Green Tea

Extracted from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, green tea undergoes processing with minimal oxidation. This maintains most of its natural compounds, including catechins, antioxidants, and caffeine content. In effect, green tea has become one of the healthiest beverages available. Unlike other teas, green tea undergoes minimal processing and no fermentation, preserving its natural compounds. Long consumed in East Asia as a refreshing drink, it has become internationally famous for its refreshing taste and health benefits.

Green tea has been associated with some relations, such as improving brain functions, enhancing fat burning, lowering cancer risk, and even reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The drink has also received applause for aiding in weight loss; therefore, most individuals seeking to lose excess weight consider consuming this beverage. Due to its antioxidant properties, green tea is believed to be a great anti-inflammatory drug that reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Minimal oxidation preserves catechins, which are responsible for many of green tea’s health benefits.

Source of Green Tea

The other name for green tea is Camellia sinensis; it originates from East Asia, essentially China and India. These areas have the best climate and soil for growing quality tea leaves. The leaves are picked, dried, and lightly steamed to retain their rich nutritional profile.

Green tea belongs to various alternative names depending on region and processing. Some of them include;

• Matcha: powdered green tea that is notably of Japanese origin and is popularly utilised in Japanese tea ceremonies.
• Sencha is a steamed green tea that is primarily consumed in Japan.
• Gyokuro is a high-end variety of Japanese green tea from leaves shadowed by direct sun rays.
• Bancha: this variety is cultivated later in the season in Japan.

Since all these varieties differ slightly in terms of flavour, caffeine content, and antioxidant concentration, they share the same core benefits.

There are various green tea benefits for the stomach which have proven to be effective with regular usage. Over time, green tea has been consumed for its high antioxidants and bioactive compounds that facilitate weight management and the prevention of chronic diseases, making it a shared benefit and side effect of green tea in traditional and modern medicine. Its involvement in supporting digestion and the immune system makes it a staple product in many households. In addition, proper education on using green tea and its application to different health conditions could improve its benefits. Here is a general overview of what health benefits green tea offers.

1. Green Tea for High Cholesterol

Amongst the goodness of green tea, this drink is significantly helpful in controlling high cholesterol levels with its catechin content. This drink lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and raises the good-to-bad cholesterol ratio. Green tea helps reduce LDL oxidation, potentially preventing plaque buildup in the arteries.

2. Green Tea for Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease arises from plaque formation in the arteries, thereby reducing blood flow to the heart. Green tea may be helpful in such a situation due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, mainly its EGCG. The regular ingestion of green tea improves blood vessel function. Enhanced circulation and diminished plaque development serve to improve cardiovascular well-being.

3. Green Tea for Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Green tea benefits the stomach and heart regulation of blood pressure. Research has shown that constant consumption of green tea lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The polyphenols in green tea support blood vessel dilation, reducing pressure on the heart and benefiting those with hypertension.

4. Green Tea for Ovarian Cancer

The antioxidants in green tea are robust and have proven anticancer activity, primarily for ovarian cancer. The catechins in green tea stop the development of cancer cells and then induce apoptosis, or death, of the malignant cells. The consumption of green tea may prevent or reduce the risk of ovarian cancer and may improve the treatment results to some extent.

5. Green Tea for Athletic Performance

The synergistic effect of caffeine and catechins in green tea enhances athletic performance by increasing energy and fat oxidation. This has led athletes to use green tea to improve endurance and reduce muscle inflammation caused by strenuous exercise. Besides the energy boost, green tea accelerates recovery and reduces oxidation that accompanies the consequence of intense training.

6. Green Tea for Urinary Bladder Cancer

Green tea can reduce the growth of certain cancers, such as urinary bladder cancer. Polyphenols, especially EGCG in green tea, prevent the development of cancerous cells using proliferation inhibition and enhancing cell death. The detoxification of the body due to the consumption of green tea provides an anticarcinogenic effect against the development of the bladder.

7. Green Tea for Breast Cancer

Green tea has excellent potential in preventing and even curing breast cancer. The antioxidants found in green tea prevent the proliferation of cancer cells by inhibiting the advancement of metastasis. EGCG is one key factor in the inhibition of the spread of breast cancer cells; therefore, the consumption of green tea may decrease the risk of suffering from the disease.

8. Green Tea for Heart Disease

Green tea benefits the cardiovascular system by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and preventing oxidative artery damage. Its anti-inflammatory nature keeps the heart away from attacks. It lowers cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Supplementing with green tea works wonders for a healthy heart.

9. Green Tea for Cervical Cancer

A compound in green tea has been demonstrated to combat free radicals and decrease inflammation linked to cancer. Thus far, it has been under investigation regarding a potential protective effect against cervical cancer. Green tea holds additional promise in slowing the deterioration of HPV infections, which are the leading risk factor for cervical cancer.

