Green tea is said to be one of the healthiest drinks on the planet.
It is full of nutrients and plant compounds and has been shown to have the following health benefits:
- Protects the body from cell damage – It has a very high concentration of antioxidants, called catechins (EGCG) – a potent antioxidant which helps to protect cells and reduce inflammation in the body.
- Lower risk of developing various types of cancer – Multiple studies show that green tea drinkers have a lower risk of developing some types of cancer due to the powerful antioxidant properties.
- Reduces stress levels – green tea contains theanine (an amino acid) which helps you to relax and de-stress, and has been shown to reduce anxiety.
- It has been found to stabilise blood sugar levels, lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of developing heart disease.
- Increases metabolism – green tea can increase our metabolic rate and in particular it may be effective at reducing abdominal fat
- Increases brain function – bioactive compounds in green tea can have various protective effects on the brain, increasing our daily concentration and memory.
- The catechins in green tea may inhibit the growth of bacteria and some viruses helping your immune system to keep you healthy and well.
Tempted to try a Green tea? Try not to make it too strong and try a flavoured version to start with to get used to the taste.