12 surprising properties of green tea
Green tea is one of the most famous healthy drinks in the world. This tea contains a compound called catechin, which has proven health benefits.
Most of us know this useful tea for its benefits in weight loss and fat burning, but the properties of green tea are not limited to these. In this article, we decide to examine the properties of green tea for the health of the body. After learning about the benefits of green tea, you will definitely be encouraged to consume it. Follow us until the end of the article.
benefits of green tea
Contains bioactive compounds
Hydration and fat burning are not the only properties of green tea. The green tea plant contains a wide range of healthy compounds. This tea is rich in polyphenols, which are natural compounds and have many health benefits. Reducing inflammation and helping to fight cancer are among these benefits.
Green tea contains a type of catechin called epigallocatechin. Catechins are natural antioxidants that prevent cell damage and have other benefits. These compounds can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body and protect cells and molecules from being damaged. Free radicals play an important role in aging and many types of diseases.
Epigallocatechin is one of the most powerful compounds in green tea. Various researches have investigated the ability of this compound to treat diseases. Research results have shown that this compound is one of the main compounds that give green tea therapeutic properties. In addition, green tea has some minerals that benefit the health of the body. Buy high-quality green tea, as some lower-quality green teas can contain high levels of fluoride.
green tea helps to lose weight
Let’s go to one of the most well-known properties of green tea, that is, slimming and weight loss. Unfortunately, we have to announce that one third of the world’s population is overweight. Because green tea contains epigallocatechin, it helps to reduce body fat, lose weight and reduce waist size. In the following, we will mention the effect of green tea in weight loss.
It improves fuel production and fat oxidation
Catechin and caffeine in green tea increase the body’s metabolic rate and stimulate fat oxidation. One study concluded that green tea extract is high in epigallocatechin, which stimulates genes involved in fat breakdown. The results of another study showed that green tea epigallocatechin reduced abdominal fat by 37% by reducing lipid absorption.
It stimulates thermogenesis
Green tea extract stimulates the body’s natural heat production (thermogenesis), which is useful in weight loss. Caffeine and catechin in this type of tea are also considered effective in this field.
Reduces hunger
In an animal study conducted on rats, scientists concluded that epigallocatechin increased the level of the satiety hormone leptin in the body. This led to a 61% reduction in food consumption and a 21% reduction in body weight.
It reduces the physical performance of the body
Green tea epigallocatechin or its extract help to reduce fatigue in athletes. This improves physical activity and speeds up the recovery process.
It has zero calories
Green tea has no calories. People who want to lose weight and are on a diet can safely consume two to three glasses of green tea a day without worrying about their calorie intake.
May improve brain function
In addition to helping to increase alertness, green tea may also be useful in improving brain function. The active ingredient in green tea is caffeine (Green tea has caffeine), which is known as a stimulant. Of course, green tea does not have as much caffeine as coffee, but it still has enough caffeine to increase alertness.
Research has shown that caffeine can improve various aspects of brain function such as mood, reaction time and memory. Caffeine is not the only compound in green tea that is good for the brain. This tea also contains the amino acid l-theanine, which increases the level of dopamine and the production of alpha rays in the brain.
The results of various studies show that both caffeine and L-theanine can have powerful effects in improving brain function. Many people report that they perform better and experience more consistent energy levels when they drink green tea compared to when they drink coffee.
Its antioxidants may help fight some cancers
Uncontrolled cell division and abnormal cell proliferation cause cancer. Cancer is one of the common causes of death in the world. The powerful antioxidants in green tea may help fight cancer by scavenging free radicals that cause oxidative damage to cells and DNA. Below are the properties of green tea in the treatment of some cancers.
Breast Cancer
In one study, it was shown that epigallocatechin reduced the risk of breast cancer by 19% and its recurrence by 27%. The anticancer properties of green tea may help reduce the spread of breast cancer and the level of reactive oxygen species. Epigallocatechin reduces the activity of cancer genes and the proliferation of cancer cells.
colon cancer
Green tea is also effective in reducing the risk of colon cancer in non-smokers. In one study, it was shown that an increase of 2 grams of green tea consumption reduced the risk of colon cancer by 12%. In another study, researchers concluded that people who drank green tea for six months had a 17% lower risk of gastrointestinal cancer.
Lung cancer
Drinking at least three cups of green tea a day may reduce the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Epigallocatechin helps stop the proliferation of cancer cells and cleans environmental toxins and carcinogens.
Prostate Cancer
One study found that men who drank green tea had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
Increases fat burning
If you look at the ingredients of fat burning supplements, you will most likely see the name green tea. Research has explained the reason for this. Based on the results of various researches, green tea increases fat burning and speeds up the body’s metabolism. In a study on 10 healthy men, it was shown that consumption of green tea extract increased fat burning by 4%.
