Green tea is one of the most popular teas taken across the globe; it is made from the dried leaves of Camellia sinensis, though there many varieties of green tea based on the method of production, the way they were grown and the time of harvest, they still offer the same benefits.
Green tea is taken mainly because it is healthy and offers a wide range of health benefits; they are rich in bioactive compounds, the main active component in green tea is EGCG (Epigallocatechin-3-gallate). It treats several illnesses and prevents all kinds of health problems.
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Important Health Benefits of Green Tea
It has other compounds like Catechins, flavonols, gallate derivatives, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, gallocatechin, Quercitin, and others. This tea is associated with longevity and is considered to be the most ultimate “anti-aging drink.”
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It lengthens lifespan
Due to the rich nutrients and powerful antioxidants and flavonols present in this drink; it boosts longevity and increases lifespan, it even enhances life expectancy in people with chronic diseases.
Okinawa in Japan is one of the world’s blue zones; people in this area have a long lifespan and they have a popular practice that they deem essential, they take green tea daily.
This drink affects the whole body positively and helps people live longer; it reduces disability and other diseases that are age-related, people who take green tea regularly are not prone to functional disability.
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It boosts brain functions
Green tea has a good amount of caffeine but not as much as coffee; so it can offer the benefits of caffeine without side effects. Caffeine inhibits the activities of adenosine; this is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. This improves the actions of neurons in the brain and enhances its health.
Also, the caffeine present in green tea is an amino acid L-theanine; it has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and it increases the activity of GABA which is another inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms anxiety due to its anti-anxiety effects.
The presence of both caffeine and L-theanine create a powerful effect on the brain as they both work in synergy; this also helps in the prevention of brain problems like dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies have confirmed that people who take green tea regularly have a fewer risk of developing mental problems; it improves memory, prevents memory problems and prevents age-related memory loss.
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It prevents tooth problems
Studies prove that people who are regular drinkers of green tea hardly have oral problems; it keeps periodontal diseases at bay and prevents the growth and activities of bacteria.
These bacteria can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and other periodontal diseases; the more green tea you take, the better your oral health will be.
Green tea has powerful compounds that prevent the development of bacterial plaque in the mouth; this can lead to mouth odor and tooth decay. The polyphenols in green tea suppress glucotransferase; oral bacteria that cause plaque feed on this compound.
Organic fluoride is present in green tea; this prevents tooth decay and leads to a healthier set of teeth. This tea is effective in fighting streptococcus mutans; this bacterium causes dental cavities and is found there.
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It stimulates the growth of hair
Green tea prevents hair loss and breaking of hair by inhibiting the growth of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT); it reacts with testosterone and keeps the levels balanced, this prevents testosterone from reacting with 5-alpha reductase which converts it to DHT.
Green tea’s antiseptic properties prevent and reverse common hair and scalp problems like dandruff, itchy scalp and psoriasis by reducing inflammation; it also stimulates the growth of hair and makes the hair soft.
It is even used to prevent and treat baldness in males; it contains good amounts of vitamins E, C, and polyphenols which promote the growth of lustrous hair. Drink lots of green tea and you can also apply the tea on your hair by rinsing your hair with it after washing it.
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It protects the skin
In addition to the anti-aging effects it has on the skin, it also protects the skin from damage and sunburn; it prevents the activities of free radicals between the skin cells which can cause rashes, itching, and sunburn.
It also helps in the treatment of acne and other skin problems; it clears the spots and prevents it from coming back. It is a good skin exfoliant; mix a teaspoon of green leaves with 3 teaspoons of plain yogurt and use the mixture to massage your face, let it stay for some minutes, then wash it off with lukewarm water.
It eliminates the signs of aging like wrinkles, age spots, and fine lines; it also improves appearance, cleanses the skin and improves the texture and elasticity of the skin. It also treats dark circles and puffy eyes due to its rich content of tannins; it reduces puffiness by shrinking the blood vessels in the area while it decreases the dilation of blood vessels under the eyes to treat dark circles.
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It increases energy
The rich content of Catechins increases energy and boosts endurance and stamina and it enhances the capacity and speed of athletes. It also helps in relieving hangovers; it cleanses the liver and clears the symptoms of a hangover and boosts the energy levels of the body.
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It improves Down syndrome
Its active compound EGCG protects the cells of the body from damages that can lead to Down syndrome; it also improves the cognitive functions of individuals affected by this condition.
Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three copies of the chromosome number 21 (healthy people have two copies); green tea limits the effects of the third chromosome which causes this disease.
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It treats Depression
A study showed that taking four cups of green tea a day improved the mood and health of depressed individuals; this is due to its rich content of L-theanine, it improves the activities of dopamine and serotonin which clear the symptoms of depression.
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It burns fat
Green tea burns fats and helps one lose weight fast, this is due to its thermogenic properties; it increases the rate of metabolism and increases fat oxidation by 17%.
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It prevents diabetes
Green tea regulates blood sugar and reduces the risk of type II diabetes; it also enhances the sensitivity of insulin.
Make sure you get quality green tea and try to take it at least once daily to benefit from these immense health benefits. Boil a tea bag in a cup of water and take it when cool.
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