Discover how this ancient drink contributes to physical and mental well-being
Green tea has been produced in China and Japan for years and is prized for its delicate flavor and numerous health benefits. The production process involves harvesting the fresh leaves, which are quickly steamed in Japan or roasted in China, preventing oxidation. This keeps them green and preserves their beneficial compounds.
Including this beverage in your diet is a tasty way to promote overall well-being. So, check out the 7 health benefits of green tea!
1. Antioxidant action
Green tea contains catechins, powerful antioxidants which help reduce the damage caused by free radicals in the body, promoting cellular health and helping prevent chronic diseases related to oxidative stress.
“One of the processes that can increase the rate of aging is the oxidation of molecules in the body. The drink [chá verde] works precisely in this respect, protecting against free radicals”, explains Alex Botsaris, general practitioner and infectious disease specialist and member of the State Medicinal Plants Program of the Department of Health of the State of Rio de Janeiro (SES/RJ).
2. Helps regulate blood sugar levels
The bioactive compounds in green tea help increase the uptake of glucose into cells, which helps improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin, making it useful for people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
“When we consume a lot of sugar, we decrease mitochondrial function, which pancreas overworks and, as a result, increases insulin resistance in the body. And these changes are detrimental to the health of diabetics,” explains Dr. Christian Aguiar, an authority on preventative and natural health.
3. Improves brain health
The caffeine in green tea, combined with the amino acid L-theanine, improves brain function by promoting relaxation without causing drowsiness. This combination is often used to reduce stress and anxietyas well as increasing concentration levels.
“Green tea provides a dose of caffeine, which improves the amount of serotonin in the brain, mood and concentration. The drink also contains an important amino acid to increase the activity of neurotransmitters such as GABA, which works as a chemical messenger that transmits information from one neuron to another, regulating the nervous system and, consequently, anxiety,” explains nutritionist Fernanda Mangabeira, a specialist at the Vera Cruz Hospital, in Campinas (SP).
4. Helps strengthen immunity
Compounds found in green tea, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), polyphenols, and other antioxidants, have the ability to strengthen the immune system, helping the body defend itself from infections and diseases.
“The cells in our body are constantly subjected to toxic damage due to the formation of free radicals, which come from reactions that occur in the cell membrane and are responsible for the onset of various diseases and degenerative processes in the human body,” explains cardiologist Bruno Vincita.
5. Speeds up metabolism
Green tea is a thermogenic natural thanks to the presence of catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), along with caffeine. These compounds increase the body’s metabolic rate, helping to burn calories and fat, as well as providing an energy boost during physical and daily activities.
“But stop [os termogênicos] have effects on the body, it is important to combine them with a balanced diet and physical activity. Otherwise thermogenics make no difference”, explains nutritionist Roseli Rossi.
6. Improves cardiovascular health
Green tea helps improve arterial function by promoting the dilation of blood vessels and reducing the formation of plaque in the arteries. These combined benefits help reduce the risk of heart disease and maintain a healthy cardiovascular system over time. Additionally, it can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase HDL (good) cholesterol.
7. Improves gut health
Green tea helps improve digestion by facilitating it digestive process and reduce discomforts such as gas and bloating thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. It can also promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, which help balance the intestinal flora and contribute to the overall health of the colon.
How to make green tea
ingredients
- 1 teaspoon green tea leaves
- 250 ml of water
Preparation method
Add water to a pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Turn off the heat and let it cool for about 2 minutes until it reaches the ideal temperature, as the water should not boil to preserve the antioxidants in the green tea. Place the leaves in a cup and pour hot water over them. Let steep for about 3 minutes for a weaker tea or up to 5 minutes for a stronger tea. Strain and serve immediately.
Consume in moderation
While green tea is widely considered Safe and beneficial for most people, it can have some contraindications and side effects, especially if consumed in large quantities. It is possible that it interacts with some medications, such as blood thinners and antidepressants, and should be consumed in moderation by pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to the caffeine content and the presence of compounds that affect the absorption of folic acid. Consult a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns or health conditions.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
