Introduction
The awareness about health and healthy lifestyle has increased significantly in recent past, especially post Covid pandemic. Among all other super foods and drinks Green Tea may be the most discussed drink when it comes to fat loss. But you will be wondered to know that green tea has been consumed by people in China and Japan for thousands of years for its soothing flavour and therapeutic benefits. In England in 18th century, green tea got popular and so much on demand that it was frequently smuggled to avoid taxes. Nowadays it is easily available across the globe.
The Origin
Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinesis plant, just like all other non-herbal teas. Which means it is made from the same leaves as black tea. Unlike black tea green tea leaves are not fermented, as it’s made using steam-dry methods. This not only preserves the tea’s green colour but also enhances its antioxidant content, which may explain why it’s so healthy. In fact, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), green tea has been used in Chinese and Japanese medicine practices for centuries.
Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea is often consumed for reasons other than for its health benefits, however, there’s actually quite a lot happening in a cup of green tea, and it’s worth getting to the bottom of it. Research has found drinking green tea may reduce the chances of heart disease, help manage type 2 diabetes, and even support bone health.
Here’s an overview of green tea’s health benefits and risks as well as tips for incorporating it into your diet.
- Improving Metabolism: Better metabolism means your bodily system is working at its highest capacity which is a bonus to overall health.
- Fat Burning Properties: There are a lot of theories about the fat burning properties of green tea. Yes, it is true it helps losing weight faster. The fact is, it improves metabolism, blood in the body flowing better and the digestive system is humming right along. All these together helps to burn fat faster.
- Rich in antioxidants: As per several studies, green tea is loaded with powerful antioxidants called catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), This actually can help in neutralizing free radicals. It also can reduce oxidative stress in the body.
- Improving Heart Health: Green tea may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. This means that by enhancing endothelial function and avoiding plaque accumulation in arteries, it may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- May lower the risk of type 2 diabetes: According to some studies green tea may lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation.
- Improves brain function: Caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine, which is included in green tea, together can enhance mental abilities such as mood, alertness, memory, and response time. Also, Green tea’s bioactive ingredients, especially EGCG, may have neuroprotective properties and lower the risks of developing neurodegenerative illnesses like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Compounds in green tea with anti-inflammatory qualities may help lower the risks of developing chronic inflammation-related illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis.
- My Reduce Chances of Few Cancers: Research indicates that the presence of antioxidants in green tea may serve as a preventative measure against specific malignancies, including colorectal, prostate, and breast cancers.
Nutritional Facts:
Although green tea leaves contain a wide variety of chemicals, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, they are greatly diluted in a single cup of tea. The final green tea beverage is nearly pure water after brewing. The nutrients found in 8 fluid ounces, or roughly one mug of green tea include:
- Calories: 2.37
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 2.37mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Added sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0.52g
Similarly, the vitamins and minerals found in steeped green tea are also very minimal. A few that can be found in measurable quantities include:
- Calcium
- Iron
- Potassium
Warning: Green tea has roughly one-fourth the caffeine content of coffee, making it comparatively high as well. Thus, excessive consumption of caffeine can have adverse health effects. It’s best to limit intake of caffeinated beverages like green tea and coffee to avoid these potential risks.
