How Is It Made?
The leaves of Camellia Sinensis, or simply tea, are used in brewing green tea. It is important to note that other types of tea such as yellow tea, black tea and white tea are also made from the leaves of the same plant. The difference is usually in the severity of oxidation during processing. Green tea undergoes very little oxidation and hence it’s numerous health benefits.
Green Tea Health Benefits
A raft of research has already shown what people have known all along, green tea is extremely good for the body. The carbohydrates, enzymes, lipids, amino acids, minerals and phytochemicals in them all contribute to it’s goodness. While research into how green tea affects various body functions is still ongoing, here are some of the health benefits that you can be sure of.Good For the Heart and Brain
A study conducted in 2013 showed that green tea helped in preventing various heart problems including heart failure and high blood pressure. This is because it lowers the level of bad cholesterol in the body and boosts the flow of blood. A healthy heart will in many instances lead to a healthy brain too. The brain has a high demand for blood and a good blood flow will benefit it greatly. This is why people who take the drink frequently have less risk of issues like Alzheimer’s. Their brains working memory also becomes better. Two other green tea components that will help your brain are L-theanine and caffeine.
Green Tea Weight Loss
One greatly touted benefit of green tea is weight loss. This leads to the misconception that the drink alone can help one lose weight. Research has however shown that on its own, it is very hard for green tea to lead to noticeable immediate weight loss. It raises metabolism in the body which helps in burning fat. This means that over a long period of time you may actually lose a few pounds. Combining green tea with other healthy lifestyle changes is what will lead to weight loss. Green tea is a good replacement for sugary drinks such as soda as long as you don't fill your cup of tea with sugar or honey.Lower Cancer Risk
Researchers already know that green tea is highly beneficial in cell growth and development. Thus, it can help to lower the risk of certain forms of cancer such as breast cancer by ensuring cells grow normally and in some cases destroying cancerous cells. Some studies have shown that drinking green tea will help stop new blood cells from forming, resulting in a decrease of red blood cells which supply the cancerous cells.Relaxation
Theanine, the same chemical that's good for the brain, is also good for getting a relaxed feeling. A mug of green tea at the end of a hectic day can help calm the mind and keep the stress away.