Health Benefits of Green Tea

Kevin Nurmi
What's in Tea?

i.Theophylline; a colorless crystalline alkaloid.
ii. Bound caffeine (theine) between 30mg and 90mg per 8oz (or 0.25 L) cup. iii. Amounts of theobromine.
iv. Fluoride; old leaves and stems comprise the highest levels.

To Tea or not to tea?

One of the prime survival strategies to the animal kingdom is opting for benefits and keeping the malicious at bay. But with tea, we humans have long maintained a strange love-hate relationship; while a particular clan glorifies the presence of catechins, a type of tannic acid that can also be found in black catechu (extract of the heartwood of Acacia catechu) in white, crystalline form, others have accused it of being the sole cause of insomnia. This has also given rise to an argument: if anxiety and depression causes insomnia and tea relieves both of them, then how can tea be the accused one? The debate continues, so we shall have a look at it later on.

Catechin: Quick Facts

i. Catechins have antioxidant properties and this adds to the health benefits of green tea as well as the other varieties.

ii. Catachins comprise up to 30% of the dry weight of a tealeaf.

iii. Their concentration is highest in green teas and least in black tea.

Is there any other food or drink with similar medical benefits as green tea?

Citing a few examples shall provide a better understanding on the medical benefits of green tea, which range from treating headaches to getting rid of depression and anxiety. Even the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 1994 published an epidemiological study that explained the role of green tea in reducing the risk of esophageal cancer by almost sixty percent. Researches also indicate green tea to be a powerful cholesterol reducing substance; it improves the ratio of HDL and LDL. Other medical benefits of green tea are as follows:

i. A remedy for rheumatoid arthritis and various cardiovascular diseases.
ii.Cures certain infections.
iii. Gets rid of impaired immune function.

Secrets behind the Health benefits of green tea

The presence of a high volume of Catechin Polyphenols. The group comprises:

i. Epigallocatechin gallate: Also called EGCG, it is a powerful anti-oxidant that inhibits the growth of cancerous cells. This compound kills existing cancerous cells as well other than lowering LDL or bad cholesterol levels and stopping the formation of abnormal blood clots, thus eliminating the chances of thrombosis, heart attacks and stroke.

ii. Lipolytic and calorie burning properties: This was what people called the French Paradox. The French, in spite of a fat-rich diet exhibited lower heart disease rates and the cause was their high consumption of red wine comprising resveratrol. EGCG has been proved to be twice as powerful as resveratrol, so the situation is self-explanatory.

iii. Stops tooth decay: Green tea prevents tooth decay with its bacteria-killing abilities. It also helps to prevent severe conditions like food poisoning.

Is green tea all green?

Except for the fact that it causes sleeplessness if consumed in high doses; this is an effect brought forth by the presence of caffeine, a natural stimulant. Therefore, to stay green for longer, four cups of green tea is ideal.

Conclusion

Reading this article is recommended for all who are willing to enjoy a healthy mind and sound body longer than the average person.

  • Green tea prevents tooth decay with its bacteria-killing abilities.
  • Epigallocatechin gallate, found in green tea, is a powerful anti-oxidant that prevents cancer.

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.