Green Tea And Your Health
Green tea is the ultimate health tonic. Its health benefits have been documented for over 4000 years, making it the most extensively studied among all beverages. Modern research points to organic compounds naturally occurring in the leaves of Camellia sinensis and their infusions. Of course, these studies draw on centuries-old anecdotal evidence that is overwhelmingly positive. More importantly, well-designed clinical trials looking into its medicinal potential have been very promising.
Green Tea And Cellular Damage
Inhibits Carcinogenesis
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a catechin very abundant in green tea, but completely absent in black tea. It is the subject of many international studies regarding the purported effects of green tea on cancer cells. A number of these studies have come to the conclusion that EGCG suppresses the growth of tumors and inhibits the formation of cancer cells.
Prevents Skin Damage
Photoaging refers to the damaging effects of sunlight on the skin largely owing to exposure to ultraviolet rays. Green tea is particularly rich in polyphenolic antioxidants that protect skin cells from oxidative stress, which brings on changes on the skin tied to the process of aging. Furthermore, these compounds contain protective properties that ward off common irritants.
Helps Combat Stress
Cortisol is the best known stress hormone in the human body. It is released in response to challenging conditions. However, high levels of cortisol in long periods of time bring on physical and mental fatigue, the reason why most stress relievers target this hormone. Green tea does exactly that. In fact, it is so effective that cortisol levels drop in less than an hour.
Boosts Mental Clarity
Green tea contains an abundance of the amino acid L-theanine, which crosses the blood-brain barrier and modulates the metabolism of glutamate. It is postulated that L-theanine creates a homeostatic effect on excitatory neurotransmitters and raises neuronal activities in the brain and the rest of the central nervous system, improving the process of learning.
Green Tea And Weight Loss
Improves Metabolism
The catechins in green tea have been linked to increases in energy production and consumption, the reason they enhance athletic performance and promote weight loss. For one, green tea modulates the capacity of cells to take up glucose from the blood, thereby maintaining healthy blood sugar. Also, it increases body temperature by utilizing fatty issues, speeding up overall metabolism.
Lowers Bad Cholesterol
Green tea has long been associated with reducing cholesterol levels in the blood. In fact, it promotes cardiovascular health in many different ways. It interferes with excessive releases of low-density lipoproteins, or bad cholesterol, from the liver. In addition, it enhances the reactivity of blood vessels, inducing normal blood pressure in the process.
Boosts Immune System
White blood cells in the employ of the immune system manufacture special proteins and release them during detection of invasive pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, and other potential threats. Strong immune system translates into healthy productions of antimicrobial proteins and white blood cells, which have been noted to be five times higher in population known to consume green tea.
Have you had your Green Tea today?