One of my favorite afternoon rituals is brewing a steaming cup of green tea. I drink it as much for its soothing and calming properties as I do for all its health benefits. I love just about any tea, but the more research I’ve done on the amazing health benefits of green tea, the more it has become my first choice for my afternoon brew. Check out some of green tea’s health benefits and see if they don’t inspire you to begin drinking more of this healthy beverage:
1) It has Anti-Cancer Properties
Green tea contains catechins and polyphenols, two very powerful antioxidants which inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. More and more studies are discovering the benefits of green tea against cancer, particularly breast and prostate cancers. Green tea also helps bolster the immune system and provide energy, both of which are important factors in protecting the body against cancer.
2) It Protects against Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease occurs when a certain kind of plaque known as Amyloid-beta plaque accumulates in the brain, killing nerve cells. According to the latest issue of Life Extension magazine, “the potent green tea compound EGCG prevents amyloid plaque buildup, breaks down existing amyloid plaques, and triggers production of new neurons in the adult hippocampus (the part of the brain that is responsible for memory forming, organizing, and storing information).” This is exciting news for anyone who wants to be proactive in protecting their brain against this devastating disease.
3) It Boosts Metabolism
Green tea has thermogenic properties, which means that it heats up the body which in turn helps to burn more fat. This is particularly true of matcha green tea (which is the powdered form and a more potent variety than what is found in most green tea bags). Adding green tea to your daily regimen can help boost your metabolism and help with weight loss.
If you’re still not convinced that green tea is worth all the hype, check out just a few more benefits:
- It helps give you clear, glowing skin.
- It protects your gums against gingivitis.
- It protects your heart.
- It protects against Parkinson’s disease.
- It may help lower your risk of Type II Diabetes.
Both green tea leaves and matcha green tea have been studied for their amazing health benefits. There are a number of good brands on the market, and I recommend choosing one that is 100% organic to avoid unwanted herbicides and pesticides in your tea. One of my favorite brands is Numi Organic Jasmine Green Tea. Jasmine is a delicate and delicious herb that is reminiscent of a flowering honeysuckle. It lends a sweet, subtle flavor to the green tea and keeps it from tasting too “grassy.” There are many other flavors from which to choose, so find one you enjoy and begin brewing this tea everyday for its amazing health benefits!
