for heart disease thus it is important to reduce these levels.
According to a study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, green tea was revealed to have lowered levels of LDL cholesterol. Moreover, high blood pressure is another risk factor yet this tea has been proven to help lower high blood pressure.
Reduces cancer risk
While there are growing studies in regards to cancer treatments, prevention is always key.
As the antioxidants in green tea fight off free radicals, they may help to lower the risk of some cancers by inducing the death of cancerous cells.
Supports brain function
5.7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and this number is set to rise to 16 million by 2050 (4).
According to an animal study done on rats, catechins found in green tea helped to reduce the effects of free radical damage in the brain, particularly on beta-amyloid protein plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
If you’re looking to manage your weight, a cup of green tea may help you do just that.
It can help to boost your metabolism and this may help your body burn more fat, which in turn may help weight loss (5).
Drinking green tea
Green tea can be brewed just like any other tea. However, if you’re looking to add more flavor to your cup, enjoy this recipe courtesy of Dr. Axe;
Green Tea with Orange, Ginger & Honey:
The addition of ginger, orange, and honey provides an immune-boosting, flavorful punch.
1 serving of green tea (loose leaf, teabag or ½ teaspoon matcha)
5 orange slices
3 fresh ginger slices
¼ teaspoon raw honey
- Fill your teapot with boiling water. Steep the orange and ginger for 4 minutes.
- Add the tea and steep for a further 3 minutes. If using matcha green tea powder instead, simply dissolve the powder into your teapot.
- Pour the tea through a strainer into your cup.
- Add honey to your taste. Enjoy!