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Green tea originally comes from China but is now widely grown across Asia. All that's needed to grow green tea is the Carnellia sinesis plant and some patience as it takes around 3 years to harvest the leaves.
Recent studies have shown that people who drinks at least 3 cups of green tea a day reduce their risk of heart attack by 11% and also have a lower cholesterol level. Green tea can be consumed in different forms such as capsules, powder or in liquid form. Below are the 8 main benefits of green tea:
Source of Antioxidants
Green tea is a great source of antioxidants. It is believed that antioxidants can help in preventing cancer, stroke and heart diseases as well as slow down the aging process.
Lowers Cholesterol
Studies have shown that drinking around 3 – 4 cups of green tea a day lowers cholesterol levels. Once the cholesterol level is reduced it will help clean out the arteries and provide a 25-40 percent lower risk of having a heart attack.
Increases Life Expectancy
Green tea is also believed to increase life expectancy as it help in preventing and treating multiple health complications. Studies show that individuals who consume around 5 cups of green tea a day are more likely to live longer than people who drinks only one cup of green tea a day.
Prevents Cancer
Green tea contains Polyphenols which prevents cancer by destroying cancer cells and hindering new growth. Cancer studies have shown positive results in many different types of cancers including prostate cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, ovarian cancer, leukemia, bladder cancer, colon cancer and lung cancer.
A recent study showed that Polyphenols in green tea prevent the growth of new breast cancer cells. The study was conducted on 472 women who were in their early stages of breast cancer and the results showed that subjects who consumed the most amount of green tea had the least amount of spread.
Treats Diabetes
Green tea controls the level of blood sugar and glucose. Drinking green tea (without milk) increases the activity of insulin and reduces the sugar in the blood. This is all possible as green tea contains theaflavins and EGCG which helps in the process. A study has shown that if a person drinks 6 cups of green tea a day for 2 months, he or she will reduce up to 20% of their blood sugar level.
Weight Loss Agent
Green tea is said to be a good aid for those trying to lose weight. Green tea raises your metabolism which is needed to burn fat. Additionally, green tea also provides you with more energy which will allow you to exercise longer and burn more calories. Consequently, catechins in green tea help the body to burn off fat and utilize less carbohydrates, allowing for longer exercise sessions.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Studies on green tea show that drinking 4 cups of green tea a day helps reduce high blood pressure.
Boosts the Immune System
Drinking green tea regularly boosts the immune system. Green tea contains antigens which help build immunity against harmful bacteria.
Consumption Recommendation
An adult should consume around 3 cups of green tea a day for optimum benefit. As always, please consult a doctor if you are taking any medications before consuming green tea.
