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| 14 Health Benefits of Green Tea: Green Tea and Weight Loss |
What Is Green Tea?
Green Tea
Green tea originated from China, but now it is used in the whole world as a health drink due to its numerous medicinal benefits. Advantages of Green tea increase with the fact that it contains higher contents of flavonoids than in the same volume of other food such as vegetable juices fresh fruits and other foods which are considered healthier.
Flavonoids are a group of phytochemicals in the plants which are responsible for health effects as anti-oxidative and anticarcinogenic functions.
Flavonoids are a group of phytochemicals in the plants which are responsible for health effects as anti-oxidative and anticarcinogenic functions.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
1. Green Tea and Weight Loss
Is green tea good for you? A major benefit of green tea is that it helps you in losing weight. Drinking green tea accelerates metabolism which helps in losing weight. Accelerated metabolism increases fat oxidation which burns the fat and provides energy to the body. Green tea also prevents the growth of fat cells especially in the abdominal area. But this does not mean that drinking green tea alone will lose considerable weight. But it boosts your effort to fight obesity.
2. Releases Depression
Every kind of tea is known for providing relief from depression and headache and green tea is not the exception. This is due to thiamine an amino acid which is found naturally in all tea leaves.
3. Cancer Prevention
EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) which is present in considerable amount in green tea helps in killing dangerous cells of cancer due to its powerful antioxidant properties. It does not harm the healthy tissues and also inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Thus green tea is very beneficial for treatment as well as prevention of cancer.
4. Reduces Heart Disease
Another benefit of green tea is that it inhibits the abnormal formation of blood clots which is the major cause in heart strokes. Also green tea effectively lowers LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and improves the ratio of good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Green tea also suppresses angiotensin II which causes high blood pressure. This reduces the possibilities of heart attack.
5. Benefits For Diabetes
Another advantage of green tea over other health drinks is that it helps in regulating the glucose level and thus is very beneficial for the patients of diabetes. It slows down the rise of blood sugar after eating. This is due to polyphenols present in green tea extract. Polyphenols present in green tea decreases the amylase produced by conversion of starch into sugar. This results in lowering the level of sugar in blood.
6. Treats Tooth Decay
Green tea antioxidants (catechin) help in destroying bacteria and viruses which are responsible for throat infections and dental plaque. Green tea contains small amount of naturally – occurring fluoride too, which helps in protecting cavities. In addition to preventing tooth decay green tea also prevents bad breath.
7. Anti-Viral and Anti-Bacterial Properties
Drinking green tea is beneficial in inhibiting the spread of many diseases from influenza to cancer. This is due to strong antibacterial and antiviral agents Tea catechins which are present in considerable amount in green tea. Green tea also helps in getting relief from diarrhea. It relieves stress, improves bone structure and delays the onset of osteoporosis.
8. As a Natural Antiseptic
Green tea acts as a natural antiseptic. Thus green tea is beneficial in treating blemishes and cuts. You can simply apply generous amount of green tea with a cotton ball on the affected area.
9. Beauty Benefits of Green Tea
Due to strong antioxidants present in green tea it is now a day’s used in a many types of beauty products. You can get the beauty benefits of green tea by drinking it or simply applying it to your skin.
10. Acne Treatment
Green tea has anti-bacterial properties. These anti-bacterial properties help to fight acne bacteria. Taking green tea regularly also regulates the hormonal level which is the major cause of acne and pimples in teenagers. In addition to drinking you can also use green tea as a hydrating facial. Green tea flushes out harmful chemicals from the skin.Mix one teaspoon of green tea leaves and 3 table spoons of Mayo. Apply it on your face. Leave for 20 minutes. Wash the face. This will also leave your skin glowing.
11. Green Tea for Eczema
Green tea is also very helpful in treating eczema. As green tea contains powerful antioxidants, it acts as moisturizer which is 20 times stronger than Vitamin E. Hence regular intake of green tea helps in reducing Eczema.
12. Prevents Wrinkles and Other Signs of Aging
Another advantage of green tea is in treating wrinkles. Green tea antioxidants flush out harmful toxins which damage the skin, regular consumption of green tea helps in preventing wrinkles and dark spots which are caused due to aging. Regular consumption of green tea makes one look younger and healthier. You can also apply green tea externally on your skin. Boil a cup of green tea and let it cool. You can use this as a skin toner. Also you can add it to your body lotion. This lotion will give anti-aging effect.
13. Advantage of Green Tea in Treating Sun Burn
Due to anti-inflammatory properties of green tea reduces the damage caused to the skin due over exposure to sun. It has a cooling effect on skin and also prevents discolored areas on skin due to sun damage.
14. Natural Skin Glow
Green tea helps in rejuvenating the dead skin cells and thus gives you a clean and clear skin. Regular use of green tea gives your skin a natural glow and keeps it healthier. Drink three to four cups of green tea daily to take the maximum benefits of green tea.