Tea helps us relax, we say. But the benefits of green tea go far beyond just helping us to unwind after a hard day at work or school. Green tea has proven to help us live healthier, longer lives, and the effects are backed by science! Let’s take a look at how drinking green tea can positively affect our bodies and brains, one cup at a time!
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The Benefits of Green Tea for Weight Loss
Not just for sipping in a mug by a crackling fire, green tea has become one of nature’s most widely consumed weight-loss solutions. It’s safe and natural—and it works! In fact, here are 10 ways that drinking green tea can help you lose weight
Lowers Cholesterol
One cup of green tea contains 8 mg of cholesterol-busting epigallocatechin gallate, a catechin known for its powerful antioxidant capabilities. According to research from Japan’s Hokkaido University, EGCG can help lower total cholesterol by 12 percent and LDL (bad) cholesterol by 17 percent in healthy test subjects.
Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
Drinking green tea regularly can lower your risk of developing heart disease, according to a study conducted at Harbin Medical University in China. Researchers found that drinking four cups of green tea per day decreased LDL cholesterol levels by an average of 20 percent in participants. Additionally, in animal studies, green tea has been shown to prevent strokes and vascular-related deaths.
Improves Mental Health
Various studies suggest that drinking green tea can help improve your mental health, especially if you’re in a stressful situation. One study, published in Psychopharmacology in 2008, found that it could even help prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a sample of 1348 people, researchers found that those who drank four or more cups per day had a lower risk for PTSD. What’s more? The stress-reducing qualities didn’t appear to be dependent on caffeine content.
Can Help Prevent Kidney Stones
While most people view green tea as a caffeinated beverage, it contains natural compounds that might help reduce your risk of kidney stones. The chemicals in green tea—including certain catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—have been shown to inhibit an enzyme called xanthine oxidase, which plays a role in breaking down purines. Purines are found in animal protein, so reducing your intake can lower your risk for kidney stones.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
The catechins present in green tea can help regulate blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for those with Type 2 diabetes. Since caffeine increases your metabolic rate, drinking green tea throughout the day can help you burn more calories. The antioxidants present in green tea help fight damage to cells and are effective at reducing many diseases such as cancer and heart diseases.
