GREEN TEA
In this heat it is absolutely necessary to hydrate yourself adequately (at least 2 liters per day). Among the liquids introduced, I recommend the use of green tea for its remarkable scientifically proven properties. Green tea is the drink of longevity par excellence.
It is rich in antioxidants and nutrients, improves brain function, helps lose weight, reduces the risk of cancer and has powerful healing effects.
The following benefits of green tea were taken from the Authority Nutrition website, and have been proven with studies and research.
1. Green tea contains bioactive compounds that improve health
Many of the bioactive compounds found in tea leaves end up in the drink, which is why it contains a large amount of important nutrients. It is rich in polyphenols such as flavonoids and catechins, which are powerful antioxidants. These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules. Antioxidants play a fundamental role in combating aging and preventing all sorts of diseases.
One of the most powerful compounds in green tea is the antioxidant Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) which, as several studies show, is one of the main reasons why green tea has so many medicinal properties. Green tea also contains trace of minerals that are very important for health.
Beware though: only buy good quality, organically grown green tea, as some low quality teas can contain very high levels of fluorine.
2. Green tea compounds improve brain health
Green tea not only makes you more awake and active, it also makes you smarter. The compound that makes it so “activating” is caffeine. Green tea does not contain as much of it as coffee, but enough to produce a response without causing the peak effect of energy and nervousness of caffeine.
Caffeine has been studied for a long time for its effects on various aspects of brain function, such as mood improvement, the “activating” effect, reaction time and memory. It also increases dopamine and alpha wave production in the brain. Studies show that caffeine and L-theanine can have synergistic effects. The combination of these two compounds can improve brain function. Thanks to the L-theanine content and small amounts of caffeine, green tea can give you a milder and more balanced sense of energy boost than coffee. Many people have reported feeling more energetic when they drink green tea than when they drink coffee.
3. Green tea appears to have a fat-burning effect and improve physical performance
Very often on the list of ingredients of supplements for fat burning and weight loss is green tea. In fact, green tea has been shown to burn fat and accelerate metabolism in controlled human studies. In a study of 10 healthy men, green tea was able to increase energy gains from fat by 4%. However, it is important to point out that some studies on green tea have not shown obvious effects on metabolism, so there may be differences from case to case.
4. The antioxidants contained in green tea can reduce the risks of various types of cancer
It is well known that oxidative damage contributes to the development of cancer and that antioxidants can have a protective effect. Several other observational studies have shown that green tea drinkers are less likely to get various types of cancer. Green tea is an excellent resource of powerful antioxidants, which is why it reduces the risk of cancer:
• Breast cancer: A meta analysis of observational studies found that women who drink more green tea have a 22% reduction in breast cancer risk, the most common in women.
• Prostate cancer: A study found that men who drink green tea have a 48% reduction in the risk of prostate cancer, which is the most common type of cancer in men.
•Colorectal Cancer: A study of 69,710 Chinese women found that tea drinkers had a 57% lower risk of colorectal cancer
Warning: it is not a good idea to correct tea with milk, as it reduces its antioxidant power
5. Green tea protects the brain in old age, reducing the risks of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Green tea does not improve brain functions only in the short term, it also protects the brain in old age. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common degenerative disease in men and is one of the causes of senile dementia. Parkinson’s disease is the second most common degenerative disease and involves the death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Several studies have shown that the catechin compounds found in green tea may have a protective effect on test tube neurons and animals, potentially reducing the risks of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
6. Green tea can kill bacteria that damage teeth and create infections
The catechins present in green tea also have other powerful biological effects.
Some studies show that they can kill bacteria and inhibit viruses such as the flu, reducing the risk of infections. For example, streptococcus mutans is the most harmful bacteria active in the oral cavity. It causes the formation of plaques and is one of the culprits of decay and tooth loss. Studies show that the catechins present in green tea can inhibit the growth of streptococcus mutans. Green tea consumption is associated with better dental health and lower risk of tooth decay. Among the other benefits of green tea we also have the reduction of bad breath problems
7. Green tea reduces the risks of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a problem that has reached epidemic proportions over the past 50 years and now affects an estimated 300 million people worldwide. This problem has to do with high blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance or an inability to produce insulin. Studies show that green tea can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. A study done on the Japanese found that those who drank the most green tea had a 42% reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes. According to 7 studies involving a total of 286,701 people, green tea drinkers have an 18% reduction in the risk of becoming diabetic.
8. Green tea can reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems
Cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke are among the leading causes of death today. Studies have shown that green tea can reduce some of the main risk factors for these diseases, such as total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides. Green tea also increases the antioxidant capacity of the blood, which protects LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation, which is one of the processes linked to heart disease. Given the beneficial effects on risk factors, it is not surprising that green tea drinkers have 31% less risk of cardiovascular problems
9. Green tea can help you lose weight and reduce the risk of obesity+
Since green tea helps burn fat and improves and speeds up metabolism, it follows that it also helps you lose weight. Several studies show that green tea helps decrease fat in the body, especially in the abdominal area. One of these studies involved 240 men and women for 12 weeks. At the end of this period, the group that drank green tea showed a significant reduction in weight, waist and abdominal fat.
10. Green tea makes you live longer
If green tea drinkers have a lower risk of cardiovascular problems and cancer, it means they are living longer. In a study of 40,530 Japanese adults, those who drank the most green tea were least likely to die over an 11-year period.
So, without hesitation, let’s drink green tea!
Valentina Iacchia