The Health Benefits of Green Tea
Green Tea is at it again. A molecule in green tea could help scientists reduce the risks of heart attacks, a recent study suggests. The health benefits of green tea are expanding all the time.
The molecule known as EGCG binds to a protein found in the plaque that is linked to coronary artery diseases and make it more soluble.
But, before you stock up on China Sencha, it’s not clear that drinking green tea will help with the condition. What is being said is that the discovery could lead to new possibilities for tackling the deposits in blood vessels that contribute to coronary artery disease.
Speaking to the Guardian, Prof David Middleton, a co-author of the study from the University of Lancaster said: “If you drink normal quantities of green tea it will probably be unlikely to have an effect.”
“What we are saying is that we need to look at this molecule more carefully and figure out ways we can either adapt it to make it more [available to the body when taken in] or find ways of delivering it to the plaque.”
The magic molecule EGCG has previously been shown to affect the architecture of proteins that make up plaque linked to Alzheimers disease.
The team began by brewing up green tea using a microwave of all things and after careful analysis found EGCG from the tea bound to and made soluble the fine fibres of proteins similar to those found in the human body.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF GREEN TEA?
This finding adds to the variety of health benefits of green tea, although others are a lot more direct that this recent finding.
Compounds to Improve Health
EGCG is one of the most powerful compounds in green tea. It has been studied to treat various diseases and may be one of the main reasons green tea has such powerful medicinal properties.
It boosts brain power!
Many people report having more stable energy and being much more productive when they drink green tea, compared to coffee.
Green Tea increases fat burning
This healthy tea type has been shown to boost the metabolic rate and increase fat burning in the short term, although not all studies agree.
Antioxidants may lower cancer risks
Green tea has powerful antioxidants that may protect against cancer. Multiple studies show that drinkers have a lower risk of various types of cancer.
May reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
The bioactive compounds in green tea can have various protective effects on the brain. They may reduce the risk of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, the two most common neurodegenerative disorders.
Kills bacteria
The catechins in green tea may arrest the growth of bacteria and some viruses. This can lower the risk of infections and lead to improvements in dental health. Including, a lower risk of tooth decay and reduced bad breath.
Green Tea can lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Some controlled trials show that it can cause mild reductions in blood sugar levels. It may also lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
It can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
Green tea has been shown to lower total and LDL cholesterol, as well as protect the LDL particles from oxidation. Observational studies show that green tea drinkers have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
It’s great for weight loss!
Studies show that green tea leads to increased weight loss. It may be particularly effective at reducing abdominal fat.
Is it the elixir of life?
Studies have shown the green tea drinkers can live longer than non-tea drinkers.
In a study of 40000 Japanese adults, those who drank 5 or more cups of green tea were less likely to die during an 11 year period than those who didn’t.
Where to start?
That sounds great doesn’t it? The health benefits of green tea have been explored in depth. But where should you start? Our collection of green tea should cover you. Here’s five of our favourites to point you in the right direction.
China Sencha Organic – £5.25
Grassy, light and fresh, inspiring well-being and vitality. Green tea has been used traditionally in China for centuries to treat everything from headaches to depression. It has been used traditionally in Chinese medicine for centuries to treat multiple health conditions. With long, well-worked leaves, as a pure, organic, drink this tea is a pleasure for all those who taste it and has a touch of sweetness.
Dragon Well Lung Ching – £9.95
China’s famous “imperially approved” pan roasted tea from Hanzhou in Zhejian province – the name derives from the local “Dragon” Well. Light and fruity with a pale yellow cup. One of China’s most famous pan roasted teas from Hangzhou in Zhejian province, it has an impressive imperial mark of approval.
Imperial Jasmine – £5.50
A China Green scented with fresh jasmine blossoms. Light and fragrant. Enjoyed in China since the Fifth Century. Fresh jasmine blossoms are added during the drying of half-fermented tea. This form of flavouring tea has been practised in China for over 1,000 years and the jasmine blossoms retained with the tea leaves give an intense, flowery jasmine taste and aroma to a light fragrant cup.
Gunpowder and Mint – £4.50
Tightly rolled China Gunpowder with added Mint. Unfurling leaves provide a refreshing brew. A China Green Gunpowder tea with added Mint, this blend constitutes North Africa’s favourite tea. The tightly rolled leaves unfurl as they brew and provide a light, cleansing green tea.
Celestial Jasmine Chung Hao – £8.00
A speciality formerly reserved exclusively for the Chinese Imperial Court. Very lightly oxidised pouchong green tea is scented with the delicate perfume of jasmine flowers. The pouchong green tea is scented with the delicate perfume of the jasmine flowers picked during the day and layered on the tea leaves at night when the blossoms open to release their scent. Once the scent is absorbed the flowers are removed.
So there’s a handful to get you started on exploring the health benefits of green tea.
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