Green Tea Benefits Review

Much has been written on the topic of green tea benefits, rightfully so. They are known for having a few abilities that make it a very well rounded beverage. It contains vitamin C, minerals, polyphenols and tocopherols. Polyphenols are a flavonoid which come from plants and are said to have a number of health benefits to consumers. In green tea, the type of polyphenol we are mainly interested in are catechins. Catechins help in four major areas of health. These areas are diabetes, cancer, stroke and heart failure. It is believed that consuming beverages with a good amount of catechins daily can reduce the risk of these four health risks. It also reduces the effects of aging as in seen when extensively tested on mice. In terms of cancer, a UCLA research found some evidence of it resisting the onset of cancer.

As green tea undergoes the last amount of oxidation of all teas save for white tea, it is particularly rich in polyphenols and tannins. They are also natural sources of caffeine like all teas. When tested on animals, it was found to reduce cholesterol levels. However, further studies on humans revealed no evidence of the sort. It can also induce a form of thermogenesis. Thermogenic foods raise the metabolic rate and the heart rate slightly. This causes our body to produce heat and oxidize fats.

This is why green tea extract is also used as ingredient in various fat burner pills on the market. While it is a weight loss aid, a green tea diet is not a magic bullet. If you have an unhealthy lifestyle, consuming green tea may not make a dent on your weight. It needs to be combined with healthy eating and regular exercise for best effect. There are various studies undertaken by Universities across the world which point to its ability to protect brain cells, reducing cardiovascular diseases and reduces the general oxidative stress of our body.

It is no wonder then that green tea is a popular beverage particularly in Japan, Korea and to a lesser extent, China. However, green tea can also be one of the more bitter tasting teas and this is a result of catechins. Catechins are far more bitter than many other polyphenols. While it may be an acquired taste to some, the inherent benefits it gives us make it worth our time to consume often.