Is Green Tea Good for You

Green tea is a big hit with all health freaks and more and more people are taking to it. Whether green tea is really beneficial for the health or not, can be established by exploring its health benefits and advantages. Read on to find out the answer to 'is green tea good for you'.
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. Is green tea good for you - is the question many researchers are finding an answer to. A few 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 manged to list the numerous benefits of green tea. Now, that you know that green tea is good for you, you would be wondering why and how is green tea good for you. Let us find out.

Why is Green Tea Good for You

The various health benefits of green tea can attributed to the ingredients that it contains. The most important ingredient that green tea 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 of green tea 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, flouride, 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. I guess now it is no wonders that green tea is considered good for you.

How is Green Tea Good for You

The fact that green tea has numerous health benefits, as compared to tea or coffee, has been discussed quite a few times in this article. So, what exactly are these health benefits or green tea benefits?
  • The antioxidants that green tea 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.
  • Green tea 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.
Now that you have the answer to 'is green tea good for you', make it a part of your daily life. 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 of green tea may have adverse effects.

By Dhanya Joy
Published: 9/4/2009
 
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