6 Reasons to Drink Green Tea

“Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one” – Chinese Proverb

Drink it in the morning, mid-day, at brunch, or before bed (without caffeine) – the benefits of green tea conform to no time interval. 

Green tea comes from the plant Camillia sinensis. It has been used as a natural remedy in China for over 4000 years, treating nearly everything from headaches, depression, heart disease and skin health. It is a symbol for Asian culture as a whole, and is the second most popular drink worldwide. (1).

Here are the 6 Reasons To Drink Green Tea.

Antioxidants

Green tea yields a considerable value of medicinal benefits. The majority of them derive from its flavonoid content, contributing a powerful supply of antioxidants through polyphenols and catechins.

In particular, its composition of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) holds numerous benefits. EGCG has been proven to inhibit the formation of blood clots, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce cardiovascular disease (2).

EGCG has also been shown to exert anti-cancer effects. This is the result of its polyphenol content, rendering an elevated plasma level that may prevent tumours and lesions (8).

Anti-Cancer

The polyphenols present in green tea have been shown to possess potent anti-carcinogenic activity that kill the growth and spread of cancer cells. Alongside chronic diseases, green tea has been linked to the prevention of several cancers, namely:

• Lung
• Colon
• Esophagus
• Mouth
• Stomach
• Small intestine
• Kidney
• Pancreas
• Mammary glands

In addition, it’s anti-mutagenic and antioxidant content reduces the risk of cancer acquired from environmental agents (3).

Heart Health

Green tea has incredible benefits for the heart. In accordance to lowering blood pressure, it diminishes the risk of contracting coronary heart disease through the reduction of blood glucose levels (3)

The active catechins also hold strong antioxidant protection against cholesterol by inhibiting the toxic effects of free radicals. Free radicals cause oxidative stress within the cell membranes of the body, and consequently impair blood circulation and function of the heart (4).

There is something to consider about the people of Japan – 75% of the population are smokers, yet still possess some of the lowest rates of heart disease in the world. One hypothesis underlines the notion that the majority of Japan drinks herbal teas, green tea being the most prominent.  Although this is not indicative of causation, there is certainly a strong correlation between green tea and reduced illness (1).

Bone Health

Among other benefits, the polyphenols apparent in green tea bear relief for individuals with arthritis or osteoporosis.

A study of 1134 tea drinkers and 122 non-tea drinkers reported that those who drink tea had a significantly greater bone mineral density than their counterparts. This is likely the result of green tea’s anti-inflammatory attributes, which contribute to bone health by reducing joint stress (5).

Neurological Effects

The most formidable value of green tea may be the calming and curative properties it upholds through the presence of the amino-acid ‘L-theanine’.

L-theanine generates alpha brain waves, which induce relaxation yet heighten alertness. This chemical transition is facilitated through the reduction of cortisol in the brain, which is increased during periods of stress. L-theanine’s neurological effects are so powerful, it can even bring elevated blood pressure levels back to homeostasis (6).

L-theanine has been reported to

• Decrease blood pressure
• Eliminate nervousness
• Enhance focus
• Improve cognition
• Elevate mood (9)

Skin Health

In recent years, green tea has received large praise for its skin health benefits. The polyphenols have the ability to modulate the biochemical makeup of skin cells that promote:

• Anti-aging
• Enhanced sun protection
• Anti-Inflammation
• Acne (10)

ECGC is the prominent catechin responsible for this – it prevents UV induced immunosuppression and oxidative stress, which can have a carcinogenic response to the skin.

Moreover, ECGC can literally revive dead skin cells in the body. As a result, many cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies are supplementing their skin care products with green tea extracts (7).

Conclusion

Green tea holds a wealth of medicinal value. Alongside its neurological and anti-aging benefits, green tea has remarkable anti-carcinogenic activity and is effective in the treatment of various cancers.

The antioxidant quantities are also noteworthy – Japan’s low risk of heart disease is telltale in and of itself.

There is a reason why China has been using this remedy for over 4000 years, and it’s not just for the taste. Add green tea to your routine for physical vitality and mental wellbeing.