Green tea is an extremely beneficial drink that has gained a lot of fame for its weight-loss, relaxing, stimulating and even aesthetic functions.
Green tea is a very old drink. Orientals have been drinking this tea for centuries, but it is only in recent years that it has gained much visibility. And this is because of its various properties and good actions on the body. The drink is full of nutritional properties that help prevent diseases and leave the body stronger.
Green tea comes from the plant Camellia sinensis, the same one that originates black tea and white tea. Its leaves are steamed and then dried, which is why it contains different properties. In short, the plant has a large amount of antioxidants, caffeine, amino acids, vitamins B, E, C, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium and iron that provide greater health.
However, there is a famous legend in Chinese mythology for green tea. In the year 2737 BC, Emperor Shen Nung used to drink boiled water to have longevity and a healthier life. One afternoon, while he was boiling his usual water, some leaves flew and fell into his pot. He tried it and loved the flavor, naming this tea “the drink of heaven”. For today’s palate, however, the taste of tea is considered bitter.
See the main benefits of green tea
1- Helps you lose weight
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Green tea in particular has become well known for its ability to facilitate weight loss. This happens because the drink has a thermogenic effect, or rather, it raises the body temperature, thus accelerating the burning of calories.
So to lose weight, the recommended amount is approximately five cups a day – if there are no contraindications, such as previous liver problems.
Just combine drinking with your physical activity routine and good nutrition. Therefore, the diuretic properties and the boost it can give to the metabolism help to reduce measurements.
2- Brings satiety
According to some research, catechins (a component with strong antioxidant action) interact with leptin receptors, the hormone related to our body’s feeling of satiety. In other words, consuming tea in recommended quantities prevents you from eating more than is necessary for your body.
3- Wards off neurodegenerative diseases
According to research, green tea protects neurons and prevents neurodegenerative diseases, which are diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease. Some substances in green tea may have various protective effects on the brain.
4- Reduces blood pressure
Once again based on research, green tea has been shown to provide benefits. A study carried out on the Chinese population indicated that up to 65% of participants with high blood pressure had their levels reduced when consuming the product.
5- Increases life expectancy
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A study of more than 40,000 Japanese adults showed that those who drank more green tea (about 5 or more cups per day) had a lower risk of dying over a period of 11 years.
6- Optimizes digestion
Basically, there are some bioactive compounds in its composition, which stimulate the intestinal microbiota, also known as intestinal flora. These bacteria are responsible for helping with digestion, especially of some vitamins.
7- Reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke
The drink reduces the body’s levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), which is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, and increases the blood’s antioxidant capacity.
Furthermore, the drink can reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension, which is a risk factor for these conditions. Around 40% of heart attacks and up to 80% of strokes are caused or favored by high blood pressure.
8- Reduces the risk of diabetes
Research has shown that the polyphenols present in green tea help regulate glucose levels in people with diabetes. The drink can act through 2 mechanisms: reducing blood glucose levels (blood sugar) or promoting increased insulin sensitivity.
9- Improves mood
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In summary, there is an amino acid in green tea called L-theanine that is exclusive to this plant and should make up about 2% of its weight. When it is released in our body, it goes to the brain and there it increases the production of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that are linked to the feeling of well-being. Along with this, it also increases the production of alpha waves in the brain, which increases the feeling of relaxation, according to a study carried out in Japan in 2005.
10- Fights cholesterol
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A small fraction of the cholesterol we have is produced in the body, but the majority comes from food. In view of this, a study published in the journal Arquivo Brasileiro de Cardiologia, in 2009, carried out a sampling analysis on the action of Camellia sinensis and effects on cholesterol. And the results were that yes, green tea can reduce rates.
11- Reduces the risk of cancer
In short, studies indicate that the risks of cancer can be minimized with regular consumption of green tea, especially breast cancer. Therefore, it is suggested that components present in the drink can reduce or inhibit the formation of nitrosamines, which are carcinogens.
The scientific journal Life Sciences published research in 2004 that reinforces the action of green tea in preventing or inhibiting the proliferation of cancer.
12- Fights infections
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According to some studies, green tea can eliminate bacteria and inhibit some viruses, which helps to reduce the risk of infections. The catechins in green tea also inhibit the growth of one of the bacteria that causes cavities.
Scratchs
As we saw previously, this tea is definitely very good, but some care is needed. Consuming excessive amounts of some teas, such as green tea, can harm the kidneys due to the amount of oxalate. People with glaucoma and gastric irritation should consume in moderation.
As well as those who use medications that activate the nervous system. It is extremely important to consult a doctor before drinking the drink.
How to consume?
I will say beforehand that there are different ways of consumption. Definitely the best known and most sold are the powder, sachet, capsule and herbal versions.
Above all, the natural herb is more potent than teas from industrialized bags. Despite having the same substances, they have different concentrations.
However, the flavor is quite strong and bitter, but experts do not advise sweetening green tea with white sugar or sweetener. Therefore, to soften the taste, you can add other foods such as mint, fennel and even dried fruits.
Finally, the way it is prepared also changes the properties of the drink. However, each 1 gram of leaf includes 100 ml of water. Then leave it to infuse for five minutes at a high temperature and consume it immediately after preparation so as not to lose the antioxidants. In conclusion, it is extremely important to highlight that the water does not need to boil so much, you need to avoid cooking the leaves, as they will have an even more bitter taste.
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Sources: Healthy Minute Uol Minha Vida Abril
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