Green tea is a beverage inherited from our ancient forefathers, one found to have many benefits. In fact, you could say green tea is a miraculous drink. Originating in ancient China, almost 4000 years ago, it is made, like many other Chinese teas, of the leaves from Camellia sinensis. But unlike other teas, green tea is manufactured differently and that is what retains its beneficial properties.
Today, because of its nutritional and healing powers, it is famous the world over. Herbalists suggest everyone drink at least two cups a day, or take it as an all natural supplement. The benefits are enormous. It is known to reduce cholesterol, help in the loss of weight, but best of all it reduces the chances of getting cancer, and eliminates cancer cells when they already exist.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Results of an epidemiology study made in 1994 by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, show that drinking this tea reduces the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by almost 60%. The results also suggest that green tea ingredients hamper the growth of cancer cells.
It is rich in catechin polyphenols and specially (EGCG), a strong antioxidant. The antioxidants in green tea, eliminate free radicals that can damage DNA and this results in cancer growth. However, aside from being an anti-cancer nutrient, this tea can be beneficial in weight loss. It reduces the cholesterol levels, offers energy and calms the nerves. Additionally, green tea prevents tooth decay and kills bacteria.
Weight Loss Benefits
If someone wants to reduce his or her waist, adding green tea into the diet plan improves results. Recent research shows that this special tea extract increases the rate of the body's calorie burning activity and decreases the fat in the blood, cholesterol and controls appetite. Tea supporters claim that it burns body fat too and leads to enhanced muscle endurance. It is a natural energy booster and increases the metabolism.
Offers Hydrating Benefits
This tea offers hydration benefits too. Much like water does. It helps patients with diabetes control their sugar levels and it helps anyone stabilize glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar. Again the EGCG, powerful antioxidant, combats harmful toxins with free radicals thus slowing down the aging process and increasing longevity. Added to this, the Polyphenols and Flavonoids contained in the tea make the immune system stronger and more resistant to diseases.
Prevents Baldness
Ingredients also seem to have positive effect on those that undergo the frustration of baldness. Recent research shows recent that the anti-inflammatory properties in the tea can promote hair growth. The regular consumption of green tea increases the levels of sex Hormones too. SHBG regulates the hormones in the body by restraining the tissue and cells that use testosterone. Because Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is held responsible for hair loss, the tea reduces and restricts the production of DHT, thereby preventing further loss.
A Great Pick-Me-Up
If you are a night owl, workaholic or just need to stay energized for any particular reason, this beverage can help too. The properties are known to keep you alert. So whether school work, work or other things keep you awake, this is going to be your drink!
Caution
There is some evidence that suggests that consuming excessive volumes of this beverage may cause liver toxicity and oxidative stress. For this reason, this oriental tea is not suitable for those suffering with severe hypertension problems. In some people green tea is known to o cause heartburn and chest pain, but the risks are minimal. As with everything, excesses are not a good thing. Still, drinking green tea is quite healthy, but only if it is consumed in reasonable amount.
As Good As Resveratrol
Experts also believe that the tea is the solution to the French Paradox (the French have diets that are rich in fats, yet have a longer longevity due to the resveratrol and polyphenol contained in wine). It may be twice as powerful as resveratrol which explains why the Japanese have significantly low rates of heart disease.
Bottom Line
The secret of this ancient tea is the catechin polyphenols, especially the epigallocatechin gallate or (EGCG). This is a powerful anti-oxidant that inhibits the growth of cancer cells, but also kills those that are already growing. It is also effective at lowering LDL and inhibiting the formation of blood clots. The latter is important as thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) cases heart attacks and stroke.
What makes this different from other Chinese teas, is the way it is processed. The leaves are steamed which prevents the EGCG properties from being oxidized. By contrast, other teas made from the Camellia sinensis plant are fermented, so the ingredients are not as effective at fighting off disease.
While there is no significant proof that green tea is effective at helping weight loss many people do swear by it. At any rate, its other beneficial properties help reduce some of the negative symptoms of dieting (loss of energy, motivation, faintness and dizziness), allowing you to complete a diet successfully.
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