The Benefits of Green Tea
The Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea is considered to have originated in China more than 2000 years ago. Today, green tea is one of the world's most popular beverages. Not only is green tea delicious and refreshing, it also offers a number of potential health benefits. In this 3-minute article we discuss the benefits of green tea and answer three commonly asked questions: what is green tea, does green tea have caffeine, and is matcha green tea.
What is Green Tea Good For?
Green tea is made from Camellia sinesis leaves. The leaves are quickly pan-fried or steamed then dried to prevent oxidation from occurring. A cup of green tea contains helpful antioxidants as well as polyphenols, organic compounds that offer various potential health effects.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
The polyphenols and natural antioxidants in green tea can benefit your body in a number of incredible ways, from improving cognitive function to lowering your risk for several diseases.
Improved Brain Function
Green tea contains a modest amount of caffeine, a stimulant that targets the central nervous system. Research has shown that moderate caffeine consumption can improve alertness, vigilance, and the perception of fatigue. This means that a cup of green tea can help you work both harder and longer.
Green tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can help reduce the effects of conditions like anxiety, stress, and even insomnia. It does this by increasing the supply of dopamine and by promoting the production of alpha waves in the brain.
These benefits are impressive on their own but research shows that the effects are amplified when these two compounds are combined. Together, they can induce an increase in working memory in addition to the effects mentioned above.
Weight Loss
When it comes to losing weight, there is no substitute for regular exercise and a healthy diet. Though, studies have shown that there is a correlation between drinking green tea and an increase in metabolic rate. Additionally, green tea may increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation within the body. This means that adding green tea to your diet could be part of an effective weight loss strategy, especially if you substitute green tea for unhealthy options like soda.
Increased Longevity
Given these potential health benefits, it should come as no surprise that drinking green tea regularly could help you live longer. The results of one study conducted on more than 40,000 Japanese adults indicated that participants who drank the most green tea were significantly less likely to die during the period of observation. These results were consistent across all causes of death.
Green Tea May Help Prevent Disease
Drinking green tea has been linked to a reduced risk for a number of common diseases.
Cancer
There is some evidence that green tea consumption can lead to a decreased risk of contracting certain types of cancer. The polyphenols present in green tea are believed to have the potential to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body which are linked to the development of cancer.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Research shows that drinking green tea may have a positive impact on cholesterol levels. Additionally, green tea has been shown to increase the antioxidant capacity of the blood. As a result of these benefits, studies have been conducted that demonstrate a link between drinking green tea and a significantly lower risk of dying from a cardiovascular disease.
Type 2 Diabetes
Green tea has also been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels are the key signs of type 2 diabetes and indicate that the body is not properly regulating the movement and use of sugar as a fuel. These problems can lead to various other circulatory, nervous, and immune system disorders. While there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, studies have shown that many people who drink green tea regularly have an improved insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels, and therefore a lower risk of contracting the disease.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are the two most common neurodegenerative diseases. Both conditions can lead to dementia, which is characterized by a loss of memory, language, and other fundamental cognitive capacities. Some research has suggested that the antioxidants and polyphenols in green tea can provide protection for neurons thus slowing down deterioration of the brain.
Yes, green tea naturally contains caffeine. Though, the amount of caffeine in a cup of green tea depends on a number of factors. Typically, 8 ounces of green tea contains roughly 25 to 50 mg of caffeine. For comparison, an 8-ounce coffee has between 80 and 200 mg of caffeine while a typical black tea has roughly 50 to 100 mg of caffeine per 8 ounces.
Studies have shown that moderate caffeine consumption can improve physical endurance and cognitive function all while elevating your mood. However, excessive caffeine intake can lead to dehydration, anxiety and sleep disturbances. For these reasons, green tea is an excellent choice because it provides the benefits without the drawbacks due to it's relatively low caffeine content.
Is Matcha Green Tea?
Yes, matcha is a form of green tea but it is prepared in a different way than the traditional method described above. To make a cup of matcha, the tea leaves are first ground into a powder and then whisked with hot water. Preparing the tea this way means that you consume the whole leaf. As a result, it has been shown that matcha has a higher concentration of polyphenols and antioxidants (as well as caffeine) compared to traditional green tea. These qualities could lead to even more pronounced health effects for people that drink matcha tea regularly.
Benefits of Green Tea Summary
Green tea is considered to have originated in China more than 2000 years ago and green tea is one of the world's most popular beverages. Green tea is made from Camellia sinesis leaves. The polyphenols and natural antioxidants in green tea can benefit your body in a number of incredible ways. This includes:
- Improved cognitive function
- May assist with weight loss
- Increase longevity
Additionally, green tea may help prevent a variety of diseases such as:
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Neurodegenerative diseases
Is Caffeine In Green Tea?
Yes, green tea contains caffeine. The amount of caffeine in a cup of green tea typically ranges from to 25 mg to 50 mg of caffeine in an 8 ounce cup of green tea.
Is Green Tea Matcha?
Yes, matcha is a form of green tea, however, it is prepared in a different way.
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Also in Nutrition
The Benefits of Avocados
10 Banana Benefits
