A simple cup of green tea in itself is incredibly refreshing and soothing. But knowing it's packed with health-boosting properties, no wonder why millions of people enjoy this beverage every day. Its high concentration of antioxidants and versatility make it a popular drink.
Let's explore the reasons why green tea is good for you!
1. High in antioxidants
Studies have shown that green tea extract increases your body's antioxidant capacity (the activity of your body's antioxidant enzymes) and protects against oxidative stress. Green tea may help protect you from diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes, thanks to its high antioxidant content.
2. Promote heart health
Most teas contain vitamins and antioxidants, but green tea goes one step beyond. The antioxidant in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), helps speed up heart cell recovery and minimizes cell death after a heart attack.
3. Good for the brain
The antioxidants in green tea extract, especially EGCG, have been shown to protect brain cells from oxidative stress. Extensive human studies have demonstrated that green tea and its extracts can guard against age-related brain dysfunction and risk for dementia.
4. Can help with weight loss
Besides being a refreshing, healthy beverage, green tea is an easy metabolism booster, packed with antioxidants that help burn fat. Several studies show that green tea extract can boost fat burning, and the effect is even more vital during exercise.
5. Might benefit liver function
Recent studies have shown that green tea has specific preventive and therapeutic effects on liver disease. Green tea extract seems to help improve liver function by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress.
6. Reduce the risk of cancer
Early clinical studies suggest that the polyphenols in tea, especially green tea, may play an essential role in cancer prevention. Researchers also believe that polyphenols help kill cancerous cells and stop them from growing.
7. Good for the skin
Green tea is chock full of vitamin B2 and vitamin E, both essential for skin health. Green tea's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce skin irritation, redness, and swelling. Applying green tea to your skin can also soothe minor cuts and sunburn.
8. It May benefit exercise performance and recovery
Green tea is said to provide a high amount of strength during high-intensity workouts by its unique fat-metabolizing characteristics. It is also considered an excellent recovery drink due to the number of antioxidants present in green tea, which significantly reduce damage to cells.
9. Help lower blood sugar
The catechins in green tea, especially EGCG, have been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar production, both of which can lower blood sugar levels.
10. Easy to add to your diet
There are many different flavors of green tea you can enjoy. Green tea extract can be consumed in capsule, liquid, or powder form. The liquid extract can be diluted in water, while the powder can be mixed into smoothies. You'll get all their incredible health benefits if those green tea leaves are present.
Whether you're looking to improve your overall health or decrease the risk of disease, adding a cup or two of green tea to your daily diet is an easy way to add health-boosting antioxidants to your body.