Health Benefits of Green Tea, Why You Should Drink More

Green tea has been around for thousands of years but we are just starting to realize the miracle health benefits that it possesses. The Chinese have been using green tea to treat illnesses ranging from headaches to cancer for longer than we know. Its abilities stem from its organic compounds that include the antioxidants catechins. They scavenge the body for free radicals that can damage our DNA and contribute to diseases such as atherosclerosis, blood clots and cancer. Due to its minimal processing green tea has a higher concentration of antioxidants giving the body more positive health benefits than many other foods. Although many of the health benefits have not yet been scientifically proven, personal experience has led to the prediction of green teas health benefits for increased heart health, reduction of cholesterol, improved dental care, preventing cancer, and weight loss.

Heart Health
Although there isn’t as much evidence to support green teas impact on heart health as say exercise, its antioxidant compounds are concentrated enough that in theory it should have a positive effect on the heart. More research is needed to absolutely prove that green tea is beneficial on the heart. However, the antioxidants in green tea are dilators. They improve the flexibility of the blood vessels, making them less vulnerable to clogging. Increased consumption of green tea decreases the likelihood of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and the clogging of blood vessels.

Lowers Cholesterolr
Elevated levels of cholesterol, especially LDL “bad” cholesterol are associated with obesity, diabetes, heart attacks, heart disease, atherosclerosis and hypertension. To reduce your cholesterol a healthy diet and exercise are normally recommended by doctors. However, one thing they forget to add is to increase your consumption of green tea. The antioxidants and catechins in green tea help to decrease the amount of bad cholesterol in the body lowering the risk that cholesterol puts on the body. Green tea lowers bad cholesterol levels and prevents the occurrence of blood clots. This improves the ratio between the good and bad cholesterol in the body, improving overall health.

Weight Lossr
For the many who are trying to lose weight, you can increase your efforts by adding green tea to your diet. Green tea encourages thermogenesis, the rate that the body burns calories. Although it is low in calories, its compounds like caffeine and polyphenols raise your metabolism and help to oxidize fat. When you increase your metabolism you have more energy and burn more calories. That’s why the more green tea you consume the more weight you will lose.

Healthy Teethr
Green tea also contains fluoride a valuable compound that is used in dental care. Fluoride kills the bacteria in the mouth that causes plaque build up on the teeth. Fluoride prevents general tooth decay and helps to maintain healthy cavity free teeth. While it removes plaque build up it also removes food stains on the outside of teeth as well. Therefore the consumption of green tea is essential to keep your smile bright and healthy.

Prevent Cancerr
Cancer affects the DNA of cells, making them grow abnormally. This is caused by oxidation of free radicals within the body. To eliminate disease causing free radicals its necessary to consume foods that contains antioxidants. Green tea contains powerful antioxidants such as catechins, polyphenols and epigallocatechin 3 gallate (EGCG). Polyphenols constantly search the body for free radicals, and prevents the formation of unstable oxygen molecules. EGCG regulates and inhibits the growth of cancer cells and kills cells that are growing abnormally. The more green tea you drink, the more concentrated antioxidants that you will provide your body to reduce your risk of developing stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer.