There is hardly a soul who hasn't heard of drinking lots of green tea for weight loss. It is one of the most recommended teas for weight loss and boosting your metabolism. But did you know that green tea is not only good for weight loss? It has a lot of other health benefits and some of them may even surprise you. It has a list of exceptional healing properties, not to mention a very healthy impact on bodily health.
Where did Green Tea Originate From?
According to legend, the Chinese Emperor Shennong had used to boil his water before drinking it to make it pure. On a hunting trip one day, his servant was boiling water for him when the wind blew a leaf from a Camellia Sinensis plant into the boiling water. This went unnoticed by his servant and he served the water to the emperor. The emperor liked it so much that he named it Cha (tea) and thus, green tea came into existence.
What makes Green Tea So Special?
What makes green tea different from the other regular teas out there is the way it is processed. Green tea is also made from Camellia Sinensis leaves (like black and Oolong tea), but it does not undergo an oxidation process. There is no fermentation involved in its processing and that is why most of its antioxidants and polyphenols are retained in it.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
The reason why this tea is often called a miracle tea is because of its many health benefits. There are no known or confirmed side effects of drinking this tea up till now and it is easily available everywhere. Here are some very important benefits of drinking green tea regularly.
Drink Those Pounds Away!
Well, this is perhaps the number one reason why most of the people drink green tea. The polyphenols present in your tea increase your fat oxidation rate and also increase your metabolism. It is probably one of the easiest ways to increase your body's metabolism. It inhibits the absorption of fat. Three to four cups of green tea a day can help you burn an extra 70 calories.
Prevent Cancer!
Green tea prevents cancer. The polyphenols present in green tea prevent the occurrence of cancerous cells in the human body. It kills the dangerous cancer cells that are present in the body. Green tea has been proven to be effective against Esophageal cancer, Bladder cancer, Breast cancer, Ovarian cancer, Pancreatic cancer, Lung cancer, Colorectal cancer, Stomach cancer, Prostate and Skin cancer. A catechin known as Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) stops the growth and spreading of cancer cells within the body. This catechin is present in an abundant quantity in green tea.
Control Diabetes
Green tea helps control the levels of blood sugar. The polyphenols present in green tea regulate the glucose level in the body. It also controls sudden high insulin level spikes in the body. It is useful for controlling and preventing both type I and type II diabetes.
Reduce your risk of Cardiac Diseases!
The risk of Cardiac diseases is reduced by a regular intake of this miracle tea. It achieves that by reducing the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the body. It also prevents the formation of clots in the arteries and affects the linings of the arteries to keep them relaxed.
A Cup of Green Tea a Day, Might Keep the Dentist Away!
Yes, it's true! The catechins present in green tea help prevent tooth decay, dental cavities and tooth infections. It's a "teeth friendly tea"!
Feeling Down? Have a Cup of Green Tea to Lift your Spirits!
Despite its caffeine content, Green tea reduces stress and anxiety and helps fight depression. L-Theanine is an amino acid that is known to have a calming and soothing effect. Green tea contains this amino acid. L-Theanine has a tranquilizing effect on the brain. So, the next time your friend is going through a hard time, instead of handing them over a bucket of Ben & Jerry's, make them a cup of green tea instead.
Better Skin!
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, green tea can be applied topically for sun burns and inflamed skin. The antioxidants present in the tea can help lighten your complexion as well. Used green tea bags can also be placed on your eyes to reduce puffiness.
How Much Green Tea should You Take?
Well, the ideal quantity would be twice daily. But if you are looking to drink more than that just for the sake of its benefits, you should consider switching to green tea supplements instead as it will keep your toilet visits in control.