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The Many
Beneficial Effects of Green Tea
Green Tea may sound
like something out of a fictional book but in reality it is a very
effective remedy for so many problems. Green tea was first used
for its medicinal values as far back as the fourth century B.C and
since then the Chinese have been using it to treat everything from
depression to headaches.
Green tea and black
tea all come from the same plant but it is the way that they are
processed which sets them apart. Green tea is usually dried but
not fermented like black tea. This permits it to hold all its
beneficial chemicals intact. Beneficial chemicals in green tea are
called catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate
(EGCG), and they are antioxidants. Antioxidants work by preventing
free radicals which are particles in our bodies, from harming or
affecting our cells. Free radicals are one of the primary causes
behind cancer. Antioxidants thus hinder the growth of cancer by
killing cancer cells but they do not harm healthy tissue.
Research on the
effects of green tea has shown that it is quite efficient in the
treatment of cancer. A lot of studies have also shown that green
tea is efficient is lowering cholesterol and preventing blood
which in turn may lead to strokes or heart attacks. Green tea also
helps with hypertension, kidney function and arthritis at the same
time. It also boosts the immune system and allows it to fight
viral and bacterial infections which in turn prevent allergies as
well as colds and the flu.
Free radical damage
may also lead to skin again so green tea helps with skin care too.
Some major skin care brands also use green tea in their current
product offerings. Green tea also helps people improve their
memory and slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s. Due to the fact
that it boosts insulin activity in the body by more than 15%, it
also tends to help with diabetes as well. It also promotes weight
loss as it increases the metabolic rates of the body.
Strengthening of the bones is also something it provides as well
and that prevents osteoporosis. It also helps in preventing tooth
decay by killing the causative bacteria responsible for plaque.
Seemingly the only side effect of green teas is insomnia and this
is because it contains caffeine. Caffeine which is found in green
tea is substantially lower than that which is found with coffee.
Four or five cups of
green tea daily will have long term benefits on the human body.
The taste of green tea is fresh and light and certain people claim
it is green or grassy. Certain types of green tea are somewhat
sweet and others are astringent. Green tea is usually not served
with milk or sugar but it is really an individual choice.
Article Source:
http://www.savorytea.com |