Green tea has been used as a treatment for many different afflictions. It has being touted as a way to help lose weight, lower blood pressure and even potentially lowering the risk of cancer to those who regularly drink it.
What is in Green Tea?
Catechins
Because of the lack of fermentation, the amount of antioxidants and other healthful substances such as polyphenols, flavonoids and catechins are higher than other teas. These substances act as a deterrent within the body to help stop free radicals, thus protecting the cells in the body from damage. The cumulative damage on the part of free radicals can contribute to illness and disease. One of these substances is epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG as it is more commonly known.
Green tea has also been attributed with increased concentration and “brain power” thanks to the caffeine in it. The caffeine acts to block a neurotransmitter, adenosine, which affects levels of other neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. These aid in mood improvement, focus and concentration. These same neurotransmitters are also attributed in helping to inhibit the deterioration that is often attributed to both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Theanine
Laboratory tests have also indicated that the amino acid L-theanine found green tea aided in the restoration of damaged brain cells and helped to prevent other cells in the brain from deterioration. It also assists in preventing some forms of depression.
What Can Green Tea Help With?
Weight Loss
Widely publicized is the effect that green tea can have in weight loss. Green tea increases the metabolism and the levels of fat oxidation and increases the rate at which the human body can turn food into calories. Green tea also assists in regulating glucose levels by slowing the body’s rise in blood sugar that occurs after eating. This slowing can help to prevent insulin spikes and assist in helping to control some forms of diabetes such as Type II diabetes. Reducing insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar levels helps the body to maintain optimum health and prevent extreme highs and lows that often afflict diabetic patients.
Heart Health
Initial tests indicate also that green tea works to help keep blood vessels stay relaxed and more readily able to handle changes in blood pressure by working on the linings of blood vessels. Similarly, it may also prevent blood clots from forming, thus preventing stroke or heart attack.
Cancer Prevention
Recent studies indicate that drinking green tea can decrease the incidence of some forms of cancer. Green tea increasing the levels of antioxidants in the body that can help to prevent all kinds of cancers which include breast, esophageal, prostate and colorectal cancer. Many studies have been conducted and it does appear that overall, regular drinkers of green tea have a much decreased risk of cancer.
Dental Health
Green tea has also been known to help stem tooth decay. The antioxidant catechin found in green tea destroys bacteria in the mouth that can lead to dental caries, gum recession, and other dental conditions including tooth loss. Tooth decay and other dental issues have also been linked to increase in heart disease.
More than just a coffee substitute, just taking the time to take a break to relax with a cup of green tea can do much to add to your overall health and sense of well-being. Try one of Shan Valley’s exceptional green teas today.
