Nutritional & Health Benefits of Green Tea
This week I want to talk about green tea and its nutritional and health benefits. Tea is the healthiest but also most consumed beverage in the world after water. However, only 20% of the consumed tea is green and 80% is black.
What is the difference between black and green tea?
It comes from the same plant called Camellia sinensis. The difference between green and black tea results from the manufacturing process. Black tea undergoes fermentation which transforms its color and flavor, whereas green tea remains unprocessed and retains its color. It, therefore, contains the most antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols.
There are tons of benefits, but let’s see the top six:
- Green tea is loaded with powerful antioxidants (EGCG catechins) and polyphenols. These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage.
- Catechins and polyphenolic compounds in green tea have protective effects on the cardiovascular system mainly by lowering the total cholesterol as well as protect the LDL particles from oxidation.
- Many studies have shown that green tea drinkers have a lower risk of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. In addition, green tea and its antioxidants are known to aid healthy cells in all stages of growth.
- Some studies showed the green tea consumption can help keep blood sugar stable with a tendency of small reduction in people with diabetes. It may also lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in long term.
- Green tea has been shown to boost the metabolic rate in short term, that could help you lose weight. It increases fat burning in the short term and is particularly effective at reducing the dangerous abdominal fat.
- Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, but enough to produce an effect. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which can work synergistically with caffeine to improve brain function.
To sum up, green tea is considered to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. It protects from oxidation, reduces the cholesterol levels, lowers the risk of cancer, improves brain function, and helps on fat loss. So, that is why it’s essential to include in our daily routine!