Benefits of Green Tea

Tea is a popular beverage, consumed by people all across the globe. This well-known beverage comes in three varieties - black, green and oolong. Out of the three, green tea is known for its innumerable health benefits for the overall body. Green tea is brewed from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is usually prepared from unfermented leaves, since they have high concentration of polyphenols. Contrary to the conventional way, where leaves are fermented to extract either black or oolong tea, the preparation of green tea is done by the weathering and steaming of the leaves. This minimal processing helps retain the nutritional value and the benefits of green tea.

Green tea has been used since ancient times to treat a number of ailments. The Chinese have been using this beverage as a medicinal remedy for the past 4,000 years. Nowadays, green tea is available in the form of green tea pills and green tea extract, which is prepared from the leaves and buds of the plant, so if you are wondering is green tea good for you, then the answer is yes. Green tea has numerous health benefits and if included daily in the diet, it regulates and improves the body functions. To gain maximum benefits, drink only the required amount of tea.

Health Benefits of Green Tea

Many renowned nutritionists and doctors have vouched that green tea treats a number of infections and diseases. Given here are some of the beneficial effects of green tea, which have been proven by many researchers.

• Green tea is a rich source of natural antioxidants known as catechin polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These antioxidants fight against the free radicals in the body, which cause a number of health disorders.
• One of the benefits of green tea extract is that it strengthens the immune system and also fights against various allergies and infections. Green tea extract is also a main ingredient in many antioxidant supplements.
• Regular consumption of green tea is known to be beneficial as it helps lower the levels of LDL (or bad cholesterol). It also reduces the risk of atherosclerosis or the narrowing and hardening of the arteries due to the presence of plaque.
• Another benefit of green tea is weight loss. Green tea acts as a natural colon cleanse and eliminates toxic wastes from the body. It also increases the rate of metabolism, which enables the unnecessary fat to burn at a faster pace.
• Daily intake of green tea is known to fight against the different types of cancer. Green tea inhibits the abnormal growth and multiplication of cells in the body. The polyphenols found in the tea are known to destroy cancerous cells.
• Green tea is also beneficial to fight against diabetes, diseases of the heart and liver, inflammatory bowel disease, and many other health conditions.
• There are also some green tea benefits on skin and hair. Green tea prevents the eruption of acne, dry skin, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Applied topically, it treats sunburns and skin rashes. It also provides a youthful skin, glowing with health.
• Rinsing hair with green tea prevents dandruff and psoriasis. It strengthens the roots, stimulates hair growth and repairs damaged hair. Green tea also acts as natural conditioner and provides soft, lustrous hair.

Though there are many benefits, a few side effects of drinking green tea in excess can also be seen. So if you want to reap the benefits of this herbal tea consume this beverage in moderation.