Green tea is a type of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis leaves that have not undergone the same withering and oxidation process used to make oolong and black tea. This type of tea is available in literally thousands of varieties. From strong to mild and flowery, you’ll always find something you like in the green tea family.
Green tea, native to China and India, has been consumed and hailed for its health benefits for centuries globally. Often viewed as a must-have superfood, green tea is a fantastic staple to have in your diet for its rich antioxidants.
Here are the health benefits of green tea.
Green Tea and Diabetes
Green tea helps keep blood sugar levels stable very important for people who suffer from diabetes or pre diabetes.
In Type 2 diabetes, green tea helps reduce the frequent blood sugar spikes that often lead to complications in the eyes, heart and kidneys. In fact, green tea is one of the best things that a diabetic person may include in his or her diet plan.
Green Tea and Weight Loss
Several studies have proven that a cup of green tea daily can reduce body fat, especially in the abdominal area. It can also significantly decrease body fat percentage, body weight and waist circumference.
Green Tea and Hair Loss
Green tea is packed with antioxidants that help prevent hair loss and can also promote hair re-growth. The polyphenol catechins in green tea help block DHT, which is the key factor for hair loss. Plus, green tea has a component called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that promotes hair growth by stimulating hair cells.
Drink a few cup of green tea daily to prevent hair loss and possible help re-grow your hair.
Green Tea and Memory Loss
It has been found that green tea helps block the formation of plaques that are linked to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, the two most common neurodegenerative disorders.
Green tea is also great for stimulating brain function and memory.
Green Tea and Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, the polyphenols in tea have been shown to decrease tumor growth in laboratory and animal studies and may protect against damage caused by ultraviolet UVB radiation. In countries where green tea consumption is high, cancer rates tend to be lower.
Green tea also helps prevent new blood cells from forming within tumors.
Green Tea and Blood Pressure
Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. It helps keep blood pressure down by repressing angiotensin, which leads to high blood pressure.
Green Tea and Fungus
Green tea is popular for its antioxidant properties. It is also recommended for anti-fungal characteristics. It also helps ease swelling, a useful trait for skin rashes that come with inflammation.
Green Tea and Erectile Dysfunction
A green tea and erection study found that antioxidant-rich foods reduce erectile dysfunction and impotence. Drinking green tea with ginseng boosts men’s fertility. According to Chinese herbal medicine, drinking green tea with Panax ginseng boosts men’s fertility.
Green Tea is not only healthy it can also be very refreshing when served cold in hot summer days. Here is a recipe for tasty Ice Tea:
- Follow the instructions for hot green tea recipe here
- It’s better to ditch the sweetener but if you have to stick to natural sweetener like honey or stevia.
- Let the tea reach room temperature and add ice.
- Enjoy