Is Green Tea Good for You?

Green tea has been used by the Chinese since ancient times, but the rest of the world has woken up to its health benefits just off recent. It has been immensely hyped by health experts and nutritionists and its health benefits are much talked about. A few researchers though have managed to prove that green tea is indeed, good for you. After a decade of research on green tea and its health and medicinal benefits, they have managed to list the numerous benefits of it. Let us find out about them.

Ingredients

The various health benefits of green tea can attributed to the ingredients that it contains. The most important ingredient that it contains is a plant substance known as polyphenol. These plant chemicals, also known as phytochemicals are rich sources of anti-oxidants. Also, it contains six types of polyphenols known as catechins. One of these catechins, known as Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a very active and beneficial one. It also contains alkaloids like caffeine, that are beneficial to health since they are present in very less quantities. Other ingredients include, vitamins A, B1, B12, K, E, C, U and P, tannin (flavonols), magnesium, theophylline, theanine, theobromine, fat, wax, saponins, essential oils, carotene, vitamin C, fluoride, iron, zinc, calcium, strontium, selenium, copper and nickel. It also contains gallic acid, quinic acid, soluble dietary fiber and some amounts of carbohydrates and other minerals.

Benefits of Consuming Green Tea

The fact that green tea has numerous health benefits, as compared to tea or coffee, is non-debatable. Let's find out what exactly are these health benefits.

• The antioxidants that it contains, reduces the harmful effects of the fats and oils consumed. It lowers cholesterol levels and helps maintain normal blood pressure levels. It raises the levels of good cholesterol over bad cholesterol.
• Green tea has cancer preventive properties that work against the development of cancerous cells.
• It can help greatly in the weight loss process due to the various essential properties that it contains. It is also beneficial in maintaining optimum weight and controlling excessive weight gain. It helps prevent tooth decay, gum diseases and various other dental disorders. It also helps maintain good dental health.
• It boosts the immune system and also helps rectify impaired immune system disorder.
• It is extremely good for the digestive system and prevents all kinds of digestive disorders. It is especially helpful in relieving constipation.
• It also helps prevent heart related disorders like, heart attacks and blockages in the blood vessels of the heart.
• It eliminates the harmful bacteria from the intestines and increases the number of good bacteria, thus maintaining good digestive health.
• It helps control blood sugar levels, thereby preventing diabetes.
• It increases mental awareness and prevents cognitive disorders. It helps eliminate stress and promotes overall relaxation
• It promotes a healthy skin and hair and slows down the process of aging
• It prevents bad breath, insomnia, fatigue and helps maintain vitality and vigor.

Green tea can be consumed hot or as iced tea around thrice a day. It is best consumed with a little honey, which eliminates its bitter taste. As with everything else, it should be consumed in moderate levels as over consumption may have adverse effects.