10 Science-Based Green Tea Health Benefits
There are polyphenols in green tea and they are often collectively referred to as catechins. Powerful antioxidants, catechins have been shown in recent studies to fight viruses, slow aging, and have a beneficial effect on health.
10 science-based reasons green tea is healthy
Green tea has far-reaching health benefits
Japanese green tea is a delicious and healthy beverage that is delicious and energizing in the morning! Not only is it brimming with benefits- the L-theanine gives you a sense of relaxed alertness. You do not get the energy crash that you would with other beverages that contain caffeine.
Polyphenols eliminate free radicals
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant found in green tea, is at least 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times more effective than vitamin E at protecting cells and DNA from damage caused by free radicals.
In fresh tea leaves, polyphenols exist as a series of chemicals called catechins. These catechins include epigallocatechin gallate (ECG) which is most responsible for beneficial antioxidant activity.
Cholesterol reduction
Cholesterol is usually cited as the “bad guy” for for causing various negative conditions in adults, but it is a chemical that is necessary in our bodies for important processes such as manufacturing cell membranes and fusing cells.
There are two types of of cholesterol. LDL, often referred as “bad”. The other is HDL, the “good” cholesterol that collects excessive cholesterol from the tissues.
If the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood becomes too high, it is collected on blood vessel walls and can lead to arteriosclerosis.
Recent studies have shown that green tea reduces LDL cholesterol levels.
Green tea improves digestion
Compounds in green tea reduces inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Matcha health benefits
Matcha has high levels of catechins- compounds with high antioxidant activity. These compounds offer protection against many illnesses and slow the aging process.
Drinking a bowl of matcha a day is one of the best things you can do to combat skin aging and promote skin health.
Matcha is rich in minerals which alkalizes the blood, regulates heartbeat, and builds strong teeth and bones.
Matcha contains high amounts of L-theanines- a unique set of natural amino acids found almost exclusively in shade-grown green teas such as matcha and gyokuro. L-theanines have been shown to reduce mental and physical stress, improve cognition and boost mood in a synergistic manner with caffeine.Good for oral hygiene
Green tea catechins have been tested in Japan and shown to prevent periodontal disease. The astringency of green tea and anti-bacterial qualities make green tea beneficial to oral hygiene.
Green tea can improve cardiovascular health
Green tea represses angiotensin II which leads to high blood pressure.
Green tea increases the antioxidant capability of your blood, which protects your LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation. Drinking green tea improves your circulatory system.
Polyphenols and polysaccharides are effective in lowering blood sugar. Drinking green tea is good for blood sugar management.
Fights cancer
There have been many studies that have shown that green tea catechins are effective in preventing cancer. Several researchers in the American clinical nutrition journal say that drinking several cups of tea each day not only prevents cancer, but also has the benefit of reducing several risks such as osteoporosis, hypertension, and diabetes.
Japanese green tea benefits the immune system due to the high concentrations of polyphenols and flavonoids.
Japanese green tea improves awareness
Green tea can reduce stress and anxiety, and boost mental health and performance by inducing a state of relaxed awareness.
Japanese green tea and matcha can elevate dopamine and serotonin levels. Drinking tea often is a good way to naturally maintain healthy levels of dopamine and serotonin. This calms down anxiety, depression and other negative emotions while improving concentration and performance.
Improves memory and cognition
Most people experience some decline in memory as they get older. Brain cells become damaged because of free radicals. Antioxidants- including the green tea polyphenol EGCG- are a great way to protect brain cells from free radical attacks and improve memory and cognition. Studies at the Science University of Tokyo have shown EGCG is very effective.
Several recent studies in Japan have suggested that tea is beneficial for reducing the risk of dementia, particularly improving cognitive function and improving working memory.