Another study of 12 healthy men concluded that the group who drank green tea experienced 17% more fat oxidation compared to the group who took a placebo. Of course, some studies do not show an increase in body metabolism by green tea.
So this property of green tea may depend on the health status of people. Caffeine may also improve physical performance by metabolizing adipose tissue fatty acids and making them usable for energy.
It reduces insulin resistance and the possibility of diabetes
Diabetes is one of the common diseases that affects people of any age. It is estimated that by 2045, approximately 629 million people will be affected by this disease. People with diabetes have high blood sugar because either their body cannot produce enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or they develop insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes).
Green tea epigallocatechin increases satiety, aids weight loss, improves insulin resistance, and regulates blood sugar levels. Based on the results of research, consuming three cups of green tea per day can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 4%.
May improve cardiovascular health
Cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke account for the highest mortality rate. The cause of these diseases is high level of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, obesity and high blood pressure. Green tea plays a role in improving cardiovascular health in the following ways.
- May lower bad cholesterol levels. In one study, epigallocatechin was shown to lower bad cholesterol levels. Accumulation of cholesterol in the artery wall blocks blood flow.
- Drinking green tea reduces visceral fat by 17.8%. It is also useful in reducing cholesterol absorption and LDL oxidation and lowering blood pressure.
- Low dose green tea prevents atrial fibrillation and improves heart health.
It delays the appearance of signs of aging
Benefits of green tea for skin, Antioxidants in green tea protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun, oxidative stress, skin damage caused by sunlight and skin cancer. These antioxidants also delay the aging of the skin’s collagen and keep the skin young.
Reduces skin inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea protect the skin from inflammatory reactions and skin problems such as acne, atopic dermatitis, keloid, etc.
Prevents hair loss
The published study showed that topical use of green tea extract on the scalp helped to reduce its fat. Green tea has also been shown to reduce the risk of male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) or hair loss.
Makes hair soft and shiny
Green tea may stimulate hair growth and make it soft and smooth. This type of tea contains compounds such as polyphenols and vitamin C that make hair shine.
May lower blood pressure
Following an improper diet, inactivity, age, genes and gender are among the factors that may lead to high blood pressure. Green tea is effective in reducing blood pressure and relaxing muscles. In a study, researchers found that green tea or its extract can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in overweight and obese people.
Another study confirmed this. Another property of green tea is muscle relaxation. In addition, it helps to reduce the level of body inflammation and oxidative stress.
May reduce inflammation and arthritis
Inflammation is the body’s first response to injury, infection, or autoimmune disease and paves the way for healing. But chronic or continuous inflammation may lead to overweight, allergies, diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, etc. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of green tea help reduce markers of inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), arthritis, inflammatory weight gain, and neurodegenerative disorders.
According to reports from the Arthritis Association, the antioxidant activity of epigallocatechin in green tea is 100 times more powerful than vitamins C and E. Drinking four to six cups of green tea may relieve arthritis in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Epigallocatechin inhibits pro-inflammatory molecules that lead to inflammation and arthritis.
May reduce depression and anxiety
More than 300 million people in the world suffer from depression. Anxiety has affected 40 million people in the world. Various studies have confirmed the properties of green tea in improving mood.
Studies show that the catechins in green tea help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. The antioxidants in this tea are also useful in reducing depression in people who have already experienced a stroke. Green tea reduces the level of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, which is usually associated with depression and anxiety.
It can fight bacteria, infection and virus
Pathogenic microorganisms such as some bacteria, viruses and fungi lead to infection. Epigallocatechin is a natural antibiotic. Researchers have concluded that this compound can protect the lung against bacterial infections.
The antimicrobial properties of green tea help fight against oral bacteria and urinary tract infections. Studies also confirm that green tea is effective in fighting fungal and viral infections.
what is main benefit of green tea?
Green tea is a drink without fat, carbohydrates or protein that acts as a strong antioxidant. This tea has many effective compounds such as strong antioxidants such as polyphenols, crocin, crostin, caffeine, L-thiamine, vitamins, catechins. and… is Also, many studies have shown that green tea extract can reduce weight, regulate blood sugar, prevent diseases, maintain skin and liver health, reduce blood fat levels, regulate blood pressure, and improve brain health.
who should not drink green tea?
Studies have shown that excessive consumption of this type of tea causes damage to the pancreas and liver. Excessive consumption of caffeine, which is present in green tea and some of its extracts, causes symptoms such as anger, insomnia and restlessness in some people. People with eye pressure should not use green tea.
Regarding the consumption of green tea, remember some points:
People with heart disease or cardiovascular problems should not consume this type of tea.
Pregnant and lactating women should not drink more than one or two cups a day, as caffeine can increase heart rate.
Also, due to the effects of caffeine, caution has been taken when consuming green tea and some medicines at the same time so that there is no drug interaction.