¿Why is green tea good for?
Whereas the ingredients in the tea leaf change during the manufacture of black and other oxidized teas, green tea undergoes no oxidation and so retains the good things that are beneficial to our health. Here are 10 good reasons to drink more green tea:
1. Caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine work together to improve brain function and stimulates our ability to concentrate and stay focused. Caffeine is thought to improve our mood, reaction time and memory. L-theanine decreases anxiety and stress and keeps us calm.
2. It is thought that drinking plenty of green tea helps to boost our metabolic rate and therefore burn more fat. More trials are needed but research to date does indicate that green tea can help with this but results vary from individual to individual.
3. The increase in metabolic rate and the burning of more fat that result from the consumption of more green tea, is thought to also lead to weight loss if green tea is drunk as part of a controlled diet.
4. The catechins in green tea are thought to protect the neurons in the brain and therefore to protect against neurodegenerative diseases leading to Dementia and Parkinsons. The most powerful catechin is the antioxidant Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG).
5. Green tea may also reduce cholesterol and blood pressure and this is thought to help reduce the risk of circulatory problems such as cardiovascular diseases including stroke, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, etc.
6. Green tea has an anti-bacterial effect and is therefore helpful in keeping our mouths, teeth and gums free from bacteria. This helps to reduce cavities and gum disease. It can also help to protect us against infection caused by viruses such as colds and flu.
7. Tea contains small amounts of fluoride which helps to protect the teeth. Fluoride makes teeth more able to resist acid attack from sugars etc in the mouth and, combined with regular brushing, the consumption of plenty of green tea can reduce the number of cavities that form in the teeth.
8. The polyphenols and L-theanine in green tea may help to protect us against some forms of cancer. Research shows that green tea is helpful against breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. Green tea is usually drink without milk and this is helpful in increasing protection against cancers.
9. Green tea may help reduce blood sugar and therefore decrease the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. A study carried out in Japan found that the members of the group being studies who drank the highest quantity of green tea showed a 42% lower risk of developing Diabetes.
10. As well as helping keep us rehydrated, green tea also contains various nutrients (various vitamins, minerals such as calcium, zinc, potassium, manganese, etc.) and these help contribute to the recommended daily intake of such ingredients in our diet.
