Considered by medical experts as the most healthy drink in the world, green tea is full of L-theanine, antioxidant catechins/polyphenols and more, all of which affect the body positively in a wide range of ways, such as aiding in weight loss (1), improving your brain function (2), reducing your cancer risk (3), anti-aging properties (4), reduced risk of heart disease and stroke (5) and reduced risk of dementia and related disorders in older age (6).
Included below are seven of the most significant health benefits of drinking green tea, as proven by respected scientific studies.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Drinking real, fresh green tea, especially high quality green tea from Japan, compared to taking an extract, capsule or low quality powder as found in most dietary supplements, provides you with much higher 'bioactive' levels of its beneficial ingredients as detailed below.
The main super-healthy bioactive ingredients are:
- Catechins/polyphenols,, the most important of these is known as EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) - these are a type of natural antioxidant / anti-inflammatory (4) and can assist in the prevention of cell damage amongst other health factors. EGCG is considered amongst the most powerful active catechin component in green tea and has been featured in many studies for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory (and other) amazing properties which have been found to successfully treat a range of diseases. (3)(5)(6)
Compared with black tea, green tea is particularly rich in catechins that include EGCG. EGCG is the most active and abundant compound in green tea representing approximately 43% of the total [poly]phenols [and] possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. (4)
Scapagnini et al., (2011)
TAKEAWAY:
Green tea is packed full of healthy catechins/polyphenols, the most abundant and active being EGCG. Drinking quality green tea with high levels of EGCG has been shown to have a positive effect on your health. (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)
Green tea extract is one of the most common supplements in weight loss products and there's a reason why. Simply put, this is due to scientific studies including one which showed that drinking oolong (a type of green tea with similar EGCG levels) resulted in significant weight loss in people with high-fat diets (1)
TAKEAWAY:
Green tea can increase both your metabolic rate as well as the amount of fat burned, especially for those on high-fat diets (1).
The L-theanine in green tea is not only a mild stimulant, it has also been shown to improve the function of your brain, helping to make you smarter and also reduce anxiety and stress. (2)
A lot of people find they experience higher levels of productivity and stable amounts of energy when drinking green tea instead of coffee.
TAKEAWAY:
Drinking green tea regularly brings about very beneficial health benefits for your brain including better performance, concentration, reduced anxiety and a more balanced mood. (2)
A leading cause of death, cancer is known to be caused by the out-of-control growth of malignant (cancerous) cells in your body. It has been scientifically shown that the oxidative damage that causes such cancer growth can be prevented or at least stopped from spreading via the powerful antioxidant action of EGCG and other polyphenols/catechins in green tea. (3)
TAKEAWAY:
Due to its high levels of EGCG, one can reduce the risk of cancer simply by drinking high quality green tea regularly.
Epidemiological data suggests that ... green tea may reduce the risk of both coronary heart disease and stroke (5)
Bohn et al., (2012)
TAKEAWAY:
Enjoy the benefits of green tea daily. Beyond its delicious taste, green tea can contribute to a healthier heart. Regular consumption may significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.
Drinking green tea is not only good for brain health in one's younger years (see above). In fact, it has also been shown that as one ages, brain health can be both maintained as well as possibly protected due to the high levels of EGCG found in green tea. (6)
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are neurodegenerative disorders that increasingly affect older populations. Alzheimer's is associated with dementia, while Parkinson's is characterized by a decline in dopamine-producing neurons. Both conditions are becoming more prevalent among the elderly.
In a 2012 study, scientists from Newcastle University in the UK investigated how EGCG might help people with neurodegenerative disorders. They looked at how EGCG interacts with a brain enzyme called acetylcholinesterase (important for memory). Their findings were very positive:
the full potential of ... green tea and its metabolites ... may indicate [the] benefit [of] drinking green tea as a strategy to prevent the development of dementia [and related neurodegenerative diseases]. (6)
(Okello et al., 2012)
TAKEAWAY:
EGCG, the bioactive catechin found in abundance in quality green tea, has been been proven to have various beneficial effects on the brain, including for those entering old age. In particular, there is solid scientific evidence supporting a lowered risk of developing Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or other neurodegenerative disorders. (6)
Many of the ... beneficial effects of green tea on age-related diseases have been linked to its EGCG content. (4)
Scapagnini et al., (2011)
As we have learnt above, and especially summarised by the above quote, scientific studies show that those who regularly drink green tea benefit from its powerful EGCG catechin/polyphenol content and therefore have a lower chance of early death or serious illness.
In particular green tea can help lower the risk of developing major diseases such as cancer (3), heart disease (5) and dementia-related disorders (6). We also learnt that we can boost our mind and mood, reduce anxiety and improve brain function (2) and finally, we can drink green tea to manage and/or lose weight, especially when eating high-fat foods. (1)
TAKEAWAY:
Proven scientific studies demonstrate that the regular drinking of green tea is statistically proven to reduce the chance of early death caused by major illnesses and diseases, compared to those who don't drink green tea. (3)(5)(6)
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