What are the health benefits of green tea?

Green tea has several important nutrients for the body. Drinking the drink can bring several benefits to the body, but it is worth remembering that it is not enough to drink one or the other cup on sporadic days.

For green tea to have effects, it is necessary to drink at least 4 cups every day.

It is also worth remembering that there are possible side effects and some contraindications. For example, the drink should not be ingested by pregnant women, nursing mothers, people with chronic diseases, etc. – always consult your doctor !

Check out some of the benefits that the product can bring:

Contents

Helps burn fat

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates the benefits of consuming green tea to potentiate fat burning.

The study evaluated two groups in the process of losing weight that adopted a low calorie menu. But only one group drank green tea (between 6 and 8 cups a day). The results show that the participants who consumed the drink burned up to 4% more fat compared to those who only dieted.

Another study published in the journal Obesity Reviews shows similar results, indicating that the polyphenols present in the drink increase thermogenesis and oxidation of fats.

In this case, the study points out that the body spends more calories and uses fat more easily as an energy source.

Consuming at least 5 cups daily, according to the study, favors the reduction of adipose tissue, promotes an acceleration of metabolism and improves digestion.

Promotes satiety

Allied with those who want to reduce measures, green tea can interact with leptin receptors (which is the hormone responsible for the feeling of satiety).

Do you know that urge to eat more during meals? It can be minimized if leptin levels are adequate. In addition to improving nutrition, this effect can naturally reduce your meals and promote healthy weight loss.

Antioxidant action

Antioxidants are substances capable of inhibiting the formation of free radicals, reducing the risks of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative diseases,  obesity  and  cancer . Catechins can minimize tissue oxidation, which can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes .

In a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, they point out that green tea has up to 6 times more antioxidants than black tea and up to 10 times more than fruits and vegetables in general.

The antioxidant action is mainly due to the presence of catechins and polyphenols. For you to understand the difference (and the benefits), to get the same amount of antioxidants as 1 cup of green tea you would need to consume 8 apples.

Speeds up metabolism

Green tea has a thermogenic effect (increased caloric expenditure), promoting an acceleration of metabolism and causing the body’s caloric expenditure to be higher. This facilitates the weight loss process.

The drink also has high amounts of epigallocatechin and caffeine, which are substances directly related to thermogenesis.

Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease

Green tea has components capable of protecting against heart disease. Among them, the drink can reduce LDL oxidation and plasma cholesterol levels, in addition to preventing changes in vasoconstriction.

Reduces cancer risks

Studies indicate that the risks of cancer can be minimized with the regular consumption of green tea, especially  breast cancer . It is pointed out that components present in the drink can reduce or inhibit the formation of nitrosamines, which are carcinogens.

The scientific journal Life Sciences published a research in 2004 that reinforces the action of green tea in preventing or inhibiting the proliferation of cancer.

According to the results, the components present in the product can prevent bleeding from skin tumors, decrease the risks of stomach cancer, improve the body’s responses to the treatment of intestinal cancer, in addition to reducing the cell proliferation of lung cancer.

Other studies indicate that the plant can reduce the risk of women developing breast cancer when they usually drink 5 cups of the drink a day and in women between 40 and 70 years old, the risks of colorectal cancer can be reduced by up to 57%. In men, there is 58% less chance of developing  prostate cancer .

Increases happiness

L-theanine is an amino acid rarely available in food and plants, but  Camellia sinensis  is one of the only plants that contain the substance. Ingestion of the amino acid promotes the production of serotonin and dopamine, promoting feelings of well-being and happiness.

In addition, L-theanine increases the production of alpha waves in the brain. This action results in induced relaxation, causing a decrease in agitation and anxiety .

Improves mental capacity

A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food indicates that consumption of green tea can be beneficial to mood and memory. The research followed patients who drank the drink and compared it to a group that drank placebo.

The results suggest that the L-theanine present in the tea favored the participants’ memory and improved their ability to read and recognize words, that is, consumption is associated with improved mental alertness.

Reduces cholesterol

A study published in the journal Arquivo Brasileiro de Cardiologia, in 2009, performed a sampling analysis on the action of  Camellia sinensis  and the effects on cholesterol. The results are similar to other studies previously developed that the L-theanine present in tea can reduce the levels of total cholesterol and LDL.

Aids in digestion

There are several teas that improve digestion by stimulating the production of gastric juice. Despite the fact that green tea helps in the processes of food degradation, it acts differently on the organism, as it stimulates the intestinal microbiota.

Our gut is made up of hundreds of bacteria responsible for nutritional degradation and absorption. As green tea stimulates the intestinal flora, the components present in meals are better used.

Reduces the risk of Parkinson’s disease

Studies show that the phenolic substances in green tea can protect cells against a neurotoxin responsible for Parkinson’s disease.

Reduces blood pressure

Consuming green tea daily can help control blood pressure. A study carried out in the Chinese population indicated that up to 65% of participants with  high blood pressure  had their levels reduced when consuming the product.

Another research carried out in 2008 and published in the Medline collection suggests similar results, pointing out that the Camellia sinensis plant   can reduce the rates of hypertension and, even, decrease the values ​​in those who do not have altered pressure.

Reduces the risk of stroke and stroke

The components of green tea can minimize the risks of  heart attack  and stroke, as the drink can lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension, which is a risk factor for these conditions.

About 40% of heart attacks and up to 80% of strokes are caused or favored by high blood pressure.

Works as a diuretic

Several factors can cause the body to start retaining fluids, such as diet,  stress  and metabolism. The result of this retention is swelling, discomfort and weight gain.

As green tea has diuretic and digestive properties, consumption is ideal for eliminating the retained fluids and other toxins that can cause inflammation in the body.

Can reduce visceral fat

Although it still needs more studies and tests in humans, research published in the scientific journal Journal of Nutrition points out that green tea can reduce visceral fat and inflammation levels in the body.

This fat is present between the organs and is the most dangerous, as it is associated with high risks of chronic diseases and obesity.

Can prevent type 2 diabetes

The consumption of green tea has been associated with a reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes. The drink can act through 2 mechanisms: reducing glycemia rates (blood sugar) or promoting an increase in insulin sensitivity.

In 2009, a scientific publication in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who drank about 4 cups of tea every day were up to 20% less likely to develop diabetes.


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