You have probably already heard about the health benefits of drinking green tea. Among the most common there is certainly that of anti-aging, but there are many others that people are not aware of.
Green tea is one of the healthiest drinks on the planet. It is rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that have powerful effects on the body.
These include improved brain function, fat loss, improved cholesterol and so on.
Main Health Benefits
After having researched information on the network and deepened the discussion, below you will find green tea benefits that we believe to be the most important.
Type 2 Diabetes
Some studies indicate that consuming green tea can improve glycemic control and normalizes blood sugar levels.
The anti-inflammatory properties of which it is characterized make it beneficial
for people at risk or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Green tea catechins (antioxidant substances) appear to have anti-diabetic effects.
Alzheimer’s And Memory Loss
In 2004, a team of scientists at the University of Newcastle studied the effects of green tea on Alzheimer’s disease.
During the studies carried out, it was found that the properties of the tea prevented the breakdown of the “acetylcholine” molecule.
This important molecule is responsible for nerve transmission both at the level of the central nervous system and of the peripheral nervous system.
Bone Health
From Hong Kong comes the discovery of how green tea intake can help bone health. This drink has the potential to prevent and treat osteoporosis and other bone diseases spread all over the world.
The study concluded that the catechins present in green tea, in particular, EGC (epigallocatechin), had positive effects on bone metabolism. The EGC stimulates the action of a key enzyme that helps bone growth.
Protects Vision
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry analyzed the effects of catechins on eye diseases. The consumption of these substances protects the eyes from oxidative damage and loss of vision.
Heart Benefits
A 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that the consumption of green tea is associated with a reduction in mortality due to cardiovascular problems.
More than 40,000 Japanese participants between the ages of 40 and 79 have been followed for 11 years. Among these, the usual consumers of green tea, 5 cups consumed per day, had a lower risk of dying due to cardiovascular problems compared to people who consume tea less than once a day.
The catechins present in tea have again shown to bring benefits to our health and in particular to the cardiovascular system.
Benefits Of Green Tea Before Bed
Everyone knows that our body needs at least 8 hours a night to stay healthy, but being able to sleep peacefully is not a simple thing for everyone. However, green tea can be an excellent ally to improve sleep quality thanks to the night benefits it can provide.
Sleep Well
The caffeine in green tea can improve your mood and help you to overcome sad thoughts. This because a hot cup of tea can induce brain wave production and lead you to a happier and more relaxed state of mind.
Weight Loss
By consuming green tea at night, our metabolism goes faster. The polyphenol present in tea increases the speed of the body in the transformation of food into calories. This is particularly effective in reducing abdominal fat which we know is also very dangerous.
Healthy Skin And Hair
Green tea helps to give shine to your hair and also fights the symptoms of aging. In fact, it increases the production of collagen in your skin and this fights wrinkles and signs of aging. It is no coincidence that in the best beauty shops there are many green tea-based creams and treatments.
Types Of Green Tea: Japanese Vs Chinese
Before concluding the article, we decided to shed light on the types of green tea, focusing on the best Chinese and Japanese qualities.
After harvesting, the leaves are cooked so to avoid their oxidation. This process takes place according to customs. Chinese use specific ovens, while the Japanese use steam cooking.
However, the goal is always the same: the preservation of all tea’s properties and benefits.
Among the best qualities of Japanese green tea we can list:
- Sencha: it’s one of the most widespread tea, representing almost 80% of the Japanese production. The peculiarity of this type of tea is the repetition of steaming three times. There are different qualities, but the best one is that of April during the first harvest.
- Hojicha: was born in Kyoto around 1920. In this case, the leaves are roasted between 50 and 200 degrees centigrade. This is why the leaves take on the same color as black tea. The difference is that black tea is such due to oxidation, while in this case there are no chemical damages. Moreover, the flavor will get a sweeter aroma than other types of green tea.
- Genmaicha: the peculiarity of this green tea is that among its leaves there are rice grains. This is why it is also known as popcorn tea. This characteristic makes the flavor toasty and leaves a nutty aftertaste. The name of this tea comes from a legend linked to a samurai. This warrior killed his servant for spilling rice into his cup of tea. Feeling guilty about the grave gesture, from that day on the samurai only drank this kind of tea. In the charge of his servant Genmai, he called the tea Genmaicha.
As for Chinese teas, the most well-known are:
- Jasmine tea: it is the most widespread, also known by the less passionate and can also be found in bars. The technique of mixing green tea leaves with flowers was born around 400≤ years ago and can be done in two ways. The first method will give rise to flavored teas. Aromas are added to tea leaves of both natural and artificial origin. With the second method, however, the tea leaves are spread on the ground and covered with closed jasmine buds. These hatch during the night and release all their fragrance on the tea leaves.
- Long Jing: it is a very ancient and famous tea, especially in China. It is drunk in glasses and the leaves are flattened and long. The olive-green color is another feature that distinguishes it from other tea qualities.
- Gunpowder: it is one of the best selling teas in the world and helps digestion. Also known as
“gunpowder” due to the color and the crumpled shape with which it appears. The leaves are left to dry in the sun and then rolled up. This avoids external damage and preserves the aroma even for a decade. Thanks to its excellent qualities and properties, it is an excellent drink to enjoy with friends. The important thing is not to abuse it or it could cause headaches and tachycardia.
Takeaway
Green tea is a drink with many notable features that can be incorporated into everyday eating habits. Nevertheless, we always recommend that you set your diet on the consumption of a wide variety of foods.
Drinking green tea regularly is helpful but should not be considered a miracle drink. Our body also needs many other antioxidant foods found in vegetables and fruit.