Green tea has become a widely celebrated superfood that is not only trendy, but also boasts an incredible amount of benefits. It is considered to be one of the healthier beverages, besides water, and it can be consumed many different ways – it can be steeped in water to make tea, sipped whole in the form of matcha powder, and it can also be enjoyed in cooking.
Many people will kick off their day with a cup of coffee, eager for the jolt of energy that comes from the caffeine. But, did you know that a cup of green tea can offer the same energy benefits, and then some? There are so many benefits to green tea, including fat-burning, the ability to improve brain function, anti-aging and so much more!
- There are many different types of teas that people will enjoy, but the four most common ones are black teas, white teas, oolong and green tea. Of the four varieties green tea offers the most flavonoids, which are plant-based antioxidants that are very beneficial to your health. Green tea also contains antioxidants that can reduce inflammation in your body and actively protect your cells from damage that can lead to various chronic illnesses.
- Green tea, even though it does provide caffeine, is known for its calming properties. The combination of caffeine and amino acids that elicit a calming effect has been proven to optimize brain function that enhances your memory, cognitive performance and can even elevate your mood. The ability of green tea to counter oxidative stress also makes it a strong protector against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
- Have you heard that green tea can aid in weight loss? It has been shown that green tea can kick start your metabolism and stimulate fat burning. It has also been linked to curbing your appetite and preventing fat gain by inhibiting a process that is known as angiogenesis. This is when new blood vessels form, which fat tissue depends on to grow.
- Green tea has been proven to protect against certain types of cancer. It protects against damage that can trigger the uncontrolled growth of cells that can then lead to mutations and the spread of cancer cells. Green tea basically assists in blocking the cancer from spreading.
- The antioxidants in green tea offer antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial effects that can really support and strengthen your immune system.
- Green tea seems to be a master multitasker, because the antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory effects of the beverage has been shown to:
- Protect your heart health by reducing total cholesterol
- Balance your blood sugar and prevent diabetes
- Protect against bone loss and reduce the risk of fracture
- Prevents the effects of aging of your skin by defending against wrinkles
- Fight against oral bacteria and provides for your dental health
- And so much more!
- Unsurprisingly, green tea is actually tied to living a longer life. The cells of people who regularly consume green tea have a younger biological age than those who don’t drink it.
Doesn’t it feel like green tea might be the solution to all of your health concerns? While there are many things you can do to take care of your health, it definitely would not hurt to add green tea to your diet. The best way to enjoy green tea is steeped in either warm or cold water, and to have at least one cup a day to really enjoy the benefits that it can offer. If you drink a lot of green tea you may experience some common side effects like:
- Feeling jittery, the way you would after a few cups of coffee
- Having a hard time falling asleep due to the caffeine intake
- Feeling dehydrated, because tea is a diuretic
- Experiencing light headaches
- Having an upset stomach
If you experience one or more of these side effects, it’s a good idea to cut back and only drink green tea in moderation. If you have any questions about how to safely incorporate green tea into your diet, or make any other changes to your lifestyle, it’s always a good idea to consult with your physician.
It’s clear that green tea truly is a superfood and carries a plethora of benefits that can contribute to your health and well-being. If you can’t handle the taste of green tea on its own you can always incorporate it in smoothies, oatmeal, cooking and various other applications.
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