Health Benefits of Green Tea

By : Hygeena Shameer | 0 Comments | On : April 21, 2018 | Category : Food Facts, Health Benefits

Health Benefits of Green Tea

Health Benefits of Green Tea –

Green tea is one of the healthiest beverage which is loaded with many antioxidants and nutrients which has powerful effects on the body. It is made from unfermented Camellia sinensis leaves which contain highest level of antioxidants. Green tea is considered as the ultimate anti-aging beverage. Popular practice of sipping combination of steeped green tea leaves, jasmine flowers and a bit of turmeric day keep u refresh throughout the day. Drinking green tea daily helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s and help to maintain better bone mineral density.

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Green tea also helps to prevent eye diseases in older age and prevent strokes. In the dry green tea leaves, 30 percent of its weight are flavonoid antioxidants. It contains many healing compounds than other herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables. Green tea contains bioactive compounds that improve numerous aspects of the health. EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) is one of the most powerful compounds in green tea. This compound treats several health problems like obesity, heart diseases etc…

 

Nutritional profile of green tea

• • Polyphenols
  • Epicatechin
  • Epigallocatechin
  • Gallocatechin
  • Gallate derivatives

The epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG helps to enhance the metabolic rate and regulate the body weight.
Other important compounds in green tea include:

• Quercetin
• Linoleic acid
• Aginenin
• Amino acids and enzymes
• Carbohydrates
• Methylxanthines
• Minerals like magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron, chromium, copper, and zinc
• Carotenoids
• Lactones and hydrocarbons, esters, and aldehydes

Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea is not just a drink it contains large amounts of important nutrients. It is rich in polyphenols that have effects like reducing inflammation and helping to fight cancer. The natural antioxidant, catechin is present in green tea that helps to prevent cell damage and provide other health benefits.
1. Improves brain function:- The active ingredient caffeine in green tea is a good stimulant. Caffeine helps to block an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine. It increases the functioning of neurons and the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. Green tea also has the amino acid L-theanine, which increases dopamine and the production of alpha waves in the brain.
2. Helps to protect heart health:- green tea contains flavan-3-ols and anthocyanidin antioxidants which are beneficial for metabolic and cardiovascular health. It helps to prevent many risk factors of heart disease, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol levels. It also has more ACE-inhibiting properties than many other plant foods that are commonly consumed, which helps to increase the amount of blood the heart pumps and lowers blood pressure.
3. Promotes bone health:- Catechins present in green tea helps to increased bone mineralization and weakened the activity of cells that reabsorb bone rather than form it. Green tea also improve the health of bones and cartilage.
4. Green tea and weight loss:- Green tea promotes small, significant weight loss in overweight and obese adults. Green tea is clinically important for weight loss.

5. Regulates blood pressure:- The long-term intake of green tea was associated with improved blood pressure levels. Blood pressure is usually caused by the angiotensin-converting enzyme secreted by the kidneys. Green tea is a natural ACE inhibitor. It prevents the action of this enzyme and helps lower blood pressure.
6. Boosts immunity:- Catechins in green tea play a major role in boosting the immune function. Green tea protects against oxidants and radicals, thereby enhancing immunity. The EGCG in green tea has the ability to increase the number of regulatory T cells – and help to improve immune function and suppress autoimmune diseases.
7. Reduces cancer risk:-the polyphenols present in green tea has anticancer properties. Green tea polyphenols modulate immune system function. Research shows that green tea helps to prevent a range of cancers. The constituents of green tea prevent cancer cell proliferation and can even accelerate recovery.
8. Lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes:-Green tea can sensitize cells which metabolizes sugar, improving diabetes symptoms. Green tea polyphenols regulate glucose levels in the body, minimizing diabetes risk. Green tea inhibits amylase activity-this and to reduce the amount of sugar absorbed into the bloodstream.
9. Reduces cholesterol:-Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of HDL and LDL.
10. Tooth decay:-The chemical antioxidant “catechin” in green tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections, dental caries, and other dental conditions.

Method of Preparation

Boil 1 cup of water. When it starts to boil switch off the flame and add 1 spoon of green tea.
Cover the pan and keep aside for 5 minutes. Drain and serve. You can drink 2-3 times a day. But do not drink green tea on empty stomach

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