Tea. The stuff your aunty says will cure anything, from the Monday blues, to a bad case of the flu. Well, she’s right, as long as she’s talking about green tea. Green tea is one of the least processed forms of tea available. This means that the good chemicals that are naturally present in the tea leaves aren’t removed in a factory.
Green tea is something of an acquired taste, but you can always consume it as an iced tea (flavoured with a small squeeze of lemon and a drop of honey, for example), to make it more flavourful and refreshing. And seeing as it has an impressive list of benefits, you really can’t afford NOT to include it in your daily diet.
Benefits of drinking green tea
1. It boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
Green tea is rich in polyphenols – an antioxidant micronutrient. In fact, green tea is widely regarded as the tea with the highest concentration of polyphenols. These act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories in the body; they actively reduce ageing in the body, by keeping harmful free radicals in check. And, as we’ll explain in a minute, there is evidence that they are powerful anti-carcinogenics and heart health boosters.
2. It’s anti-carcinogenic
In lab tests, green tea appears to reduce the growth and development of cancer cells. Enough said – drink up!
3. It squashes cardiovascular diseases
It’s probably those polyphenols again… Green tea drinkers are found to be far less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease. In fact, they’re also less likely to suffer from high cholesterol.
4. It’s a brain booster
Green tea contains caffeine. This stimulant is renowned for its role in the healthy function of the nervous system. It also prevents the onset of conditions like Alzheimers and Parkinson’s Disease. The catechins in green tea, likewise, lower the risk of these diseases.
Plus, green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that makes you feel good. So it’s recommended as mood uplifter – a natural one! What’s more, the L-theanine is shown to improve brain function, helping the different parts of the brain to work together.
Oh, and did you know that green tea will prevent strokes, too?
5. It kills bacteria
The catechins we mentioned a moment ago are also powerful anti-bacterial, so if your immune system is low, drink lots of green tea.
6. It prevents arthritis
The anti-inflammatory property of green tea is such that it prevents arthritis, keeping joints healthy.
Nutrition is arguably the most powerful component in the pursuit of good health and longevity. Understanding what to eat and drink to become the best version of you, is essential.
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