Perks of Green Tea

I knew green tea was good for me but to be honest, I didn't know why - until I did a little research. I found out its been used in China as a medicine for over 4000 years and that it has many health benefits today. According the the University of Maryland, "Green tea is made from unfermented leaves and reportedly contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenois. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals - damaging compounds in the body that alter cells, tamper with DNA and even cause cell death. Many scientists believe that free radicals contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants such as polyphenois in green tea can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause."

Here are five health benefits I've discovered about Green Tea:

Cancer: Studies have shown that polyphenois can kill cancer cells and halt their growth. This goes for bladder, breast, ovarian, colorectal, esophageal, lung, prostate, skin, and stomach cancer.

Heart Disease: Green Tea is said to prevent oxidative stress on the heart and hypertension.

Type 2 Diabetes: Green Tea helps our bodies make better use of glucose and helps diabetics with insulin sensitivities.

Weight Loss: Green Tea boosts your body's metabolism and the polyphenois helps burn fat.

Cognitive Improvement: Green Tea has shown to help with mental abilities and may prevent plaque build up on the brain ultimately fighting against memory loss and Alzheimers.

Teeth Health: Green Tea helps prevent tooth decay by killing the bacteria that causes dental plaque.

Green Tea also helps treat rheumatoid arthritis, impaired immune function and lowers cholesterol. The only downside is the fact that it has high levels of caffeine which may lead to insomnia. It is unclear how many cups of tea you need to drink in order to benefit but I'm sure you are sage with a cup a day. That will most likely not affect your ability to fall or stay asleep. If you want to try a great brand, my favorite is TWININGS of London.

Go get your "green on" spirited tea drinkers!

- Elaine LaPersonerie - www.winkpr.com
Click here for more of Elaine's posts.

Comments

[Steve]

I replaced Diet Coke with Lipton Diet Green Tea and feel much better than I did before the switch.

[Acai Berry]

Green tea is great... Well proven to help weight loss and the general immunity of the body. Thank you for a great article.

[Tally]

I enjoy drinking green tea and have two cups a day. To get the most health benefit would be to drink it regularly. I like the Stash organic green tea. Thanks for sharing the great health tips.