Green tea is the new talk of the town, from Lipton to Organic India, each brand is advertising it’s brand new product- green tea. The thing common about all the advertisements about this glowing new product is that each and every one of them describe this magic tea as healthy. If you are anything like me, the first thing you are likely to do is change the channel and grumble about the authenticity of the claim .So, I present to you Mr.Green Tea, the magician of all teas and reveal it’s secretes.
Mr. Green Tea- an intro
Mr.Green Tea is born of the plant named Camellia Sinensis .Green tea is the healthiest beverage on earth and is a much better alternative to coffee or other kinds of teas because it’s much lower caffeine content. It is healthier also because it is processed in a far better way than the other beverages-green leaves for green tea are steamed, which assists in preventing the catechins from oxidizing, while Black and Oolong tea are made from fermented leaves, leading to the loss of this really important antioxidant. It contains anti-oxidants called Polyphenols, which help us attain a healthy body, glowing skin and wonderful skin.
Mr. Green Tea Origin
This star of the tea-world originated in China but is now popular all over the world. Since the world came to know about the variety of properties of green tea, green tea extract is being used in the production of a number of food products, cosmetics, medicines, dietary supplements and beverages. Several experiments are being conducted to determine it’s long term benefits. It is so far known for it’s antioxidative and anticarcinogenic properties.
What is the hype about anti-oxidants?
Free radicals are those molecules that are produced when our body breaks down food and wage war on our body by attacking the healthy cells. Our body responds by defending itself by using a protective shield called anti-oxidants.
Six different catechins have been identified by scientists in green tea, one of them being epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is known to increase the metabolic rate in humans which means that it speeds up the oxidation of fat and which in turn assists weight loss. Green tea detoxifies the body and reduces untimely food cravings. It also reduces excess water thereby reducing extra weight. Hence Mr.Green tea is your friend when embarking on a weight loss journey.
There are a variety of other mind boggling things that Mr.Green tea is capable of doing. Let’s discuss them, shall we?
1. Helps in losing weight
Obesity is the root of most of the lifestyle diseases that we all suffer from like heart diseases, diabetes, hypertension etc. If you are aiming to shed those kilos, this should be your beverage of choice. As mentioned above, it helps in losing weight as it increases the metabolic rate.
It works because: It contains natural anti-oxidants called catechin polyphenol in it which assists weight loss. Also it has more anti-oxidants in it than any other fruit or vegetable.
2. Treats Bad Breath
Bad breath or Halitosis can be a side effect of a number of health problems and is embarrassing to say the least. Here again, green tea comes to rescue. It doesn’t only freshen up your mouth, it also reduces inflammation of the gums.
It works because: It slows down the growth of bacteria and viruses which cause dental diseases. It also inhibits the growth of bacteria which causes bad breath.
- How to use: for bad breath, all you need to do is wash your mouth with highly concentrated green tea. You can even make your own tooth paste by mixing the highly concentrated green tea liquid with a tea spoon of baking soda. Apply a paste of green tea to reduce swelling in gums.
3. Reduces Cholesterol
Cardiovascular diseases are more likely to develop if the level of cholesterol is high in the body.
It works because: Green Tea contains Tannins that are known to reduce the level of cholesterol naturally in the body. It is the Tannins that reduce the level of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in our body. LDL is the villainous cholesterol which forms plaque in our arteries and prevents blood from flowing in them. Scientific studies also show that catechins decrease the cholesterol absorption in the gut. Hence drinking green tea ensures that your heart stays healthy and fit.
4. Glowing Skin
Advertising that green tea makes your skin glow is one of the commonest marketing strategies that attract women. The good news is that for once the ad’s are right. Green tea really does benefit our skin.
It works because: As we have been going on from the beginning, green tea contains in a surplus which is beneficial for our skin. It has polyphenols which act as anti-aging agent. Using green tea extract products is a good idea because they protect against sun-damage and reduce the damage done.
- How to use: Mix 100gm of green tea in 500ml of water and let it sit for 30 to 40 minutes at room temperature and then strain it. Store the mixture in the freezer and use is whenever you feel like to refresh your skin. It can be used to treat sunburn , minor rashes, cuts, blemishes etc. It can also be used to reduce acne and prevents it from coming coming back. You can use it as a toner. Freeze the liquid and rub the green tea ice-cubes on your skin. This will help freshen up your skin.
- green tea exfoliator recipe– 3 teaspoons of yogurt+ 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves and voila you have the exfoliator. Massage it in your face, let it stay for 5 minutes and wash it away with lukewarm water.
