10 Health Benefits of Green Tea
By admin on Jul 2, 2010 in Supplement and Vitamin
There is a good reason why many Asian societies have been drinking green tea for hundreds of years. In fact, archeological records show that people have been steeping green tea leaves for over 5,000 years! Today, tea ranks second only to water in overall global beverage popularity.
And there may be a good reason why- from its ability to possibly ward off cancer to its cardio-protective effects, decades of substantial research show that green tea may hold a variety of healing, health-boosting properties. The list below are just a few of the many health benefits of green tea.
1. Cancer Prevention
Studies show that green tea has the potential to fight off many forms of cancer. One lab study done at the McGill University in Montreal found that the antioxidants in green tea could successfully shrink prostate tumors in mice. Another meta-analysis of data found that high green tea consumption could lower lung cancer risk by up to 18%.
Other studies done on Japanese populations found that increased green tea consumption could be correlated to lower recurrence of cancer relapse in women with breast cancer. Chinese studies have even shown a link between green tea consumption and lowered chances of stomach, pancreatic, esophageal, prostate and colorectal cancer.
2. Heart Health
Possibly due to its ability to lower blood cholesterol, green tea has been shown to aid the body in its ability to burn off harmful forms of fat, preventing them from laying stagnant in the blood stream. Large scale studies done on green tea have associated it with long term heart disease prevention. A Japanese trial found that drinking at least four cups of green tea daily could lower the severity of heart disease in men.
3. Antioxidant Booster
Green tea is loaded with antioxidants. These free-radical fighting substances increase the body’s ability to ward off disease and slow down the degenerative processes of aging. Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins and polyphenols, forms of antioxidants known to stop the inflammatory response associated with damaged DNA, high cholesterol and even cancer. These antioxidants act as dilators on our blood vessels, improving their elasticity and reducing the chance of cloggings. What is more, green tea undergoes very little processing, allowing the natural antioxidants to remain intact and concentrated.
4. Liver Health
In a world where liver toxicity runs rampant, a daily dose of green tea may be just what the doctor ordered. Clinical studies show that large amounts of green tea keep liver disorders at bay. Green tea also may produce a protective effect for the liver. Animal studies show that green tea protects the liver from the negative effects of toxic substances such as alcohol, and that green tea’s catechins are helpful in reducing liver inflammation. Green tea is just one of many foods that cleanse the liver.
5. Weight-Loss Aid & Metabolism Booster
Green tea extract has been shown to be effective in both the prevention and reduction of weight gain. One study found that green tea’s fat oxidation properties aided participants in weigh loss over a period of three months. A Japanese study found that participants using green tea extracts were most easily able to lose weight, lower blood pressure levels and get rid of harmful LDL cholesterol. Clinical studies suggest that green tea’s polyphenols create a fat-burning effect in the body, as well as increase metabolism.
6. Digestive Aid
Green tea is a well-known digestive stimulant. It reduces intestinal gas and may even aid in preventing and treating inflammation-based digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, the two types of IBD.
7. Diabetes Prevention
Green tea has been used in traditional medicine to keep blood sugar levels stabilized. Studies show that green tea can prevent the development of type 1 diabetes, and can even be used as a aid for diabetes once it has developed. This may be due to the fact that it regulates glucose in the body.
8. Dental Health
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Traditionally, green tea was also used to prevent dental cavities and tooth decay. It’s also a common ingredient in many popular breath spray’s.
9. Prevention of Arthritis
Studies show that green tea counteracts the response typically associated with inflammatory diseases like arthritis. It does this by slowing the inflammation response as well as the breakdown of cartilage in arthritic individuals.
10. Immune-Booster
Green tea may act as an overall immune booster. Chemicals in green tea have been used to reduce colds, flu and even genital warts. Some studies on laboratory animals even show promising evidence that green tea can slow the ageing process and even keep us alive longer!
In order to get the maximum amount of green tea benefits, I would recommend purchasing and consuming only organic.
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Credits to:Natural Health & Organic Living Blog