Green tea has been a regular staple of cultures in China, Japan and the Middle East for centuries. It was only in recent years that the U.S. and other countries have begun drinking green tea and researching the health benefits that other countries have suspected for decades.
Green tea is made from the leaves of a plant called Camellia Sinensis , a large shrub that grows freely throughout Asia, the Middle East and Africa. There are many different varieties of green tea, which can be quite different depending on growing conditions, processing methods and the time of the year the tea is harvested. The tea is processed with minimal oxidation from unfermented leaves. In tea processing, highly fermented leaves contain lower polyphenol content and more caffeine. Green tea, which is not fermented, has a high amount of polyphenols and is very low in caffeine.The polyphenols in green tea - chemicals packed with antioxidants - are what pass along the health benefits. The polyphenols found in green tea are believed to be more potent than vitamin C and they are responsible for green tea's somewhat bitter flavour. Green tea also contains alkaloids such as theobromine, caffeine and theophylline, which are responsible for its stimulant effect.
In recent years there have been many reports about the various health benefits of drinking green tea, based on anecdotal reports and historical accounts. But researchers are now doing in-depth studies about the benefits of green tea (especially polyphenols), in preventing and combating diseases. Hundreds of researchers have studied and published findings supporting the fact that green tea may be responsible for numerous health benefits, some of which are described below. Scientists recommend that just 10 ounces a day is all you need.
Reduced cancer risk In countries such as Japan, where the population consume green tea on a regular basis, studies have shown that cancer rates are lower. Although research has not proven that green tea is specifically responsible for these lower rates, researchers think polyphenols can help kill cancer cells and stop the creation of new cells and blood vessels that supplement tumours. Numerous studies have shown that drinking green tea regularly, reduces the risk of bladder, ovarian, breast, stomach, colon, lung, esophageal, skin and colon cancer.
Heart-healthy benefits Studies indicate that green tea can help prevent atherosclerosis, the plaque buildup in blood vessels that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Polyphenols help keep blood vessels clear, which reduces blood pressure. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will not allow tea-makers to use labels claiming that green tea reduces the risk of heart disease, many research studies have proven that antioxidants — which green tea is packed with - help keep arteries clean and healthy. Research also shows that green tea lowers cholesterol.
Weight loss Green tea may help speed up the body’s metabolism, helping to burn calories more quickly. One study showed that the caffeine in green tea, combined with the polyphenols and antioxidants, helped weight loss in a group of overweight and moderately obese people.
Diabetes Studies in animals and humans have shown that green tea may help prevent Type I diabetes and slow its progression after diagnosis. People with Type I diabetes do not produce enough insulin to convert the glucose and starches in their blood into energy, which is essential for normal functioning of the body. Green tea has been shown to help regulate glucose tolerance in the body.
Liver and bowel diseases Green tea seems to protect the liver from damage by over consumption of alcoholic beverages and viral hepatitis. Green tea also helps reduce inflammation caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are numerous anecdotal reports of studies showing that green tea consumption can also help prevent or treat neurological ailments such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Nutritionists believe that the catechins in green tea increase the blood levels of norepinephrine, a chemical that speeds brain processes and may protect against memory loss. Green tea is even a good antiseptic for relieving itching and swelling. Just soak a cotton ball in it and apply the tea to blemishes, sunburns, scrapes, insect bites, scratches or puffy eyelids.
With so many potential good effects and almost no potential harmful effects, what are you waiting for? Get those green teabags out, get the teapot started, and drink your way to good health!
Source: (wateen.net)