For thousands of years, tea has been used for therapeutic purposes in China and Japan. Oolong, black and green teas originate from the Camellia sinensis plant, but the difference between the teas lies in their preparation methods. Green tea is made by steaming the leaves, pan-frying and drying them.
Green tea is now one of the most popular beverages consumed across the world for wellness and enjoyment.
Here are five evidence-based benefits of green tea.
Better Skin
Green tea increases collagen production, improves skin elasticity, and helps smooth wrinkles. Green tea even has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Fights Neurodegenerative Diseases
Green tea is full of neuroprotective compounds which can prevent oxidative stress. More importantly, green tea contains a catechin called epigallocatechin which suppresses the neurotoxicity induced by the amyloid-beta protein which has a causal relationship with developing dementia.
Boosts Focus and Energy
An eight-ounce cup of green tea has on average 28 milligrams of caffeine (coffee has an average of 95 milligrams). That’s not enough to spark you up, but it is enough to keep you awake and focused. Caffeine limits adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and enhances dopamine and norepinephrine signaling in the brain. This improves reaction, memory, and temperament.
Fights Cancer
Researchers have found that green tea could be helpful against certain types of cancer. It does this through its catechin derivatives and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Helps Burn Fat
Green tea extract is used in many fat-burning supplements because it boosts your metabolism. A study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that green tea helped boost people’s calorie-burning rate by four percent.