The Health Benefits of Drinking Green Tea

Through the ages, green tea has been regularly consumed in India, China, Japan, and Thailand. The health benefits of green tea are numerous. In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, practitioners have used green tea as a stimulant, diuretic and astringent (to control bleeding and help heal wounds), and to improve heart health. Other health benefits of drinking green tea for which green tea was used traditionally include regulating blood sugar, promoting digestion, and improving mental performance.

Research about Green Tea and Health Benefits

Over the last few decades, many scientific and medical studies have been conducted to determine the extent of the long purported health benefits of green tea. Early evidence suggests that the health benefits of drinking green tea include a lowered risk of heart disease, specifically heart attack or atherosclerosis. The health benefit of green tea in preventing heart disease is attributed to the fact that green tea inhibits the oxidation of LDL Cholesterol, which can consequently reduce the buildup of plaque in arteries.

Green tea contains many antioxidants, including flavonoids, which protect against free radical damage to the brain. Research indicates that green tea may also be beneficial in reducing inflammation related to arthritis and slowing cartilage breakdown. Another health benefit of green tea is the fact that it improves bone mineral density in older women. In addition, green tea may help to regulate glucose in the body as well as boost metabolism and burn fat.

Catechins are the major group of polyphenols in green tea, the most important being epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG helps suppress inflammation and has been widely studied for its reported protection against certain cancers. Many green tea health benefits can be attributed to EGCG's health-promoting properties.

Here's to a long and healthy life. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Although we strive to provide you with current, accurate information, we do not recommend tea as a cure or remedy for any health problems. Please consult a physician to ensure that drinking tea will not adversely affect your health or medical condition.