The Amazing Health Benefits of Green Tea

Warming, soothing and delicious, nothing compares to a cup of loose leaf green tea. But there’s more to green tea than meets the eye. It also comes with a range of surprising health benefits.

Helps with Weight Loss

Firstly, a cup of green tea is no substitute for exercise and a healthy diet. It can, however, be a good complement to a healthy lifestyle. Some studies have found that green tea can actually boost your metabolic rate, if only a little bit. As your metabolic rate dictates how much fuel your body needs each day, drinking green tea can help make your weight loss journey a little easier. And every little bit helps!

Improves Brain Function

Regularly drinking green tea isn’t just good for your body; it can have a positive effect on your brain too. Green tea, like black tea, contains caffeine and while it’s much less than the caffeine content in a standard cup of coffee, it’s enough to keep you going through the afternoon.

Importantly, green tea also contains L-theanine. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine can actually make you feel more productive and calmer. So next time you’re struggling at work, reach for the green tea rather than the coffee and experience the difference for yourself.

Reduces Risk of Brain Diseases

Along with improved brain function, studies suggest that green tea might help reduce the risk of certain brain diseases, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. These diseases occur as neurons die in your brain. Neurons are essential for transferring signals through your brain, so as they die, so does the brain’s ability to convey and process information. The catechin polyphenols in green tea have been reported to have neuroprotective effects, while caffeine consumption has been associated with a reduction in the risk of dementia.

Reduces Risk of type 2 Diabetes

Studies have shown that green tea can improve your insulin sensitivity and reduce your blood sugar levels. The combination of these effects can help lower your risk of getting type 2 diabetes.

Reduces Risk of Heart Disease

Drinking green tea regularly can also help lower your risk of heart disease. A regular cup of green tea can lower both your cholesterol and blood pressure, along with improving your blood flow. The polyphenols in tea are powerful antioxidants, which reduce oxidative stress and in turn decreases blood pressure, prevents clotting and reduces cholesterol. While there are also lots of other things you can and should be doing to look after your heart, it’s another great reason to enjoy your cup of tea.

Reduces Risk of Cancer

Finally, studies have suggested that the nutrients in green tea have anticancer properties. Oxidative damage has been linked to chronic inflammation and even cancer. The polyphenols in green tea reduce the risk of oxidative damage, which is thought to reduce the risk of some cancers including breast, prostate and colorectal cancer.

But why is Green Tea so Good for you?

It seems unbelievable that something as simple as green tea could have all these benefits but it’s true. The reason is that green tea is full of antioxidants. Antioxidants, essentially, protect your body from free radicals that can damage your cells and lead to a number of diseases, including those listed above.

While your average cup of store-bought black tea also contains antioxidants, you’ll find more in green tea. This is because it is less processed than commercial black teas. And if you want to get an even better dose of antioxidants, choose a loose-leaf tea. Loose-leaf teas are usually made with higher quality leaves and are less processed, so you’ll likely get more nutrients, including antioxidants, from them.

Now you have even more reasons to enjoy a pleasant cup of green tea. A tasty brew can be just what your brain and body need for a healthier life.