5. Keeps Allergies at Bay
EGCG as mentioned earlier is found in green tea which helps in blocking the key cell receptors that produce histamine and immunoglobulin E (IgE) , the compounds responsible for producing allergic response. It helps your body fight against allergens like pollens, dust, pet dander etc.
6. Helps in attaining the advertised silky hair
The growth of Dihydrotestosterone ( DHT) is inhibited by green tea. It is DHT which hinders hair growth and causes hair fall and hence green tea helps in preventing hair fall. The components of green tea react with Testosterone making sure that it’s level in the blood remains balanced so that it does not react with 5-alpha reductase and convert into DHT. It helps in preventing dandruff and psoraisis by reducing inflammation due to it’s antiseptic properties. Its also known to stimulate hair growth and soften the hair. The lustrous hair also gets help from green tea.
- how to use: You can make a green tea rinse by soaking 3 to 4 bags of green tea in half a litre of water and then use it to wash you hair once you have shampooed and conditioned it.
7. It helps in managing diabetes
Green tea helps managing Type II diabetes. There is an enzyme called alpha-glucosidase which slows down the absorption of glucose in the blood stream. The antioxidants in green tea inhibits the secretion of this enzyme, which means that less insulin is required to manage the glucose in blood and therefore green tea helps in managing the disease.
8. Manages Blood Pressure
Green tea keeps the heart healthy and helps in managing diabetes and cholesterol, thus managing high blood pressure. Though green tea contains caffeine ( although in very low amount is still present) which is bad for hypertension, it can be still consumed by choosing the decaffeinated brand.
9. It Prevents Platelet Aggregation
Platelet aggregation is a precipitating factor in cardiovascular diseases. The antioxidant flavonoids present in green tea prevent platelet aggregation. research says that green tea is highly beneficial for patients of coronary diseases and is known to reduce mortality rates in both men and women due to this these diseases.
10. Genital Warts
The topical application of green tea extract like sinecatechin has been found to treat external genital and perianal warts.
11. Pregnancy
There is much hype about how green tea is good for health and hence pregnant ladies too prefer it to any other beverage.
It works because: It has high antioxidant level which helps the body recover from cell damage, regulates blood sugar and insulin levels, and also helps in controlling hypertension.
During pregnancy the immune system of the woman becomes weak. The antioxidants in green tea helps strengthen the immune system and fight against gestational diabetes and hypertension which are a common occurrence during the later stages of pregnancy.
Warning!
An excess of anything is not good. Same goes for this case. Though green tea is good for health, it has also some risk factors. It has caffeine although in very small amount. Caffeine is diuretic ie. it forces the body to excrete more water than normal thereby leading to dehydration. Being properly hydrated in pregnancy is important as it helps in absorbing nutrients. Hence, being dehydrated is not an option. Also, excreting more water can cause a loss of nutrients as well and so pregnant women must consult their doctors in such a case.
12. Prevention of Arthritis
Arthritis affects almost half of women as their age advances. Green tea helps in preventing rheumatoid arthritis.
It works because: Chemokines are proteins that are responsible for promoting inflammation in the body and the destruction of the flexibility of the cartilage which is a common symptom of arthritis. Green tea protects the cartilage by inhibiting the production of Chemokines.
13. Prevention of Skin Cancer
Cancer is a deadly disease that creeps up on a person unannounced. Research has been going on regarding the cure of cancer. It has been found that green tea helps prevent skin cancer.
It works because: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and the Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) are the proteins which are known to promote tumor cell growth. The polyphenols in green tea help inhibit their growth. Green tea helps in blocking the harmful actions of UV rays and carcinogens. It also helps in healing the pre-cancerous scaly keratosis which occurs due to excess exposure to the sun. It is as discussed earlier, not only capable of treating minor skin problems but also skin tumors.
14. Helps Chase Away Stress And Depression
Stress and depression are the two fiends which haunt almost everyone’s life in this fast paced world. Green tea, always the saviour, works it’s magic here as well.
It works because: American Botanical Council conducted an experiment in which they found out that the more green tea an adult consumed in a day, the more likely they are to be depressed. The polyphenols present in green tea help maintain a continuous supply of glucose which in simple tongue is the fuel of the body.
A compound called Theanine, known to relive stress and anxiety, is also present in green tea. It is also a great anti-depressant. The caffeine present in green tea helps people with their stress related problems and anxiety disorders.
15. Increase In Immunity
Green tea helps strengthening the immune system by helping us fight against infections and prevents us from catching a cold or flu.
It works because: The three basic things we have come to know so far that the green tea contains are-polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidants. These help in fortifying our immune system. The large amounts of vitamin C present in green tea help in fighting an infection.
