Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea contains polyphenols (micronutrients), caffeine, and antioxidants, which have proven to have numerous health benefits. In fact, green tea is said to be richer in antioxidants compared to other types of tea. The antioxidant-rich plant compounds that make this drink so healthy are called flavonoids. The most common flavonoid in green tea is catechin, known as epigallocatechin gallate. Green tea also contains theanine, an amino acid that reduces anxiety. Other antioxidants found in green tea leaves are called proanthocyanidins and can help reduce inflammation in the body.Green tea contains a small amount of vitamins, but is a rich source of minerals, including magnesium, potassium and sodium. Other minerals found in green tea include chromium, calcium, zinc, and others. It is believed that the concentration of these minerals depends on the fermentation process, age and size of green tea leaves.

What is green tea?

All green tea is made from the plant and is available in several varieties. Green tea will vary in taste and color depending on the methods of cultivation, harvesting and processing.

Green tea is different from black tea because green tea leaves are harvested, steamed, and fried raw. This stops the oxidation of the leaves and preserves many important nutrients and antioxidants.

Sencha is the most common and well-known variety of Japanese green tea. Tea leaves are considered the best because they are selected from the very first harvest. The leaves are steamed, dried and twisted, releasing the juice inside the leaves, which gives them an intense taste.

The process of harvesting Gyokuro green tea is different from the sencha process, as the green leaves are removed from sunlight about three weeks before harvesting. Without direct sunlight, photosynthesis occurs to a lesser extent, highly flavored amino acids are preserved. Tea leaves are steamed, dried, and rolled like sencha; Gyokuro green tea has a richer flavor and is more expensive when you consider the additional stages of cultivation.

Tencha is used as the main ingredient of Matcha green tea. As in the case of gyokuro, the green leaves are removed from sunlight for three weeks before harvest. The leaves are steamed, but dried without twisting. This gives the tea a pale green color and a mild taste.

Matcha, which is a stone-based tenchu, is a matcha green tea. After the green tea leaves are steamed and air-dried, the stems and veins are removed and ground into a powder ready for brewing. Matcha green tea is light green in color with a rich taste and long-lasting sweetness.

How to cook

There are many ways to brew green tea, from cold to warm. Keep in mind that adding additional ingredients can change the composition of nutrients. Check out the recipes to learn how to make this popular health drink delicious.

Caffeine Content In addition to valuable antioxidants, green tea contains about 25 mg of caffeine per cup. This means that it has stimulating properties, but much less than a cup of black coffee, containing between 95 and 165 mg of caffeine per cup.

Health Benefits

Green tea is a popular nutritious drink associated with a healthy lifestyle. Since green tea contains valuable phytochemicals, it plays an important role in disease prevention. It also has a minimal amount of calories, contains antioxidants and a small amount of caffeine.

Many of the beneficial properties of green tea are associated with its antioxidants and other valuable chemical compounds found in green leaves. Studies have shown that green tea has a wide range of medicinal properties.

Reduces the risk of diabetes

Studies claim that green tea improves metabolic functions directly related to reducing the risk of diabetes. There is conflicting evidence to support these claims, but most studies present green tea as an attractive alternative to promoting human health, including reducing the risk of diabetes.

Supports heart health

Several studies show that green tea can have a beneficial effect on the health of the cardiovascular system. Green tea catechins reduce the absorption of triglycerides (fats) and cholesterol. Reducing the amount of fat in the blood helps prevent plaque formation (atherosclerosis), reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Improves the health of the digestive system

According to research, the catechins (antioxidants) found in green tea are well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. After drinking green tea, it was found that intracellular antioxidants are activated in the gastrointestinal tract, improving the health of the digestive system. Green tea is considered one of the easiest and most useful ways to prevent gastrointestinal disorders.

Reduces the risk of certain types of cancer

According to research, catechins and polyphenols in green tea can reduce the risk of various types of cancer. These powerful antioxidants help activate detoxification enzymes that may help reduce the development of tumors. Research on green tea continues and has shown promising results in reducing the risk of certain cancers, including prostate, lung, breast, colon and liver cancers.

Reduces inflammation

According to research, green tea contains a unique set of catechins with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is the body's normal response to injury, infection, or destruction when the body tries to destroy invading foreign hostile organisms, remove irritants, and prepare the ground for tissue repair. The antioxidants found in green tea have been shown to significantly aid in this recovery and reduce inflammation.

Stimulates weight and fat loss

Studies show that green tea can help reduce body weight, mainly body fat. Green tea can increase the oxidation (burning) of fats and help fight obesity. The caffeine in green tea also increases fat oxidation and improves metabolic functions, which is another factor in weight loss.

Reduces the risk of neurological disorders

Several studies have shown that green tea has beneficial effects on neurodegenerative disorders, including cognitive dysfunction and memory loss. Brain diseases such as Parkinson's disease have also shown positive results when drinking green tea. Studies also show that green tea can be used to prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Reduces stress and anxiety

Green tea contains theanine (L-theanine), an amino acid that reduces anxiety and stress. According to an experimental study, the anti-stress effect is best manifested when drinking green tea with a low caffeine content. Some studies show that green tea with a combination of theanine and caffeine at normal levels still reduces anxiety. In any case, it seems that green tea has a positive effect on reducing stress and anxiety.

Helps against aging

Green tea's phytochemicals contain powerful antioxidants that can reduce premature skin aging. Several studies show that consumption of green tea increases the content of collagen and elastin fibers and suppresses the production of an enzyme that breaks down collagen. Although the exact mechanism of action against aging is unclear, green tea appears to help fight wrinkles.

Improves oral and dental health

According to research, green tea polyphenols protect against bacterial caries and plaque formation. It is believed that the plant compounds in green tea control bacteria and reduce the acidity of saliva and plaque. Thanks to these results, studies show that drinking green tea is a useful means of preventing tooth decay. Green tea also reduces bad breath.

Side effects

Green tea has been proven to have many health benefits when consumed in moderation. However, studies show that higher doses can cause some known and unknown side effects.

Catechin can be toxic to living cells in higher doses. For example, green tea consumption above 800 mg per day may pose a potential risk of liver damage. One cup of brewed green tea usually contains 50 to 100 mg of catechin. The caffeine content can cause adverse effects for some people. Pregnant or lactating women should drink no more than one or two cups a day, because caffeine can cause a faster heart rate.