Green tea can help speed up the metabolic rate because its antioxidant effect helps the liver to function more efficiently.
A recent study of overweight men found that, with no other changes to their diet or exercise regimes, drinking green tea 3 x a day burned up 200 extra calories a day.
The green tea drinkers also found that their energy levels were greatly increased.
In addition, green tea reduces blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels are responsible for the storage of glucose as fat, so the lower your levels, the less fat you store.
2. IT PROTECTS AGAINST HEART DISEASE
Green tea has been shown to lower LDL – bad cholesterol, because its potent antioxidant effects slow down the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the arteries.
The formation of abnormal blood clots – thrombosis is the leading cause of heart attack and stroke, and green tea has been shown to slow down abnormal blood clot formation as effectively as aspirin.
However, it should be noted that aspirin has some anti-thrombotic effects that differ from green tea, so if you’re taking low-dose aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke, you should continue doing so even if you drink green tea.
It has also been shown to elevate levels of HDL- good cholesterol that helps remove atherosclerotic plaque- fatty deposits from arterial walls.
3. IT CAN HELP LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
A major cause of hypertension – high blood pressure is an enzyme secreted by the kidneys called angiotension – converting enzyme ACE.
Popular drugs for hypertension act as ACE inhibitors: by blocking the effects of ACE, blood pressure is reduced.
Green tea is a natural ACE inhibitor, and several medical studies show lowered blood pressure in humans given green tea extracts.
Green tea –teabag
4. IT CAN HELP PROTECT AGAINST DIABETE
When starch is consumed. It requires the enzyme amylase to break down into simple sugars that can be absorbed in the bloodstream.
Green tea polyphenols slow down amylase, and so can help lower blood sugar levels.
High blood levels of glucose and insulin predispose people to diabetes.
One study showed that just one cup of green tea a day slows down amylase activity by 87%.
5. IT CAN HELP PREVENT FOOD POISONING
As it can kill bacteria, green tea drunk with meals may reduce the risk of bacterial food poisoning.
It prevents the growth of dangerous intestinal bacterial strains such as clostridia and E.coli and promotes the growth of friendly bifid bacteria.
A cup of green tea
6. IT CAN PREVENT BAD BREATH
Drinking green tea – which is a natural anti-bacterial agent with food, may help kill the oral bacteria that cause the cavities and bad breath.
7. IT GUARD AGAINST HEPATITIS
Viral hepatitis is often triggered by high levels of iron in the liver. Green tea lowers iron levels throughout the body, so it may have a direct anti-viral effect against certain strains of hepatitis.
8. IT CAN PROTECT AGAINST CANCER
There is growing evidence to suggest that green tea contains compounds that fight cancer.
It contains a compound called EGCG, which helps slow down blood vessel growth. Studies have found this to be useful in preventing tumours from forming new blood vessels, which they need to survive.
Other studies have shown ECGC blocks an enzyme needed for cancer growth.
9. IT IMPROVES IMMUNITY
Gargling with green tea boosts immunity to influenza, according to a study in Japan.
Research has shown that green-tea chemicals stimulated gamma-delta T cells, which bolster immunity against bacteria and viruses.
10. IT MAY HELP FIGHT ALLERGIES
Researchers in Japan have identified a compound in green tea that, in laboratory tests, blocks a key cell receptor involved in producing an allergic response.
The compound, methylated epigallocatechin gallate, works by blocking the production of histamine and immuno- globulin E, two compounds in the body that are chiefly involved in triggering and sustaining allergic reactions.
Although similar compounds in green tea have previously been shown to be anti- allergic, this particular compound appears to be the most potent.
11. IT CAN PROTECT AGAINST ALZEIMERS DISEASE
A recent two year study of a group of people aged 80 and over found that 96% of those who drank 10 cups of green tea a day showed no signs of cognitive impairment, compared to only 12% who didn’t drink green tea.
12. IT CAN HELP PREVENT ARTHRITIS
A recent study found that anti-oxidants in green tea may prevent or reduce the severity of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
BY: SISTER AMMARAH
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