Green Tea – You’ve probably seen it touted on diet pills and flaunted on skincare products. It’s the supposed cure-all for everything from headaches to fatigue to acne to bloat and everything in between. Experts gush about its unique abilities to fight cancer while nutritionists swear by it as the ultimate solution for cleansing the body and boosting the immune system.
Yet what makes this Asian brew so special? Is it really the ultimate ingredient for a healthy life? Or have we simply overhyped its abilities because it’s been around for so long? Let’s take a closer look at its history to see if we can answer any of our questions.
Details on Green Tea
Green Tea is created from the leaves of the Sinensis , and unlike other teas made from the same plant, Green Tea is steamed rather than fermented, which allows for the greatest concentrations of antioxidants and catechins. It is the second most popular drink consumed worldwide, and many cultures and customs involve Green Tea as part of certain rituals.
For over 4,000 years, this herbal beverage was used for its medicinal abilities and healing properties, but only recently has its true benefits been revealed through clinical research.
Benefits of Green Tea
In 1994, the Journal of National Cancer Institute published that a study on the benefits of drinking Green Tea. The results were surprising: those who drank green tea were less likely to develop esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly 60%. The studied revealed that the ingredients in Green Tea inhibited the production of cancer cells while simultaneously lowering LDL cholesterol levels.
Green Tea’s Health benefits are primarily due to its high concentrations of flavonoids (plant-derived antioxidants). These flavonoids are especially effective in cleansing the body of harmful bi-products called free radicals, inhibiting oxidative damage to cells and naturally boosting the immune system.
By drinking a cup of tea on a regular basis, you may experience the following benefits:
• Decrease in appetite
• Increase in energy
• Boost in metabolism
• Sharpening of mental acuity and focus
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Improved ability to cope with stress
• Cleansed of toxins
• Stronger bones
Conclusion
Green Tea provides a wide variety of benefits that are essential for maintaining a healthier body and living a longer life. Whether you’re looking to lose a few extra pounds or simply trying to find a healthy substitute for your daily cup of coffee, Green Tea appears to be a one of the best beverages available.