Top 10 Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most valued and widely consumed drinks in the world. Besides being a delicious beverage, green tea has many powerful benefits due to its significant antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cavity properties.

The compounds present in this beverage provide relief from many common health issues and at the same time reduce the risk of many chronic diseases and serious health problems. Due to its immense health benefits, green tea can do wonders for your health. Just three to four cups of green tea today can do your health a big favor.

Here are the top 10 health benefits of green tea.

1. Improves Brain Health

Our brains need healthy blood vessels to function properly. According to a Swiss study, people who drink green tea regularly have greater activity in the working-memory area of their brains. It has also been found that green tea helps block the formation of plaques that are linked to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, the two most common neurodegenerative disorders. Green tea even delays the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, due to the bioactive compounds present in green tea that can have various protective effects on neurons. To boost your memory and ward off disease, simply drink one or two cups of green tea daily.

2. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels

Green tea also helps keep blood sugar levels stable in people who suffer from diabetes. The compounds polyphenols and polysaccharides present in green tea can be useful to both types of diabetes. Green tea can stimulate insulin production in the pancreas, regulate blood sugar levels and absorb glucose in those with Type 1 diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, green tea helps reduce the frequent blood sugar spikes that often lead to complications in the eyes, heart and kidneys. In fact, green tea is one of the best things that a diabetic person may include in his or her diet plan.

3. Reduces Cholesterol Levels

Green tea can also effectively reduce bad cholesterol in the blood and improve the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol. Studies regarding the effect of green tea consumption on cholesterol levels suggest that it lowers the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol. At the same time, it helps raise the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is considered “good.” There are certain compounds in green tea that help block the absorption of cholesterol in the digestive tract, while simultaneously aiding in its excretion. Also, green tea keeps the arteries clean by preventing the oxidization of LDL, which can cause plaque buildup and increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

4. Promotes Oral Health

Green tea consumption is associated with improved dental health and a lower risk of cavities. The natural fluoride in green tea, polyphenols and catechins can effectively kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay, bad breath, cavities and various gum diseases. According to a study published by the European Journal of Nutrition, consumption of one or more cups of green tea a day can significantly reduce the risk of tooth loss. However, the oral benefits of green tea are lost when sugar, honey, or other sweeteners are added to the tea.

5. Helps Maintain Body Weight

Several studies have proven that a cup of green tea daily can reduce body fat, especially in the abdominal area. It can also significantly decrease body fat percentage, body weight and waist circumference. Also, the catechins in green tea help generate heat within the body, which in turnburns extra calories. The polyphenol in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories. Studies indicate that the combination of caffeine and other compounds in the tea appears to boost metabolism, burn calories and break down fat.

6. Supports Skin Health

If you wish to look younger than your age, one or two cups of green tea can help a lot. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in green tea protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, which cause wrinkling, brown spots and skin aging. Studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can also reduce sun damage. In addition, green tea helps fight against skin cancer.