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Going green for tea

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After water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. There are basically three types of teas - black, oolong and green, which all come from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. Of these, green tea which is touted as the healthiest drink in the market, is the least processed and hence harbours myriad of healing properties. The Chinese and Indians have known of the many health benefits associated with green tea for thousands of years, and recent studies and research has prompted even the sceptical western world to sit up and take note of this wonderful brew. In a bid to stave off various health problems, millions of people are now consuming green tea on a regular basis. It is fast becoming a popular drink prompting an influx in the market of products like handy green tea bags, green tea ice cream, iced green tea and green tea mixed with other flavours like vanilla and strawberry to make it more palatable. In addition, cosmetic companies are cashing in on the trend and skincare products like moisturizers, hand creams, deodorants and cleansers containing green tea extract are appearing on the supermarket shelves. Here are some of the benefits of green tea.

Anti-ageing

Green tea is different from the black and oolong teas as it is made from unfermented leaves. The green tea leaves are steamed which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized and it thus contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Our body needs antioxidants to fight free radicals which are the culprits causing wrinkles, cell death, damaged DNA and acceleration of the aging process. Drinking green tea regularly keeps our body’s antioxidant reserve well supplied to neutralize free radicals and help reduce and even prevent the damage caused by them.

Cancer inhibitor

The polyphenols found in green tea are mainly responsible for most of its health benefits. These are considered to be the most powerful and effective of all antioxidants and catechin, which is a subgroup of polyphenols, is found in abundance in green tea. EGCG, one of the four main catechin substance is thought to be much more powerful than vitamin C and E. This miracle element has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and destroy the diseased cells without affecting healthy tissues. It is found to be effective against many forms of cancer including breast, bladder, ovarian, skin and lung cancer to name a few.

Weight watch

A lot of research has been done to prompt the conclusion that drinking green tea can play a vital part in weight management.

Green tea extracts may boost our metabolism and aid in burning calories. Again, clinical studies credit catechins for the fat-burning properties of green tea. Some researchers think that the fat-burning characteristics of green tea derive from its caffeine content, but this is debatable as coffee contains more caffeine and yet green tea helps the body burn more fat than coffee.

Cholesterol check

Scientists aren’t sure why, but green tea seems to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It lowers total cholesterol and raises HDL (good) cholesterol. It is thought that polyphenols in green tea may be responsible for blocking cholesterol from being absorbed in the intestine. A population-based clinical study concluded that men who drank green tea were likely to have lower total cholesterol than their non-tea drinking counterparts. Green tea lowers the levels of LDL and prevents blood clots from forming.

Diabetes control

Green tea may help regulate glucose in the bodies of diabetes sufferers. It has been used traditionally to control blood sugar levels and is reputed to help prevent the onset of Type 1 diabetes. Drinking green tea is also said to slow down the progression of diabetes once it has developed. Some clinical studies have determined that taking a daily dose of a green tea extract helped lower the haemoglobin A1c level in borderline diabetics.

Bowel soother

Green tea has been used traditionally as a tummy soother for years. It relieves gastric pains, aids digestion, reduces inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and, provides relief for those suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). It is also effective in preventing food poisoning.

Dental shield

Drinking green tea is said to help prevent dental cavities and guard against tooth decay. Its bacteria fighting abilities can also kill the bacteria that cause dental plaque.

The health benefits of green tea are countless but on the condition that it should be used regularly. It prevents the symptoms of cold and flu, helps arthritic patients by reducing inflammation and slowing down the breakdown of cartilage. It has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine as a stimulant, to control bleeding, heal wounds, improve heart health and correct mental processes.

Green tea is also credited with being able to help normalize blood pressure and strengthen the immune system.

It has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine as a stimulant, to control bleeding, heal wounds, improve heart health and correct mental processes

Cosmetic companies are cashing in on the trend and skincare products like moisturizers, hand creams, deodorants and cleansers containing green tea extract are appearing on the supermarket shelves

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