1. Increase in Brain Functions
Most people take green tea people to keep them awake and alert, it does more a lot more than that – it can make you smarter.
How does green tea make you smarter? It contains an active ingredient or stimulant called caffeine. The amount of caffeine found in green tea is not as much the quantity found in coffee, but has more than enough caffeine to give the same effect as those found in coffee.
This is how caffeine works; it increases the firing of neurons and the amount of neurotransmitters (dopamine and norepinephrine) circulating the nervous system by blocking an inhibitory neurotransmitter known as adenosine. Both dopamine and norepinephrine improves brain function by increasing firing in the neurons in the brain.
Green tea also contains an amino acid called L-theanine that work in conjunction with caffeine to improve brain function.
2. Cancer Prevention
Green tea contains a substance called polyphenol. According to the National Cancer Institute, polyphenol have been proven to reduce the growth of tumours in the laboratories after animals were exposed to high amount of ultraviolet radiations.
Although there are no concrete evidences, countries who consume green tea in high quantities have a lesser cancer rates than others than don’t. Some of the cancers that have seen the beneficial effects include; breast, prostrate, ovarian, throat and bladder cancer.
Scientist believe that the high amount of polyphenols found in the tea assists in destroying of cancerous cells and stunt their growth.
3. Burning of Fat and Improving Performance
If you can find a box that contains a fat burning supplement, you won’t be surprised to find green tea as one of the many ingredients. In human trials that were done in a controlled environment, the green tea has been proven to increase the metabolic rate and improve the burning of fat.
Another study shows that green tea burns fat increasing the oxidation of fat by 17%. Caffeine also enhance the physical activity and performance by mobilizing the fatty acids in the fat tissues as an alternative form of energy.
4. Reducing the Risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s in the Elderly
The effects of green tea is not only seen in the young but can also have effects in the long run, protecting your brain cells in old age.
Alzheimer and Parkinson are the most common neurodegenerative diseases that affect individuals in old age. It caused by death of the neurons in the brain that produces dopamine.
Green tea also contains a substance called catechin. This compound have protective effects on neurons of animals that were tested, which in the long run reduce the risk of suffering from Parkinson or Alzheimer.
5. Lower Infection Risk and Improve Dental Health
Bacteria and viruses serve as risk factors that bring down the general health of the body. Catechins found in the green tea, kill bacteria and inhibit viruses. The effect of catechins can help lower the risk of virus.
There is a bacteria found in the mouth called streptococcus mutans and it is the primary source of tooth decay, formation of plaque and cavities in the mouth. Studies show that the catechins found in the green tea inhibit the growth of streptococcus thereby reducing the risk of dental health problems. Green tea also reduces bad breath.
6. Green Reduces Type 2 diabetes
Although the studies are not conclusive, green tea has been shown to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in some individuals while in others it has no effects. Since green tea has no adverse effects, there is no harm in drinking the tea.
Green tea is also beneficial for people with diabetes because it helps improve the metabolic system, helping the cells to better metabolize sugars.
7. Promoting of Bone Health
Green tea improves bone mineralization and weakens the activity of osteoblasts. Osteoclasts are a kind of cell that reabsorbs bones instead of forming it. The catechins inhibits the actions of osteoclasts and increase the quantity cells that forms bones – osteoblasts.
8. Improves Eyesight
Green tea has a very special ingredient called antioxidants. These chemicals help destroy free radicals which are molecules that cause damages linked to diseases. These antioxidants include substances like vitamin C, lutein and they protect the body against various diseases especially eye disease.
Another special set of antioxidants are called flavonoids which are found in the green tea leaves and protect the eye against cataracts and various types of glaucoma.
A special type of flavonoid called gallocatechin stores in the retina and protect it from the dangerous effect of UV rays. They serve as sunscreens to protect the eyes.
Green tea are very helpful for the body systems, and even if you are not a tea drinker you should try a glass a day. You might not like the taste, you can also add flavors like honey to taste.