Green Tea Health Benefits
Herbal Teas are gaining in popularity and variety these days. Green Tea is a favorite variety - especially for the health conscious. It is known to fight off cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol and other diseases. Numerous reviews have been written about green tea’s health benefits and the anecdotal evidence is mounting.
The Chinese have been drinking green tea for hundreds of years. All this time they have used this wonder drink for medicinal purposes. Green tea was used for headaches, food poisoning, indigestion and other ailments. Green tea’s health benefits have also been known in India for many years - popular among those who practice natural, holistic healing.
Recent studies indicate that Chinese men who drank green tea regularly over a number of years have a lower rate of cancer compared to those who don’t drink the beverage.
Green Tea the Super Anti-Oxidant
First cultivated in China, green tea comes from the leaves of a plant known as Camellia Sinesis. Studies have determined that this plant contains high levels of catechin polyphenols called epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG. EGCG is a potent anti-oxidant which can help inhibit cancer cell growth. The polyphenols also add to green tea health benefits because it lowers cholesterol and helps prevent blood clots.
Grenn Tea versus Black Tea
While other tea varieties are known to have medicinal value too, green tea health benefits appear to exceed the rest. One significant difference of green tea from other teas is in the preparation. Green tea is made from fresh leaves of the plant. Another famous herbal drink black tea is made from fermented leaves. Studies show the fermentation process lowers the EGCG content of black tea. Green tea trumps black tea in health benefits since it comes from fresh leaves and so it has more preserved anti-oxidants.
Green Tea for Weight Loss
Recent studies also show that green tea health benefits include weight loss. The anti-oxidants in green teas helps burn calories as well. Green tea promotes weight loss because it detoxifies our system - flushing out fats, while enhancing the proper absorption of nutrients.
Green Tea for Healthier Teeth
Did you know that green tea is also good for your teeth and general oral health? Green tea has antiseptic properties that are known to fight bacteria that cause cavities. The polyphenols found in green tea also strengthen teeth and prevent bad breath. Some people even gargle with green tea for a healthier mouth.
Green Tea for Vitamins and Over-all Health
Green tea is a good source of vitamin C which is why it boosts our immune system. It also has Vitamin B that helps burn carbohydrates and vitamin E for healthier and younger looking skin.
It is also recommended for patients suffering from rheumatism or arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Other health benefits of green tea: it is known to lower blood sugar, reduce stress and prevent high blood pressure.
So go ahead, indulge in this wonder drink. Hot or cold - it tastes great too!
