Tea has been a popular beverage from ancient times, and though black tea is the best known and popular worldwide, the health benefits of other kinds of tea are now being acknowledged.
Green, white, red and herbal teas contain nutrients like antioxidants that have preventive properties which contribute to good health. Green tea has been used traditionally in Asian countries like China, Thailand, Japan and India for medicinal purposes.
According to an article on Green Tea on chinesefood.about.com, “In her book Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years”.
Contents of Green Tea
Though there are different kinds of tea, they all originate from the leaves of the same plant. It is the method of processing and fermenting that distinguishes them and gives each one unique properties.
Black tea is fully fermented, while unfermented leaves are used for green tea. With fermentation, the antioxidant content is lowered, while the caffeine content is raised. Therefore, green tea retains the highest antioxidant content, and has the lowest amount of caffeine. It is rich in the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has proved to be stronger than Vitamins E and C. The different mode of processing green tea whereby the leaves are simply steamed and not oxidized allows the natural ingredients to be retained.
Health Benefits of Green Tea – Effect on Cancer
Antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals that damage body cells and lead to degenerative conditions like cancer. The antioxidant “EGCG in green tea has exceptional anti-inflammatory and immune strengthening properties,” according to teabenefits.com. Apart from boosting immunity, it is believed to kill cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue.
The magazine Herbs for Health reported a Japanese study on the effect of green tea on cancer. It was seen that men who drank ten cups of green tea per day stayed cancer-free for three years longer than men who drank less than three cups a day. Three cups of green tea contain approximately 240 - 320 mg of polyphenols (antioxidants). A similar study at the Saitama Cancer Research Institute showed that women who drank five or more cups of green tea experienced fewer recurrences and the spread of cancer was slowed down.
Effect of Green Tea on Cardiac and Other Conditions
Julie Edgar in webmd.com. asserts that “A Dutch study of more than 3,000 men and women found that the more tea consumed, the less severe the clogging of the heart's blood vessels, especially in women”. It lowers LDL cholesterol levels, and restricts the formation of blood clots, thus preventing heart attacks and strokes. The catechin molecules in green tea works like aspirin on clots.
Green tea also alleviates arthritis and blood sugar. Studies conducted at Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA indicated that rheumatoid arthritis and symptoms in patients could be prevented by four or more cups of green tea daily. It helps to regulate glucose in the body, and thus prevent diabetes or slow the progression in patients.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that certain compounds in green tea protect brain cells from degenerative processes, thus preventing mental decline and cognitive impairment.
Other Health Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea can also strengthen bones, specially the teeth, due to the presence of fluoride. Moreover, it has anti-bacterial properties, so it can prevent tooth decay and plaque causing bacteria, and strengthen the gums. Therefore, it is used as a mouthwash as a home remedy.
A study by the University of Geneva, Switzerland revealed that men who drank green tea along with caffeine lost more weight than those who consumed only caffeine. This encouraging result was published in the November 1999 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Green Tea for the Skin and Hair
Green tea is recommended for alleviating skin problems like acne and eczema. Moreover, it is often used as an astringent and toner for treating acne. Green tea has also been recommended for hair growth, since it boosts circulation, and blocks the DHT factor that shrinks hair follicles.
Green Tea is rich in antioxidants and has a number of health benefits. It prevents cancer and heart problems, alleviates arthritis and diabetes, controls weight and strengthens bones and teeth. Finally, it is energizing and has a distinct flavor. It is no wonder that the Chinese believe it is “Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one”! (ancient proverb).
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources
- Green tea benefits, teabenefits.com
- Julie Edgar, Health Benefits of Green tea, webmd.com,
- The miracle of green tea, chinesefood.about.com
- The Green Tea Recipe for Healthy Hair, in.lifestyle.yahoo.com.
Nita Mukherjee - I have 25+ years of experience in education and tutoring in English, and 12+ years in writing. With a post graduate degree (B.Ed) in ...
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