Green tea is made from a plant that is Camellia Sinensis. Its dried leaves and leaf buds are utilised to make several different teas, including black and oolong tea. It is made by steaming and pan-frying the camellia leaves and then drying them. Green tea is not fermented; it can maintain essential molecules, polyphenols. Green tea also contains caffeine. People commonly use US FDA-approved prescription products containing green tea for genital warts (a specific green tea extract). As a drink, green tea is sometimes for high cholesterol and high blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart diseases and preventing ovarian cancer.
“It’s the healthiest act I can think of to drink,” says Christopher Ochsner, PhD. He is a research scientist on brain and nutrition at Mount Sinai Hospital.
No food protects us from diseases. Our health depends on our lifestyle and genes. So, drinking green tea all day, there is also a need to take care of ourselves in ways, like quitting squatting, eating a healthy diet, and being active.
Green tea and Black tea composition table
| Compounds | Green Tea | Black Tea |
| Calories | Two calories in 1 mug. | Two calories in 1 cup. |
| Protein | 15 | 15 |
| Fibre | 26 | 26 |
| Amino acids | 4 | 4 |
| Carbohydrates | 7 | 7 |
| Lipids | 7 | 7 |
| Pigments | 2 | 2 |
| Minerals | 5 | 5 |
| Phenolic Compounds | 30 | 5 |
| Oxidized Phenolic Compounds | 0 | 25 |
Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea is full of health-promoting compounds. Green tea is traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to control several diseases, heal wounds, improve digestion, help to lower the risk of heart and mental health and regulate body temperature.
1. Cancer Prevention
Ehavey studies have shown that green tea contains polyphenol, which reduces cancer risk.
Several population-based studies also show that black and green tea help protect against cancer. Researchers also tell that polyphenols kill cancerous cells and stop them from growing. Predominant polyphenols in green tea__ EGCG, EGC, ECG and EC and the theaflavins in black tea have anti-oxidant activity. These chemicals escape free radicals and may protect cells from DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Human studies have not shown consistent evidence that drinking green tea reduces certain cancers.
A 2020 database review shows that humans produce inconsistent benefits from drinking green tea, which may lower the risk of cancers.
A 2018 review in vitro, in vivo, and human studies demonstrated the potential benefits of polyphenols in the chemoprevention of UVB-induced skin cancer. Polyphenols in green tea may have a role in protecting the skin from UVB radiation.
Animals and cell tube studies show some positive impact on certain cancers;
- Breast
- Bladder
- Ovarian
- Bowel (colorectal)
- Throat (oesophagal)
- Lungs
- Prostrate
- Skin
- Stomach
Cancer is less in Japan, where people regularly drink green tea.
2. Weight Loss
Green tea can aid you to lose fat, especially harmful abdominal fat. The effects of green tea are relatively modest. Green tea can increase fat burning, which lose weight. Several studies show that green tea contains catechin and caffeine, improving energy metabolism and losing weight.
Caffeine is a well-known stimulant that raises fat burning and improves exercise performance.
Studies show that drinking 1 cup of green tea increases the number of anti-oxidants in our bloodstreams.
Green tea also holds a type of flavonoid called catechins, an anti-oxidant. Catechin breakdown the excess fat.
3. Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties. Human studies and cellular and animal experiments found that green tea contains major epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
4. Heart Healthy
A Japanese adult found that drinking 5 cups of green tea a day may lower the risk of 26% of death from heart attack and 16% lower the risk of death from all causes than people who drank 1 cup of tea a day. Consumption of green tea was associated with favourable outcomes regarding the risk of cardiovascular disease and ischemic diseases.
2017 and 2019 review studies show that polyphenol in green tea may lower blood pressure, decrease inflammation, and improve epithelial functions, reducing heart disease.
5. Lower Cholesterol
A 2011 review show that consuming green tea reduces total low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
An analysis from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that green tea significantly reduces total cholesterol and “LDL” or “Bad Cholesterol” in the blood.
6. Stroke Risk
Researchers found that the extra green tea a person drank, the more it reduced the risk of stroke.
An American Heart Association (AHA) study stated that drinking green tea daily may be associated with a small and positive change in stroke.
7. Type 2 Diabetes
There are indications that green tea can lower the risk of developing diabetes. Green tea contains zero sugar and is calorie-free.
Although there is no remedy for type 2 diabetes, it can control. There is a correlation between green tea consumption and decreased fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels.
8. Memory
Some research shows that green tea can enhance working memory and cognitive functions. Green tea extract boosts your brain functions. Benefits come from caffeine and L-theanine, which increase memory and attention.
A study shows that drinking green tea can lower cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
Other benefits
- Prevent dental cavities
- Reduce stress
- Reduce chronic fatigue
- Treat skin conditions
- Improve arthritis
Disadvantages of Drinking Green Tea:
Green tea is likely safe for adults, but high doses maybe not be safe long term. It can cause side effects due to caffeine. Side effects range from mild to severe, which are;
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Sleep problems
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Irritability
- Irregular heartburn
- Tremor
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ear
- Convulsions and Confusions
- Liver disease
- Anaemia and Iron deficiency
- Stomach problems
References:
- https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/health-benefits-of-green-tea
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/green-tea
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/tea-fact-sheet
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320540
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269538
- https://www.rxlist.com/green_tea/supplements.htm
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-green-tea
