Everything You Need to Know About Green Tea

A healthy beverage that acts as a substitute for our morning and evening drinks is green tea. Owing to its multiple antioxidants and phytonutrients, green tea offers many health benefits. Although green tea originated in China, today it’s produced in various parts of the world. One of the best green tea from India is Oolong tea. It is nutritious and does not undergo the withering and oxidation process as the traditional black tea. Green tea has various types. Over time, many have raised queries about the benefits of green tea and whether losing weight with green tea is possible. To clarify these concerns, we have articulated everything about this herbal tea that will help you gain a better perspective. Read on to know more. 

What Does Green Tea Do For You?

Helps Burn Fat: A healthy swap for sugary drinks, green tea is known to help with weight loss. Research suggests that green tea can increase fat burning and bolster metabolism. However, some other studies on green tea speak otherwise. The results are hence subjective. Further, green tea has caffeine which may also improve physical performance during exercise. Two other review studies state that caffeine increases performance by 11-12%. So when it comes to losing weight with green tea, the results vary from person to person.  

May Reduce the Risks of Some Cancer: Green tea is enriched with antioxidants that help protect against oxidative damage. Research suggests that oxidative damage can cause chronic diseases including cancer. Cancer is also a result of the uncontrolled growth of cells. Studies suggest that high levels of polyphenols in green tea curbs the growth of cancerous cells and kills the ones that are present. Green tea majorly has an impact on three types of cancers – breast, colorectal (bowel), prostate. However, the exact method by which tea works on cancerous cells is unknown. To make the most of green tea, avoid adding milk to your tea. Some evidence suggests milk can reduce the antioxidant value in some teas.

Aids Cardiovascular Health: Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are the leading causes of death worldwide. Drinking green tea or coffee regularly is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. Studies show that green tea may help with concerns about heart diseases. This includes improving total cholesterol by reducing levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Further, green tea also helps protect the LDL particles from oxidation by managing the antioxidant capacity of the blood. In conclusion, it can be said that people who consume green tea regularly have lesser chances of dying from cardiovascular diseases. 

Boosts Brain Function: Apart from keeping you alert, green tea may also improve brain function. The active ingredient caffeine acts as a stimulant. The amount of caffeine in green tea is lesser as compared to coffee but enough to bring about the right results without causing any jittery effects of caffeine. Research has consistently proven that caffeine can aid several aspects of brain function, which include vigilance, reaction, mood, and memory. Although, green tea does have other brain-boosting compounds. It contains the amino acid L-theanine. This increases the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, which has anti-anxiety effects. This increases dopamine and the production of alpha waves in the brain. Studies have also showcased that caffeine and L-theanine can have synergistic effects. An amalgamation of the two can have particularly powerful effects in improving brain function. To date, drinking green tea has helped many people have stable energy and be more productive. 

May Reduce Bad Breath: One of the unfamiliar benefits of green tea is its ability to reduce bad breath. A common bacteria in the mouth Streptococcus mutans causes plaque and leads to cavities and decay. Lab studies suggest that the catechins in this herbal tea can alleviate the growth of bacteria which helps lower the risk of infections. But no studies have claimed that drinking green tea daily can have similar effects. 

Does Green Tea Reduce Belly Fat?

Many studies suggest that green tea for weight loss can bring about significant results. Some studies show no results. Green tea does not have calories. It promotes feelings of satiety that curb hunger pangs and stop you from binge eating. The presence of catechins and antioxidants also help with weight loss. Research also suggests that based on the brand, 2-3 cups of green tea or 100-750 mg of standardized green tea extract is ideal for weight loss. 

Is it Safe to Drink Green Tea Every Day?

Green tea is full of healthy compounds. It can be consumed daily. The regular consumption of green tea can help with weight loss and the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart ailments, and cancer. Drinking three to five cups of green tea per day would be optimal to reap maximum health benefits.

Is Green Tea Good for the Skin?

Yes, green tea has positive skin-healing properties. Green tea has a polyphenolic compound EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), which acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. These properties may reduce skin irritation, redness, and swelling. The EGCG present in green tea is also known to be anti-androgenic. It hence regulates the production of androgens in the body, which in turn may reduce oil or sebum production on the skin. Besides, the topical application of green tea can heal minor cuts. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it helpful for many dermatological conditions.  

What is the Best Time to Drink Green Tea?

Research recommends that the ideal time to drink green tea is in the morning and before working out. You can kickstart your day by swapping green tea for coffee. 

Conclusion

Many studies showcase the effectiveness of green tea and some do not stand by all its claims. Although, unlike regular tea, adding this herbal tea to your regime will certainly yield healthy results. If you are looking for the best green tea online, consider trying the Kapiva green tea. Enriched with antioxidants its healing properties are of immense value. It is the choicest replacement for your morning tea or any sugary drink you sip during the day. For its numerous health benefits, do consider trying it out soon!