Green Tea is quite a popular drink on the menu of most Asian cafes and restaurants, though people from other parts of the world too have started drinking it regularly in the recent times. The reason why people are now including Green Tea in their diets is because of the increasing awareness of the many health benefits that it offers.
Green Tea is processed differently from Black Tea. While the making of Black Tea involves the fermentation process, Green Tea avoids that, thereby making it rich in antioxidants and nutrients that have a very good effect on the human body.
Listed here are some of the amazing health benefits of Green Tea.
1. It aids in Weight Loss
The polyphenol in Green Tea helps to increase the metabolism in the body. This means that the conversion of food into calories in the body happens at a faster rate, thereby aiding in weight loss. Regular intake of green tea, combined with a good diet helps in losing considerable amount of weight in just a couple of weeks.
2. It reduces the risk of Cancer
Research and studies have shown that those who consume Green Tea on a regular basis have lower chances of developing Cancer as compared to those who don’t consume it. This is because Green Tea is rich in antioxidants that fight against many free radicals and cancer cells in the body, which aids in stopping of many types of Cancer, such as that of Breast, Prostate and Colorectal.
3. It reduces risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
Green tea improves the antioxidant capacity of the blood, which then helps to ensure that the LDL cholesterol particles are saved from oxidation. This means that all the bad cholesterol levels in your body are minimized, making you healthier and fit. With lower levels of bad cholesterol, the risk of cardiovascular diseases is also lowered.
4. It lowers risk of Type II Diabetes
Studies have shown that drinking Green Tea on a regular basis improves insulin sensitivity in the body, and thereby helps in reducing blood sugar levels. This is very good for people suffering from Type II Diabetes, and even as a precautionary measure for other people.
5. It improves Dental Health
Consumption of Green Tea also helps to improve dental health, courtesy the ‘catechins’ present in it that inhibit the growth of plaque and viruses, especially in the mouth. So it’s good to consume Green Tea for avoiding tooth decay and infections. And a study also shows that consuming Green Tea regularly helps to reduce bad breath.
6. It potentially reduces risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases
Studies have shown that the catechins present in Green Tea have a protective effect on the neurons, thereby helping in protecting the brain in the long run. Chances of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s then get reduced.
It is advisable to not add milk in Green Tea as that is capable of reducing the effect of antioxidants in the body. If you are not very fond of the taste of Green Tea, then you can add a spoon of honey for some natural and healthy sweetness. Choose good quality green teas that contain less of fluoride, so that the body gets the maximum amount of benefit.