Why It Is Healthful To Consume Green Tea
Next to water, tea is essentially the most frequently taken refreshment on this planet. Black, oolong and green teas are all produced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis shrub. Green tea is less oxidized than the other two variants hence the infusion tend to take a light green hue, compared to the dark red and straw color of the black and oolong teas, respectively. It is usually brewed and drunk, although green tea extracts and capsules are no longer uncommon these days. Green tea is widely cultivated in Asia and is thus associated with Asian culture. It has recently penetrated the West and is becoming a popular alternative to black tea, which is traditionally cultivated in such regions.
Green tea drinking enthusiasts believe that these infusions can improve one’s health in so many ways. For starters it is believed that green tea can improve mental alertness and help lessen and prevent fatigue. Traditional Chinese medicine also makes use of green tea infusions as treatment for stomach upset, beriberi disease, and problems in urinating.
Public opinion on the health benefits of green tea are also backed by numerous scientific studies. There have been laboratory studies done in the past which suggest that polyphenols in green tea may help protect against or slow the growth of certain types of cancers. Many researchers say that the antioxidant effects of polyphenols are much stronger than that of Vitamin C.
Some studies suggest that green tea drinking enthusiasts have lower likelihood of developing cardiovascular disorders since they tend to have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood compared to non-tea drinkers. In fact, some researchers estimate that the risk of heart attack decreases by 11% with consumption of 3 cups of tea daily. A study conducted by University of Hong Kong researchers a few years ago showed that it prevents glaucoma and other eye disorders due to free radical damage in mice, asserting further that such benefits of green tea may be enjoyed by humans.
Another benefit of green tea drinking is that it can contribute to weigh reduction and management. Numerous research done on the subject show that polyphenols in green tea, especially the catechins group, can boost one’s metabolic rate and help in the burning of fat. Studies show a synergistic effect when green tea is used in combination with caffeine.
Side Effects
Green tea is relatively safe for the majority of the adult population, that is, if it is taken in prescribed amounts. Remember that the caffeine in green tea can cause insomnia, anxiety, irritability, GI and urinary disturbances in some people. Green tea may also have trace amount of Vitamin K which can reduce the therapeutic efficacy of anticoagulant medications such as warfarin. Having said such, it’s always best to tell your health care provider that you are taking green tea so appropriate so they can make changes to your management accordingly.
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