Over the last decade, Green Tea has been brought into the spotlight in regards to its many health benefits. Studies conducted through the years show us that green tea may help prevent certain types of cancer and heart disease, as well as reduce cholesterol, prevent tooth decay, and slow skin aging. Green Tea has also been studied as a weight loss method, and is considered to be a healthy alternative to diet pills.
What is Green Tea?
The four main types of tea—black, green, oolong, and white—all come from the same plant: Camellia sinensis. The difference between the four types of tea is their fermentation. Black tea is fully fermented, oolong is partially fermented, while green and white teas are unfermented. The health benefits associated with tea are due to its high content of flavonoids (plant-derived antioxidant compounds).
Green tea is an excellent source of the group of antioxidants called catechins. Catechins have proved more powerful than vitamins like C and E, in regards to stopping oxidative damage to cells within the body.
Drinking Green Tea for Weight Loss
Drinking at least one cup of green tea every day is said to boost metabolism by 8-14% in some individuals, according to one study. Green tea supplements are also available in capsule form if the dieter doesn’t care to drink the beverage.
Green Tea for Cancer Prevention
Drinking multiple cups of green tea every day is reported to help inhibit the growth and replication of cancer cells. In an article written by the Harvard Medical Center, one doctor recommends up to six cups of green tea per day for people who have a lighter complexion, and three to four cups for those with darker complexions.
Green Tea for Skin Care
Many beauty experts recommend using green tea topically to reduce sun damage and to slow skin aging. One method used is to freeze freshly brewed green tea in ice trays and then use the thawed tea as skin toner.
Green Tea to Prevent Diabetes
Some studies have also shown green tea to help those who suffer from type II diabetes. It is also used to prevent diabetes in overweight individuals.
Green Tea to Prevent Tooth Decay
Newer studies have found that green tea consumption helps inhibit tooth decay by killing bacteria that leads to plaque buildup.
Other Benefits of Green Tea
Other studies have shown that green tea is useful in lowering bad cholesterol levels, and can be beneficial in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Green Tea as a Caffeine Alternative
Green Tea contains a lower concentration of caffeine than black and oolong tea, which makes it less harmful to drink often. To naturally reduce the amount of caffeine in any tea, pour boiling water over the tea before brewing it, discard water, and then brew tea normally.
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