The Surprising Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea is considered one of the healthiest drinks on the planet. Ever since people have discovered its benefits, it has become the go-to beverage. Yet there are a few amazing facts about green tea that you probably don’t know!

For most of you, green tea might ring the bells of weight loss. Some treat it as their warm dose of energy booster. A few of you might also know that green tea has cancer-protective properties.

Three simple super things that we all are looking for come wrapped in green tea bags. In addition, green tea helps protect your brain from aging.

And that’s not it!

If you don’t already know green tea is rocking the beauty world too!

Well, these were the things that most of you already know, but here I want to share the lesser-known facts about green tea. Check it out.

Also Read: Tea in skincare

Lesser known facts about green tea

1. Green tea is a great mouth freshener

This hot brew contains a compound called catechins which is beneficial for your oral health. Some studies say that catechin can inhibit the growth of oral bacteria and prevent mouth odor.

2. It may prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Studies say drinking green tea regularly may be the simple solution to prevent this disorder. Green tea improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar levels.

3. Green tea can help deal with your heartbreaks

It contains an amino acid named Theanine. Theanine is proven to offer a relaxing and tranquilizing effect which helps in dealing with depression. Green tea is also good for your heart!

4. It can reverse the sun damage

Got a bad tan after a fun holiday? Apply a green tea bag to the affected areas. Green tea has anti-oxidizing and anti-inflammatory effects that protect your skin against sun damage.

5. Bitter is better

Many stay away from the goodness of green tea because of its bitter taste. The bitter taste in green tea is because of the rich presence of Tannins. It’s a beneficial antioxidant for your body.

Facts about green tea that are common sense

The eminent Kannada journalist Vishweshwar Bhat shared some amazing facts about green tea. These are simple common observations that often slips our mind.

These are especially insightful if you don’t enjoy entertaining guests.

• Green tea is considered a ‘luxury item’
• Serving lots of green tea to your guests makes you look more affluent and generous.
• Green tea is not only a healthier option but it also helps you save a lot of milk.
• Guests do not ask for more after drinking green tea.
• Nobody regrets spilling green tea as it does not stain the clothes.
• People don’t get addicted to green tea.
• They don’t gossip over green tea.
• There are no side effects.
• You can save sugar by serving it sugarless.

Also Read: Coffee vs Tea which one is better

Studies that have investigated the health benefits of green tea:

1. “Green tea consumption and mortality due to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all causes in Japan: the Ohsaki study” (2006) – found that people who drank more green tea had a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, stroke, and all causes.
   
2. “Green tea polyphenols for the prevention of cardiovascular disease” (2011) – reviewed the scientific evidence for the ability of green tea polyphenols to prevent cardiovascular disease, and concluded that the polyphenols in green tea may help to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
   
3. “Green tea polyphenols and their anti-inflammatory properties” (2011) – looked at the anti-inflammatory effects of green tea polyphenols and found that they can reduce inflammation in the body, which may help to protect against a number of diseases.
   
4. “Green tea catechins and cognition” (2012) – reviewed the literature on the relationship between green tea catechins and cognitive function and found evidence to suggest that the catechins in green tea can improve cognitive performance, especially in older adults.
   
5. “Green tea, black tea, and risk of stroke” (2013) – investigated the relationship between green tea and black tea consumption and the risk of stroke, and found that people who drank more green tea had a lower risk of stroke, while black tea consumption was not associated with a reduced risk of stroke.
   

Takeaway!

It is essential to keep certain things in mind while purchasing green tea. Poor quality green tea has a high level of fluorides that might not be good for you. So, if you are going for green tea make sure you don’t compromise on the brand!