What are the benefits of green tea

Green tea is one of the oldest known drinks in the world. Its origins go back thousands of years to China, where the drink first evolved. Green tea was originally prepared by steeping dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant in hot water. The Chinese discovered that drinking this infusion could help keep their bodies cool in the summertime and warm in the wintertime. Today, many people enjoy drinking green tea due to its health benefits. Many believe that green tea has tremendous antioxidant power, along with cancer-fighting properties.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which occur naturally in the body. Free radical activity can cause cellular mutations that may lead to cancer. Antioxidants prevent these harmful effects by donating electrons to the free radicals instead of the affected cell. Antioxidants can neutralize dangerous elements before they damage DNA or RNA molecules, thereby protecting cells from genetic mutations and cancerous changes.

Cancer-Fighting Properties

Researchers in China studied the effect of green tea extract on tumor cells and concluded that the substance kills malignant cells while leaving benign ones alone. Furthermore, laboratory tests showed that green tea extract inhibits human breast tumors in mice.

Boosts Immunity

One study showed that consuming green tea extract three times per week boosted immune function in adults ages 19 to 50 who had low levels of natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are white blood cells that defend the body against viruses and bacteria. A second study demonstrated that green tea extract helped protect lab rats against infection. In both studies, the researchers noted that green tea extract provided protection against viral infections and improved the animals' ability to fight off bacterial invaders.

Helps Reduce Fatigue

Another study found that subjects with moderate fatigue experienced a significant decrease in fatigue after just two weeks of daily consumption of green tea extract. The participants in the study were instructed to consume four cups of green tea each day. Subjects reported less mental and physical exhaustion than those who consumed caffeine and sugar solutions.

Promotes Weight Loss

 

A third study, conducted at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, examined the effects of green tea catechins on overweight women. These women were divided into two groups. One group drank eight ounces of green tea a day, while the other group consumed nothing. After 16 weeks, the results indicated that the women who drank green tea lost nearly six pounds on average. However, the women in the control group gained only about half a pound. Researchers determined that the women who drank catechin-rich green tea lost weight because their bodies produced fewer hunger hormones and burned more fat.

Improves Digestion

Scientists have long believed that tannin-rich foods aid digestion. A Japanese research team tested this theory by feeding different types of green tea to dogs. The conclusions revealed that tannin-containing green tea improved dog digestion and decreased intestinal gas. Tannin-free green tea did not influence digestion in any way.