Green Tea for Your Health
Green tea is a powerhouse. From weight loss to disease prevention, adding 1 cup per day into your routine can have a myriad of positive benefits. Its medicinal usage dates back thousands of years as it is not only the oldest but the most popular tea to date. Green, black, and oolong tea all derive from a plant known as Camellia sinensis. However, the preparation varies among the various tea blends. For example, the production of green tea involves steaming, pan frying and drying the leaves. Aside from its preparation, there are other noticeable differences as it pertains to its mineral content and other beneficial properties. Not to mention, green tea has been consumed much longer than the plant’s other variants, making it more universally studied.
Let’s talk about some of its medicinal properties. Green tea is notoriously recommended for weight loss and for good reason. Green tea varieties are anti-inflammatory, insulin-sensitizing and a great prebiotic. As it pertains to weight loss, lowering inflammation and improving gut health is essential when trying to diminish bloat and lose those extra pounds. Its insulin-regulating abilities make it easier to maintain stable blood sugar levels which not only helps to curb your sugar cravings but also stabilizes your mood.
Not only is a great for weight loss, but its anti-inflammatory properties have long-term positive effects on your health. Green tea contains antioxidants, which reduce inflammation. This is helpful when preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease, arthritis and even cancer. According to The Arthritis Foundation, drinking green tea boosts T-cells’ ability to fight bacterial and virtual infections, which is important for those who are on certain rheumatoid arthritis medications that suppress their immune systems and make them more susceptible to certain infections. Not to mention, a lab study conducted by Case Western Reserve University researchers states “ EGCG (a substance in green tea) may halt arthritis progression by blocking interleukin-1, a pro-inflammatory cell, from damaging cartilage.” Thus, making it a vital tool in helping reduce the risk of chronic inflammation in the body.
Additionally, green tea contains properties that are very beneficial for brain health. It contains an amino acid known as L-theanine which increases the activity of neurotransmitters, such as GABA, which can decrease anxiety. Not to mention, L-theanine can work in junction with caffeine to improve mood, vitality and memory. The best part? The caffeine content is much more mild in green tea, so you get the benefits of more energy and performance enhancement without the negative side effects of coffee.
If you are looking to start integrating more holistic regiments into your routine, green tea can be a wonderful place to start. Its ability to reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function makes it incredibly valuable during your wellness journey. It is also widely accessible! It is no secret that inflation and the cost of living make it more difficult to gain access to healthy alternatives, yet green tea remains cost-effective and can be found almost anywhere. Ditch the coffee and substitute it for green tea. Your mind and body will thank you.
References:
Chacko, S. M., Thambi, P. T., Kuttan, R., & Nishigaki, I. (2010, April 6). Beneficial effects of green tea: A literature review. Chinese medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2855614/
Gunnars, K. (2020, April 6). 10 evidence-based benefits of Green Tea. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea#5.-May-protect-the-brain-from-aging
Fight inflammation with a cup of tea. Living With Arthritis. https://blog.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/health-benefits-of-tea/
What is Green Tea?. Art of Tea.https://www.artoftea.com/blogs/tea-101/what-is-green-tea