10. Green Tea for Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder of the motor function. Green tea, notably polyphenols, protects brain cells from oxidative damage- an important pathophysiologic feature of neurodegenerative diseases. Daily consumption of green tea may slow Parkinson's progression by protecting brain cells from oxidative stress, potentially improving motor function and cognition.

11. Green Tea for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum

Green tea has been proven to decrease the likelihood of contracting colorectal cancer. Catechins in green tea inhibit the multiplication of cancer cells due to their ability to prevent the development of new blood vessels associated with angiogenesis in tumors and to induce apoptosis. Furthermore, it also protects the intestinal tract, which helps it have a solid ability to prevent colon cancer.

12. Green Tea for Common Cold

Antibodies within green tea make it an excellent remedy against the common cold. Its antioxidants help fight viruses and bacteria, and anti-inflammatory healing soothes the soreness of your throat and reduces nasal congestion. Drinking green tea during the cold season can boost your immune response and keep infections at bay.

13. Green Tea for Depression

It has a compound called L-theanine, which is an amino acid with soothing properties to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression while improving mood and cognitive functions by enhancing the production of serotonin and dopamine, thus giving natural mental support.

14. Green Tea for Diabetes

One of the most important is green tea benefits and side effects on blood sugar regulation. Green tea supports blood sugar regulation by increasing insulin sensitivity, which may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Frequently consuming green tea may regulate blood sugar levels, minimising the risk of complications resulting from the disease.

15. Green Tea for Cancer of Mouth, Nasopharynx, Paranasal Sinuses, Larynx, and Oesophagus

Polyphenols are available in green tea in the lower mouth, nasopharynx, larynx, and esophageal cancers. These antioxidants are protective in preventing DNA damage and fighting cancer cell proliferation, making green tea an excellent tool for cancer prevention.

16. Green Tea for Stomach Cancer

Green tea benefits the stomach since Helicobacter pylori, connected with stomach ulcers and cancer, is prevented from thriving. The antioxidants in green tea reduce inflammation in the stomach lining and help protect against stomach cancer. Regular consumption of green tea can improve the digestive system's overall health.

17. Green Tea for Infertility

This may help a person gain hope in such a dire case of infertility. This is because the antioxidants found in green tea enhance reproductive health by eradicating oxidative stress in reproductive organs. Moderate consumption of green tea might improve sperm quality and enhance fertility in both male and female users.

Green tea is one of the most versatile beverages ever; it can be used on many fronts. It's excellent for warm consumption, addition to meals, or topical application, and innumerable health benefits. Here are some practical ways to use green tea and how to drink it.

1. As a Daily Beverage for Overall Health

Green tea is primarily known to have health-promoting effects when consumed. It is rich in antioxidants and catechins that are responsible for heart health, support for weight management, and suppressors of inflammation. Constant consumption of green tea will generally enhance one's metabolism, reduce the chance of developing chronic diseases, and even enhance cognitive skills.

Steps to use:

• Boil the water and cool it to 160-180°F (70-80°C).
• Add 1 tsp of loose green tea leaves or a tea bag to the water.
• Steep for 2-3 minutes. Do not steep for too long since it can become bitter.
• Drink 2-3 cups a day for maximum health benefits.

You may add lemon, mint, or a little honey if you do not find the taste you want. Avoid using boiling water, as it can damage the delicate compounds in green tea, making it bitter.

2. As Skin Treatment (Green Tea Face Mask)

Green tea does not only benefit the inner system; it can even work wonders on your skin. The natural antioxidants in green tea help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation within the skin, making one look healthy and glossy. Its anti-inflammatory property makes it fantastic for soothing irritated skin and acne-prone areas.

Steps to use:

• Brew a cup of green tea and leave it to cool completely.
• Mix 1 tsp of cooled green tea with 1 tsp of honey and 1 tsp of yoghurt and paste.
• Apply it on your face according to requirements, avoiding the eyes. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water.

This can be done once or twice a week to calm and rejuvenate the skin.

3. As a Green Tea Hair Rinse

Green tea may be used as an all-natural hair rinse by conditioning the hair, reducing dandruff, and fighting hair loss. This happens due to the catechins found in green tea, which block the DHT hormone that causes hair loss and, at the same time, help improve blood circulation to the scalp.

Steps to use:

• Brew 1-2 cups of green tea and let it cool off.
• Apply the green tea over your scalp and hair after shampooing, gently massaging it into your scalp.
• Leave it on the hair briefly before rinsing off in water.
• Regular rinse usage can make your hair shine and look healthy over time.

• Green tea is a source of antioxidants associated with various health benefits, including burning fats, improved brain power, and many more.
• It can be consumed in hot or cold brews or as a supplement.
• Despite a few benefits, overindulgence has seen the onset of side effects like stomach irritation and sleep interruptions.