Green tea is a kind of tea that made from leaves of Camellia sinensis, which had undergone minimal oxidation during the manufacturing process. Green tea is believed to be originated from China and has been consumed throughout the ages in India, Japan and Thailand. In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, practitioners used green tea as a diuretic to flush excess liquid from the body, heal wounds, and improve cardiovascular health.
Nowadays, green tea is not only popular in Eastern countries but also the West. Habit of drinking green tea has been shown to positively affect the body in many ways and inhibit the progression of some diseases.
The base for all of the green tea health benefits is in fact that they are extremely rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a type of catechin that acts as antioxidants to protect the body’s cells from free radical damage. Researchers believe that free radicals contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems, including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants such as polyphenols in green tea can fight the free radicals and helps support overall health and immune system.
Here are 26 health benefits of drinking green tea:
1. Prevent and control high blood pressure
2. Helps control blood sugar level
3. Lower cholesterol
4. Reduce the risk of heart disease
5. Lowers the risk of stroke
6. Protect the body against viruses (such as influenza virus)
7. Prevent nerve damage
8. Improve cognitive function
9. Beneficial for gum health
10. Prevent stiff arteries
11. Reduce stress
12. Eliminate fatigue and exhaustion
13. Prevent cancer risk
14. Control tumor growth
15. Helps cure cancer
16. Helps cut calories and reduce weight
17. Reduce joint inflammation and rheumatic
18. Helps prevent laryngitis
19. Prevent osteoporosis
20. Prevent allergies
21. Protect liver
22. Prevent hepatitis C
23. Helps prevent HIV/ AIDS
24. Reduce the harmful effects of smoking
25. Helps prevent type 2 diabetes
26. Prevent food poisoning