During ancient times, the Chinese have studied and proved the medicinal properties and benefits of green tea. It is found that green tea has many health benefits compared to other food or drinks. It is used by the Chinese people to cure simple headaches to depression. Green tea had been used as medicine for 4,000 years proving only that it is one of the most common remedy among many illness.
Facts about Green Tea
Reduces the risk of having cancer by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells especially on the colon, pancreas, rectum, bladder, esophagus, and stomach without harming healthy cells
Helpful for those who have rheumatoid arthritis
Reduce the risk of having hypertension and elevated blood pressure
Reduces the cholesterol level in the body
Increases metabolism
Helps body to fight viruses and bacteria by improving the defense action of the immune system
Reduces the process of thrombosis which helps reduce heart attacks and strokes
Green tea also helps destroy free radicals
Helps in reducing fatigue and stress due to its calming action
Fights cardio vascular diseases
Green tea is also known for its antibacterial anti viral properties
The secret of green tea is its catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin (EGCG) which is a powerful anti oxidants
EGCG is twice as powerful as reservatol whose action is to lower the incidence of heart disease
Green tea comes from Camelia sinesis plant
What sets green tea apart from other tea is the way it was processed, green tea leaves are steamed which prevents the important contents from being oxidized
By contrast other tea brands are made from fermented tea leaves; as a result the other components are converted into other compounds that are not as effective as that of green tea
New evidence suggests that green tea helps dieters by eliminating fat from the body and helps the body burn more calories compared to caffeine or a placebo
Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay
The bacterial actions of green tea can help prevent food poisoning
Wide variety of beauty products now contains green tea are available in the market that claims to have great effect in beauty and wellness
Green tea capsules are now available in health stores for those who dont want to drink tea
A cup of green tea contains caffeine level of 20 to 70 milligrams
There are several kinds of green tea that are available in the market they differ on the amount of caffeine content
Harmful effects
To the present study and research green tea have proven a lot of benefits and medicinal properties but when it comes to harmful effects of green tea had been reported to contribute to insomnia or difficulty of sleep experienced by users. Green tea is advised to be taken at least 3 to 4 cups daily and not to be taken as substitute for water.
Caffeine is the ingredient found in green tea that contributes to sleeping difficulty but its caffeine contents is less compared to that of coffee and black tea. Other components of green tea must also be controlled for it can contribute to liver problems.
For pregnant mothers and for under medications it is important to ask your doctor before consuming the beverage for some components of green tea might have reactions with other compounds found in medications.