Green tea is made from the unfermented leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. It is rich in antioxidants known as catechins. These antioxidants protect the human body from damage caused by free radicals, thereby preventing many diseases.
Here is a brief overview of some health benefits of green tea.
Some medical experts believe that green tea prevents certain types of cancer. Many lab studies have indicated that it acts against cancer cells in cell cultures. Green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. This was proved by a study conducted at the University of Purdue. Test tube studies have shown substances in green tea preventing supply of blood to cancer cells.
Another study conducted in the year 1994 indicated that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and woman by nearly 60 percent. The results of this epidemiological study were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in the year 1994.
Studies led by Dr. Nikolaos Alexopoulos of Athens Medical School in Greece have proved that green tea protects heart arteries by keeping them flexible and relaxed, thereby better able to withstand the ups and downs of constant changes in blood pressure.
The flavonoids in green tea protect against the formation of clots, which are the primary cause of heart attack. It promotes a healthy ration of HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol). Green tea is definitely a good addition to a heart healthy diet. It promotes a healthy cardiovascular system
Type 2 diabetes is a degenerative disease. Green tea is found to benefit patients affected by this medical condition. This beverage inhibits the enzyme amylase which secreted by the salivary glands and the pancreas for the digestion of starches.
This slows the process of conversion of starch into sugar. Less sugar is released to the blood stream. Less insulin is required to shuttle glucose because there is less sugar in the blood. This results in curbing of the insulin resistance. Green tea also relaxes the muscles of the stomach and the intestine.
As per a study conducted by research scientists, green tea could help ward off forms of dementia like the Alzheimer’s. Hydrogen peroxide and beta-amyloid play a significant role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Polyphenols in green tea protect the brain cells from the damage caused by these compounds.
Green tea is found to be effective in reducing weight. Polyphenols in this beverage dissolves the triglyceride deposits in the body. Epigallocatechin gallate in green tea accelerated the body metabolism, thereby burning excess fat.
The polyphenols in green tea strengthens the immune system. The EGCG in green tea reduces inflammation and damage to the joints in rheumatoid arthritis. This was proved by a study conducted at the University of Michigan.
Very few food items have more health benefits than green tea. It has been used by Chinese for more than 4,000 years. Regular consumption of green tea promotes good health and a sense of well-being.
