Tea is a globally beloved beverage, with green, black, and oolong varieties all deriving from the same Camellia sinensis plant.
Green tea stands out because its leaves are steamed immediately after picking to prevent fermentation, preserving their green color.
For thousands of years, Eastern medicine has praised green tea for its health benefits.
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Today, modern research is confirming its positive effects on health and wellness, including reducing body fat, lowering blood sugar levels, and enhancing brain function.
Discover below how incorporating green tea into your routine can significantly support your overall health.
Green Tea Benefits for Health
Supports Skin Health
Recent research from 2023 indicates that the polyphenols in green tea may help protect against UVB-induced skin damage, potentially reducing the risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.
These protective effects have been observed both topically and through consumption.
Additionally, a 2012 study found that green tea might aid in managing acne, rosacea, and other skin issues.
Reduces Cancer Risk
Green tea is well-documented for its anti-cancer properties, with over 5,000 studies exploring its potential.
The polyphenols and bioactive compounds in green tea may help prevent various cancers, including breast, colorectal, liver, ovarian, prostate, oral, and skin cancers.
Katherine Brooking MS, RD, notes that population-based studies and preliminary clinical research suggest that compounds like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea may be instrumental in cancer prevention by helping eliminate cancerous cells and protecting healthy ones.
Boosts Antioxidants
Green tea, being non-fermented, retains more beneficial catechins compared to black or oolong teas.
These catechins, such as EGCG and EGC, are powerful antioxidants found in high concentrations in green tea.
A review in the *Journal of the American College of Nutrition* highlights that catechins are also present in other plant-based foods like apples and berries.
Enhances Brain Function
Adding green tea to your diet may help keep your brain sharp.
A study published in the *Journal of Medicinal Food* found that daily supplements of green tea extract and L-theanine improved cognitive functions, attention, and alertness.
Another study in *Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience* reported that green tea improved memory, executive function, and reduced oxidative stress in older adults.
Helps Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Green tea has been shown to lower fasting blood sugar levels and enhance insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for managing blood sugar levels.
According to a review in *Antioxidants*, green tea can protect insulin-producing cells, reduce inflammation, and combat harmful free radicals, aiding in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes and related complications.
Promotes Heart Health
Green tea is beneficial for heart health, with polyphenolic catechins improving total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, which are major risk factors for heart disease.
A large Japanese study reported in *JAMA* found that drinking more than five cups of green tea daily reduced the risk of death from heart attack or stroke by 26%.
Another study in the *European Journal of Preventive Cardiology* highlighted that consuming green tea three or more times a week can significantly enhance overall heart health.
Boosts Alertness and Calmness
Green tea provides a balanced energy boost thanks to its caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine.
This combination offers a calm focus without the spikes and crashes associated with coffee. Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, notes that L-theanine can increase dopamine production in the brain, reducing anxiety and helping you unwind from stress.
Increases Flavonoid Intake
Flavonoids in tea are linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risks of heart disease and overall mortality.
Joy Dubost, PhD, RD, explains that daily consumption of 200-500 milligrams of flavonoids, found in 2-3 cups of tea, can support heart health as part of a balanced diet.
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