16. Asthma Help
Green tea contains theophylline which is known to relax the muscles supporting the bronchial tubes thus helping the asthma patient. It reduces the severity of asthma. Green tea also protects from allergies thereby keeping in check the allergies which may cause asthma.
17. Keeps The Liver Healthy, Wealthy And Wise
Green tea helps your liver stay in shape sans fat and sans any disease, making it eligible for the ‘healthy liver pageant ‘.
It works because: The antioxidants present in the tea help in getting rid of the harmful free radicals reducing the risk of getting fatty liver, a disease in which fat accumulates in liver. As mentioned earlier green tea helps keep obesity in check by increasing the metabolic rate which means that it prevents the movement of glucose in the fat cells , thereby helping in reducing the workload of the liver.
18. Prevents Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the health condition in which the bone density becomes less and hence the bones become prone to breaking. This is a problem most common in women in their middle ages and those who have passed their menopause.
It works because: Green tea has a high fluoride content which prevents issues like Osteoporosis from developing.
19. A Cure For Common Stomach Ailments
These the commonest of the common ailments and one’s we go through after a Sunday barbeque or after a Friday night binge eating. Do not worry people, green tea to the rescue again!
It works because: Green tea has bacteria-destroying abilities which not only makes it a good antiseptic but also a great preventer of stomach ailments like stomach infection, food poisoning etc.
Warning!
Do not consume green tea in excess as the Tannins present in it increases the production of stomach acids which may lead to stomach ulcers, acid reflux etc.
20. It Is A Natural Sunscreen
As mentioned before, green tea prevents sunburns and protects our skin from UV rays. It works as a natural sunscreen against UV rays.
It works because: It prevents the free radicals from settling between the skin cells which would otherwise cause wrinkles.
- How to use: Boil 2 cups of water with half a cup of green tea leaves for 5-10 minutes on medium heat. Strain the solution and let it settle and cool down to the room temperature. Clean your face and apply the solution to your face using a cotton ball. Feel free to make an extra of the solution and store it in the freezer.
21. Stronger and Ad like Nails
So far we have seen that green tea in itself is a formidable beauty product.It makes hair shinier and skin healthier then why should your nails feel left out. Green tea makes those nails stronger and shinier.
- How to use: Soak your nails in green tea once a week to make them whiter and to make them shinier.You can also use green tea essential oil as cuticle oil, just add a drop to each nail once or twice a week to get rid of brittle nails.
22. Preventing and Treating Neurological Diseases
The polyphenols present in green tea again work their magic and helps maintain the parts that regulate learning and memory. Green tea is also known to help in the prevention of degenerative and neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
It works because: The polyphenols found in green tea slow down the process of reduced acetylcholine in the brain and prevents cell damage in the brain.
23. Tissue Repairs
Mix the juice of a citrus fruit with your cuppa of green tea. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C and that combined with green tea helps in repairing damaged tissues including blood vessels,skin, bones, teeth, ligaments and cartilage. It helps in healing wounds as well.
24. Helps in absorbing Iron
Same as point no 23, drinking your cup of green tea with some citrusy goodness also helps in better absorption of Iron by the body from the food that you consume. Certain compounds in green tea prevent the body from absorbing the iron it requires, once mixed with lemon the body overcomes this restriction and absorbs the iron that it requires.
25. Helps in improving dental health
Green tea contains EGCG which is a known to be the enemy of the bacteria Streptococcus mutans which is found in the mouth. Drinking green tea with drops of lemon helps in battling this bacteria. It is also useful in battling other dental bacteria.
Is it safe to drink green tea?
The excess of anything never did good to anyone. The same is true for green tea. Some of the side effects of drinking too much of this beverage-
- Drinking more than 3 to 5 cups of green tea a day can cause a number of health problems like insomnia, nausea, diarrhoea, restlessness etc.
- It is not good for Pregnant women to consume more than 2 cups of green tea in a day as it can increase the risk of miscarriages and other problems. Lactating women as green tea contains caffeine which may pass on to the breast milk and from thence to the baby which is not good. Green tea may also have adverse effect when it is combined with certain medicines you are taking so consult with your doctor before continuing to drink green tea during your pregnancy.
- Green tea is diuretic and may cause more calcium to be passed out through urine, causing a deficiency of calcium.
So we see that even this magician of teas has a dark side like any other thing. No doubt that green tea has glowing recommendation with 25 health benifits listed , to occupy your kitchen cupboard ,but it also needs a certificate from your doctor which it’s your responsibility to collect. Well, it’s better to stick to the normal 2 to 3 cups to enjoy the benefits of this beverage and make a healthy habit of it than worrying about the bad effects of the excess, isnt it?
Wish you good health readers!
1 comment
Nice post