We all know that drinking water is good for us, but did you also know that tea has health benefits? Especially green tea, which is the second-most popular variety of tea. Green tea has a long history in China, dating back to the Han Dynasty, when it was consumed for therapeutic purposes. They would use it to treat wounds, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation.
But what makes green tea so good for our physical and mental well-being? Let’s talk about the different health benefits of green tea according to Healthline and what makes it so good for you.
- Improved cognitive function
Caffeine is a stimulant which increases your neural activity alongside the concentration of neurotransmitters. In particular, it increases the concentration of dopamine and norepinephrine by blocking adenosine uptake in your brain. By doing this, it improves your mood, alertness, reaction time, and even memory functions.
- Lowered danger of cardiovascular disease
While there isn’t much long-term research on the matter, some studies may indicate that green tea’s antioxidants can lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. Your chance of acquiring cardiovascular problems is decreased as a result. According to some studies, drinking 5 cups of green tea each day could cut your chance of dying from cardiovascular disease by roughly 26%.
- Skin cancer prevention
In nations with high levels of green tea intake, there is an association between consumption and lower cancer rates. The polyphenols in tea may also shield the skin from UVB rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer caused by UVB radiation, according to some studies.
- High polyphenol content
Chemicals called polyphenols are found naturally in plants. Flavonoids, a type of polyphenol recognized for its health advantages, are abundant in green tea. Due to their anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties, they are currently essential in many nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, medical, and cosmetic applications. Many studies are currently being conducted to attempt and separate flavonoids and other possible uses in bio-medical fields, such as treatments for chronic disorders.
- Preventing oral bacteria
The antioxidative benefits of green tea extend to our oral health as well as our metabolism and blood sugar levels. Green tea contains catechins, which stop bone resorption and stop germs linked to periodontal illnesses from proliferating. Included in this is the Streptococcus mutans bacterium, which results in plaque and causes tooth decay.
Also see:Almond health benefits