Tea is a popular beverage worldwide, with green, black, and oolong variants all derived from the same Camellia sinensis plant.
Green tea sets apart out because its leaves are steamed immediately after harvesting to prevent fermentation and retain their green colour.
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For thousands of years, Eastern medicine has extolled green tea’s health advantages.
Modern research confirms its beneficial impacts on health and wellness, including as weight loss, blood sugar control, and improved cognitive function.
Discover how including green tea into your daily routine can drastically improve your overall health.
Green tea has numerous health benefits, including:
Supporting skin health
Recent study from 2023 suggests that the polyphenols in green tea may help protect against UVB-induced skin damage, potentially lowering the incidence of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.
These protective benefits have been demonstrated both topically and orally.
Furthermore, a 2012 study discovered that green tea may help treat acne, rosacea, and other skin problems.
Reduces the risk of cancer
Green tea has been extensively researched for its anti-cancer effects, with over 5,000 studies investigating its potential.
Green tea’s polyphenols and bioactive chemicals may help prevent a variety of cancers, including breast, colorectal, liver, ovarian, prostate, oral, and skin.
According to Katherine Brooking MS, RD, population-based studies and preliminary clinical research indicate that chemicals found in green tea, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may help eradicate malignant cells while protecting healthy ones.
Boosts antioxidants
Green tea, being non-fermented, contains more healthy catechins than black or oolong teas.
These catechins, including EGCG and EGC, are potent antioxidants found in high amounts in green tea.
According to a review in the *Journal of the American College of Nutrition*, catechins can also be found in plant-based meals such as apples and berries.
Improves Brain Function
Including green tea in your diet may help keep your brain sharp.
A study published in the *Journal of Medicinal Food* discovered that daily supplementation of green tea extract and L-theanine improved cognitive function, attention, and alertness.
Another study published in *Frontiers in Ageing Neuroscience* found that green tea improved cognition, executive function, and reduced oxidative stress in older persons.
Helps Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Green tea has been demonstrated to lower fasting blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which is essential for blood sugar control.
According to a review published in *Antioxidants*, green tea helps preserve insulin-producing cells, reduce inflammation, and combat dangerous free radicals, all of which can help prevent and control type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Promotes heart health
Green tea is good for your heart because it contains polyphenolic catechins that lower total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, both of which are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
A big Japanese study published in *JAMA* discovered that consuming more than five cups of green tea per day lowered the chance of dying from a heart attack or stroke by 26%.
Another study in the *European Journal of Preventive Cardiology* found that drinking green tea three or more times per week can considerably improve overall heart health.
Improves alertness and calmness
Green tea contains caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine, which provide a balanced energy boost.
This combination provides a calm focus without the spikes and crashes that come with coffee. According to Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, L-theanine can enhance dopamine production in the brain, lowering anxiety and helping you relax after a stressful day.
Increases flavonoid intake
Tea contains flavonoids, which have been linked to a variety of health advantages, including lower rates of heart disease and mortality.
According to Joy Dubost, PhD, RD, consuming 200-500 milligrammes of flavonoids per day, which is equivalent to 2-3 cups of tea, can help with heart health when combined with a balanced diet.
