Top 8 Green Tea Benefits You Don’t Want To Miss Out On

Summary: Is green tea a life-changing beverage? Can green tea it help you lose weight? What are the health benefits of green tea consumption daily? Let us break it down! 

For a while now researchers have been raving about green tea being beneficial to improve your health and lifestyle. But, do we actually know why it’s such an instant hit for those who want to live a healthy lifestyle? Well, in this article we will deep dive into the facts and even share with you a recipe for weight loss! 

What is green tea? 

Green tea is precisely what it says. Just like your regular cuppa, green tea too comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Surprising? We thought you might be. While it really does originate from the same plant, how the tea leaves are processed is what ultimately defines how green tea becomes ‘green’ and black tea becomes ‘black’.

The tea leaves are heated by pan firing or steaming soon after the desired wither is achieved and dried to prevent further oxidation.

The primary difference between black tea and green tea is based on its manufacturing process. While black tea goes through oxidation which transforms its colour and flavour, green tea is oxidised minimally and therefore retains its colour unique health-boosting characteristics, flavor & aroma. Handpicked green teas are considered to yield a sweeter more robust taste and appeals as a warm drink that relaxes the system due to its unique combination of bioactive compounds.

Widely grown and frequently consumed in the Far East for its health properties, green tea origins go back as far as 5,000 years. Today, there are many green tea varieties available found as loose-leaf or in tea bags, blended with other flavours and preferred by most. Jasmine tea is a popular choice amongst green tea enthusiasts. Lumbini Valley offers a great range of selectively handpicked two leaves and bud which consists of the best essence of tea that is rich in compounds contributing to health and wellness.

What the research shows

Many studies have found green tea to aid in improving blood flow, lowering cholesterol, reduce anxiety, aid in weight loss, reduce skin ageing, aid in dental health. According to a Swiss study, the MRI’s of people who drank green tea showed greater brain activity. The regular consumption of green tea is considered to block the formation of plaques, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

What’s more, it also helps stabilise blood sugar levels for those with diabetes due to its catechins, a natural antioxidant in green tea. Antioxidants protect the body against diseases and are considered a part of a healthy diet. 

There are many health benefits of drinking green tea every day. Below we’ve listed 8 reasons. 

1) Weight Loss

Yes, we are sure you’ve heard this a few hundred times and it’s true. It definitely is a way to enjoy a delicious beverage without packing on the pounds. 

The combination of two active ingredients such as caffeine and catechins in green tea is considered a winning combination helping in weight loss.  The regular intake of this combination in green tea has a significant effect on the rate at which your body turns food into calories thereby helping you lose weight. So yes, green tea for weight loss is not a myth and is definitely better than a sugar-loaded soft drink. 

2) Improved brain functionality

Drinking a hot cup of green tea not only will help you feel good but will also improve your brain function and boost creativity. The abundance of antioxidants found in green tea helps prevent stress-related ageing and reduces the risk of cognitive impairment in older age.

The caffeine and L-theanine content in green tea is also believed to decrease mental fatigue and boost concentration. So if you’re someone from the creative industry, stock up on some green tea and keep sipping - because green tea is your best friend when you want to stoke the creative fires! 

3) Improved dental health

Didn’t know? Well, now you do! According to studies, the catechins in green tea help kill bacteria and inhibit viruses, potentially lowering your risk of infections. Consumption of green tea also inhibits the growth of streptococcus mutans, the main harmful bacteria in your mouth and improves your dental health by preventing tooth decay. And guess what? It also reduces bad breath! 

4) Lower your risk of type II diabetes

Millions of people are affected worldwide by Type II diabetes with it reaching an epidemic proportion over the last few decades. Yet, it’s almost completely preventable and reversible in its early stages by cutting the intake of sugar. 
Those plagued by this disease lose their sensitivity to insulin causing both high blood sugar and higher blood insulin levels. Simply, your cells aren’t able to absorb sugar from your bloodstream. 

Green tea, however, can lower and help stabilise your blood sugar levels and even improve insulin sensitivity which helps reduce blood sugar levels. If you have a sweet tooth, you might wanna get on the ship and incorporate a cup of green tea into your daily routine.

5) Boost your physical performance

Here’s an extra benefit for those fitness lovers. 
Green tea helps increase exercise endurance and decreases reaction time and so boosting your physical performance. 
Health boosting bioactive compounds, as well as other ingredients in green tea,  mobilises fatty acids in fat tissues and makes them more available for use as energy. Yes, you read that right. In addition to that antioxidants in green tea may also help prevent tissue damage during increased physical exertion. Are you ready to switch that energy drink for some green tea next time and see the difference? We sure are! 

6) Aid Digestion

We are all guilty of stuffing ourselves a little too much sometimes. But worry not, the next time you do that and feel a little stuffy make sure to down a cuppa of green tea to help absorb heavy food. 

Research shows that green tea can aid digestion, improve bowel health, and reduce IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). It may also act by reducing inflammation in the gut and is a soothing way to prevent those little stomach upsets.

Whether you need a little help or a little relief, try a cup of green tea to calm your bowels naturally and move on with your day! 

7) Combats certain types of cancers

Tea drinkers are believed to be at a lower risk of getting cancer while both teas; green and black is considered to help protect you against cancer. 

Green tea drinkers according to studies are less likely to get various types of cancers such as breast, pancreatic, prostate, and colorectal. It even helps prevent liver disease. We think that’s enough reason to get going on that green tea already!

8) Helps you Chill Out

We are almost always stressed out and a natural way to kick back and relax definitely sounds like a good reason for drinking green tea every day. 
The amino acid L-theanine in green tea is believed to help you relax. According to science this green tea antioxidant acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and increases alpha-wave generation thereby signalling a state of relaxation. 
While we’ve listed our top 5 reasons, perhaps the biggest benefit which you can get right away is just taking a tea break! 

Here’s how to make your next green tea cuppa with Lumbini Tea Valley teas: 

Ingredients:

Green tea (approximately 4 gms)
Hot Water
Lemon Juice
Honey
Process

Flush the tea for a few seconds in water before you let it sit in 85°C of water for approximately one minute. When you see the colour of the tea turning into a light yellow colour you know your green tea is almost ready. Squeeze in some lemon juice and blend with a teaspoon of honey. Let steep for a few minutes and enjoy! 

Benefits: 

Lemon and honey promotes fat loss and adding them to your daily cup will only enhance the natural benefits that green tea. 

What are your top reasons for drinking green tea every day? Let us know in the comments!