Sometimes it’s actually easy to be green, especially when the potential health benefits are this great!
Green tea contains antioxidants, called catechins, which target free radicals. Free radicals can damage DNA and contribute to cancer, blood clots, and atherosclerosis. They can interrupt the regular function of cells or destroy them altogether. Green tea is particularly rich in catechins because of the way it’s crafted. Unlike black or oolong teas, which undergo a fermentation process, green tea is not heavily processed, which allows it to have a higher concentration of catechins.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a catechin in green tea that has been shown to reduce prostate cancers in lab mice. Although not entirely conclusive, laboratory studies are pointing towards green tea having powerful benefits when it comes to boosting the body’s ability to cope with disease.
When it comes to coronary health, green tea may also be able to promote healthy cardiovascular function. The antioxidants in green tea also work as dilators, making blood vessels more pliable and less likely to clog.
Testing on small mammals in labs has led to some interesting clues about green tea’s role in human health. The problem with human studies is that outside of a lab, there are far more variables at play, including diet and lifestyle which can skew results. Still, it’s remarkable to see the how beneficial green tea might just be:
-In a study that involved 500 Japanese men and women, researchers found that drinking at least four cups of green tea every day may be related to the reduced severity of coronary heart disease among the male participants.
-Meanwhile, 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.
– A recent analysis of 22 studies that probed the correlation between high tea consumption and reduced risk for lung cancer concluded that by increasing your daily intake of green (not black) tea by two cups may reduce the risk of developing lung cancer by 18%.
– In a Dutch study, participants who drank caffeinated green tea lost more weight, but even those who typically drank the decaf variety saw a decrease in their waistlines and body weight. Researchers speculated that the caffeine helps with fat oxidation.
– A study conducted in Japan that involved nearly 500 Japanese women with Stage I and Stage II breast cancer, found that increased green tea consumption before and after surgery was associated with lower recurrence of the cancers.
Check out more information on the studies mentioned above.
Of course, green tea can’t possibly do all the heavy lifting on its own. It’s important to note that without good eating habits and an active lifestyle, the benefits of green tea won’t be as significant. Think of it as a dietary compliment to round out a healthy approach to life!