Green tea originated in China, but now it is used in whole world as a health drink due to its numerous medicinal benefits. In China there is an old saying – “ Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one”. Black tea or other Chinese teas don’t has as much health benefits as compared to benefits of green tea, besides the fact that all the tea come from the plant Camellia sinensis. The reason lies in the method of preparation. Green tea is rich in EGCG(epigallocatechin gallate) a powerful green tea antioxidant. Green tea is
only steamed, while the other teas are made by fermented leaves. Due to the process of fermentation EGCG changes into other compounds which are not as effective in fighting diseases.Advantages of Green tea increases from the fact that it contains higher contents of flavonoids than in the same volume of other food such as vegetable juices fresh fruits and other foods which are considered healthier. Flavonoids is a group of phytochemicals in the plants which are responsible for health effects as anti-oxidative and anticarcinogenic functions.
Health benefits of green tea
1. Benefit of Green Tea in treatment and prevention of Cancer :-
EGCG(epigallocatechin gallate) which is present in considerable amount in green tea helps in killing dangerous cells of cancer due to its powerful antioxidant properties. It does not harm the healthy tissues and also inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Thus green tea is very beneficial for treatment as well as prevention of cancer.
2.Advantage of green Tea for Heart disease
Another benefit of green tea is that it inhibits the abnormal formation of blood clots which is the major cause in heart strokes. Also green tea effectively lowers LDL cholesterol(bad cholesterol) and improves the ratio of good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Green tea also suppresses angiotensin II which causes high blood pressure. Thus further reducing the possibilities of heart attacks.
3. How green tea is beneficial for diabeties
Another advantage of green tea over other health drinks is that it helps in regulating the glucose level and thus is very beneficial for the patients of diabetes. It slows down the rise of blood sugar after eating. This is due to polyphenols present in green tea extract. Polyphenols present in green tea decreases the amylase produced by conversion of starch into sugar. This results in lowering the level of sugar in blood.
4.Green Tea and Weight Loss
A major benefit of green tea is that it helps you in losing weight. Drinking green tea accelerates metabolism which helps in losing weight. Accelerated metabolism increases fat oxidation which burns the fat and provides energy to the body. green tea also prevents the growth of fat cells specially in the abdominal area. But this does not mean that drinking green tea alone will lose considerable weight. But it boosts your effort to fight obesity.
5. Benefits of Green tea in tooth decay
Green tea antioxidants(catechin) helps in destroying bacteria and viruses which are responsible for throat infections and dental plaque. Green tea contains small amount of naturally – occurring fluoride too, which helps in protecting cavities. In addition to preventing tooth decay green tea also prevents bad breath.
6. Benefits of green tea in depression
Every kind of tea is known for providing relief from depression and headache and green tea is not the exception. This is due to theanine an amino acid which is found naturally in all tea leaves.
7. Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial properties of green tea
Drinking green tea is beneficial in inhibiting the spread of many diseases from influenza to cancer. This is due to strong antibacterial and antiviral agents Tea catechins which are present in considerable amount in green tea. Green tea also helps in getting relief from diarrhoea. It relieves stress, improves bone structure and delays the onset of osteoporosis.
8. Treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Another benefit of Green tea is that it delays the deterioration of brain cells caused the disease Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It also restores damaged neurons in the brain. This is due to the presence of main antioxidant EGCG in Green tea..
9.Advantage of green tea in eye disease
It is found that catechins which is present in green tea were absorbed by retina and other parts of the eye. This reduces oxidative stress in the eye and thus prevents glaucoma and other diseases of the eye. This is another advantage of green tea.
10.
Green tea as a natural antiseptic.
Green tea act as a natural antiseptic. Thus green tea is beneficial in treating blemishes and cuts. You can simply apply generous amount of green tea with a cotton ball on the affected area.
Beauty benefits of green tea
Due to strong antioxidants present in green tea it is now a day’s used in a many types of beauty products. You can get the beauty benefits of green tea by drinking it or simply applying it to your skin.
1. Benefits of green tea in acne treatment
Due to the present of catechins green tea has anti-bacterial properties. These anti-bacterial properties helps fight acne bacteria. Drinking green tea regularly also regulates the hormonal level which is the major cause of acne and pimples in teenagers. In addition to drinking you can also use green tea as a hydrating facial. Green tea flushes out harmful chemicals from the skin.
Mix one teaspoon of green tea leaves and 3 table spoons of Mayo. Apply it on your face. Leave for 20 minutes. Wash the face. This will also leave your skin glowing.
2. Green tea for eczema
Green tea is also very helpful in treating eczema. As green tea contains powerful antioxidants, it acts as moisturiser which is 20 times stronger than Vitamin E. Hence regular intake of green tea helps in reducing Eczema.
3.Green tea in preventing wrinkles and other signs of aging
Another advantage of green tea is in treating wrinkles. Green tea antioxidants flush out harmful toxins which damage the skin, regular consumption of green tea helps in preventing wrinkles and dark spots which are caused due to aging. Regular consumption of green tea makes one look younger and healthier.
You can also apply green tea externally on your skin. Boil a cup of green tea and let it cool. You can use this as a skin toner. Also you can add it to your body lotion. This lotion will give anti-aging effect.
4. Advantage of green tea in treating Sun burn
Due to anti-inflammatory properties of green tea reduces the damage caused to the skin due over exposure to sun. It has an cooling effect on skin and also prevents discoloured areas on skin due to sun damage.
5.Green tea for natural Glow
Green tea helps in rejuvenating the dead skin cells and thus gives you a clean and clear skin. Regular use of green tea gives your skin a natural glow and keeps it healthier. Drink three to four cups of green tea daily to take the maximum benefits of green tea.
Side effect of green tea
The only known side effect of green tea is the insomnia which is due to the presence of caffeine. However it has less amount of caffeine as compared to coffee. But not to worry if you are sensitive to caffeine decaffeinated versions of green tea are available in the market. But you should make sure the green tea is decaffeinated by the natural process of effervescence, which uses only water and carbon dioxide. Using this process 95 percent of antioxidants of green tea are retained. While the other method which uses ethyl acetate only 30 % of antioxidants present in green tea are retained.
The conclusion is that the green tea antioxidants makes it a boon for good health. To take all the health and beauty benefits of green tea , include at least three cups of green tea in your daily regime.
