Green Tea Facts

Green tea has emerged as a perfect decoy in the health kick phase and for good reason too. It has comfortably lodged itself in the health juices and power drinks category and has succeeded in getting health freaks to switch from regular coffee and black tea to itself. So, we think it's time you know some much-needed green tea facts.

Facts

Green tea is also known as Chinese tea and comes from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. The leaves of this plant are either steamed or baked as opposed to black tea leaves which are fermented. This lends them their green color and helps to retain most of the potent nutrients (polyphenols) which are lost when the tea leaves are fermented. The antioxidants that are present in this form of tea are as good as those present in over 21 vegetables and fruits. Even though there is a percentage of caffeine content in green tea (30-40 mgs), it does not lead to ill effects that can be caused by normal caffeine. This is because of the two compounds that are present in green tea - EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) and theanine. Both these compounds will eliminate the ill effects of caffeine and render them harmless. Instead, these two compounds along with caffeine will help in promoting weight loss along with other benefits.

There are several benefits that one can talk of, but for them to have an effect on a normal adults, they need to be consumed in greater qualities. The general benefits are as follows:

• Green tea has antioxidants called polyphenols which help in preventing breast cancer and stopping the growth of new cancer cells in general.
• This tea is known to reduce tumors, the risk of heart attacks and other health related issues.
• If taken regularly, this tea has been known to have anti-aging benefits.
• Green tea is effective in treating abscesses, problems of the bladder and benefiting diabetic patients.
• It has been successful in lowering the cholesterol levels of people suffering from high cholesterol.
• Studies show that green tea might help people who suffer from Alzheimer.
• It helps in digestion and reduces the feeling of fullness and bloating.
• It rids a person of bad breath.
• It stops gum diseases and prevents dental decay.
• The antioxidants present in this tea destroy the bad bacteria in the intestine and therefore acts as a catalyst in digestion.
• It helps with weight loss.
• It prevents prostate cancer.
• It has known to benefit people suffering from sleep apnea.
• It helps to boost a person's mood.
• It soothes nerves and leaves a person feeling more energized.
• It improves the quality of the skin and hair.
• It lowers blood pressure.

Green Tea for Weight Loss

Green tea has been proven to lead to weight loss. Weight gain is usually caused due to an excess of triglyceride in the body. Even though it is necessary for physical activities, over secretion of this substance will lead to the body converting the extra secretions into fat. Green tea contains polyphenols which are responsible for activating the enzyme that dissolve excess triglyceride. Therefore, consuming green tea can effectively lead to the burning of this fat and an eventual weight loss.

Green tea is also responsible for stimulating the metabolism process - the direct result of which is weight loss. The EGCG will cause the excess fat to be released into the blood stream. This fat is then used as fuel and burnt off by the body. Thereby providing extra energy, shedding body fat and excess water in the body. The catechin polyphenols (EGCG) that are present in the tea stimulate the use of fatty acids which will reduce the rate of usage of carbohydrates in the body. This will allow for greater endurance, thereby allowing you to sustain your energy levels and exercise for a longer time. And more exercising will lead to more weight loss.

Hopefully, I have been able to end this topic on a rather tempting note. Have these facts on green tea been tempting enough for you to grab a cup today? We certainly hope so.