Can green tea benefit us as we get older?
Having had been diagnosed with dangerous cholesterol levels in 2012 and then being prescribed statins by my doctor, I decided against taking them as they changed how I felt and were affecting my hormone levels.
I opted instead to look for something as a natural alternative.
I looked at the benefits of Green tea renowned to be "the healthiest beverage on the planet!"
Background
Green tea is native to China and India, made from un-oxidized leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant and is one of the less processed types of tea.
Black tea is processed in a way that allows for fermentation whereas green tea’s processing avoids the fermentation process.
Green tea is therefore loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on the body.
It is alleged to boost weight loss, improve brain function, reduce cholesterol, combat cardiovascular disease and lower the risks of cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Benefits
Here are some of the health benefits of green tea that I have discovered.
1 Weight loss.
Green tea increases the metabolism. The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories.
Many fat burning supplements contain green tea as a main ingredient.
Green tea also contains caffeine that in itself has also been shown to improve physical performance by mobilizing fatty acids from the fat tissues and making them available for use as energy.
In general, green tea contains a relatively small amount of caffeine (approximately 20-45 milligrams per 8 oz cup), compared with black tea which contains about 50 milligrams and coffee with 95 milligrams per cup.
2 Preventing ageing.
Green tea is contains some of the highest amount of antioxidants of any tea. It is loaded with polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins, which function as powerful antioxidants.
These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage. These free radicals are thought to provide its anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects helping to prevent ageing and disease.
3 Reduced cancer risk
It is well known that oxidative damage contributes to the development of cancer and that antioxidants can have a protective effect and could reduce your risk of cancer.
4 Reduced risk of degenerative diseases
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease in humans and a leading cause of dementia.
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and involves the death of dopamine producing neurons in the brain.
Green tea can have various protective effects on neurons potentially lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
4 Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are the biggest causes of death in the world
Studies show that green tea can improve some of the main risk factors for these diseases.
This includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Green tea also dramatically increases the antioxidant capability of the blood, which protects the LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation, which is one part of the pathway towards heart disease and therefore lowering the risk.
5 Improved brain function
Green tea can not only keep you awake, it can also make you smarter!
As mentioned above a key active ingredient is caffeine, which is also a stimulant.
It doesn’t contain as much caffeine as coffee, but enough to produce a response without causing the “jittery” effects associated with too much caffeine.
What caffeine does in the brain is to block an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine. This way, it actually increases the firing of neurons and the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.
Caffeine can lead to improvements in various aspects of brain function, including improved mood, vigilance, reaction time and memory.
Green tea also has the amino acid L-theanine, which is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. L-theanine increases the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which has anti-anxiety effects. It also increases dopamine and the production of alpha waves in the brain.
It is thought that caffeine and L-theanine can have synergistic effects. The combination of the two is particularly potent at improving brain function.
6 Lowers your risk of infection
The catechins in green tea can kill bacteria and inhibit viruses like the influenza virus, potentially lowering your risk of infections.
Streptococcus mutans is the primary harmful bacteria in the mouth. It causes plaque formation and is a leading contributor to cavities and tooth decay.
Studies show that the catechins in green tea can inhibit the growth of streptococcus mutans with improved dental health and a lower risk of cavities. It can also reduce bad breath
7 Lower your risk of type II diabetes
Type II diabetes is a disease that has reached epidemic proportions in the past few decades and now afflicts about 300 million people worldwide.
This disease involves having elevated blood sugar levels in the context of insulin resistance or an inability to produce insulin.
Studies show that green tea can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels
8. May decrease your risk of dying and help you live longer
Of course, we all have to die eventually. That is inevitable.
However, given that green tea drinkers are at a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, it makes sense that it could help you live longer.
Recommended amounts
I would recommend drinking 2 - 3 cups a day or in supplement form from one of the suppliers below taking 250 – 1000 mg/ day.
Green Tea Bulk Powders
Green Tea Discount Supplements
Green Tea Myprotein
Green Tea Simply Supplements
Conclusion
Along with a controlled diet and exercise I believe that green tea has helped me achieve my now normal cholesterol levels.
In order to feel better, lose weight and lower your risk of chronic diseases, then you might want to consider making green tea a regular part of your life!
My name is Kenny McDowell - 50 years young ! I was fat not so long ago and have in just 2 years transformed my physique from what it was losing 60 lbs on the way to become a champion fitness model. To find out how I did it and see if you can do the same - just visit My Story page.
http://www.physiqueoverfifty.co.uk/my-story/
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