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Green tea is a popular drink today that about 86% Americans drink, either hot or cold.¹ This nonherbal tea originated in China thousands of years ago and is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinesis plant by utilizing a steam-dry method.²

Overall, green tea is a healthy beverage that is a great alternative to other beverages on the market that have added sugars and preservatives. Here are 8 health benefits of drinking green tea.

Green tea contains nutrients   

Green tea is rich in nutrients and antioxidants.³ Here are some of the nutrients green tea provides:

• Caffeine – a healthy amount of caffeine can help increase alertness. The caffeine in green tea can also act as a natural, mild diuretic.
• Vitamin C – this antioxidant boosts immunity and collagen formation, which can help your skin stay youthful and healthy
• Vitamin E –Vitamin E protects the body from free radicals that can damage organs and tissues
• Fluorine – Flourine is a chemical element that helps prevent tooth decay
• Folic acid – a nutrient that assists in red blood cell formation. Red blood cells help transport oxygen to the body’s tissues.
• Saponins – these naturally occurring compounds are anti-fungal as well as anti-inflammatory. Saponins have also been shown to lower blood pressure.

Green tea may improve brain function

Caffeine is an active ingredient in green tea, and it can help to boost your brain function.⁴ Green tea has a smaller amount of caffeine than coffee, but it’s enough to produce a response in the brain without causing the jittery effects that many experience with coffee.

Green tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can have anti-anxiety effects, as well as increase dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and plays a role in memory, cognition, attention, and mood.⁵

Green tea is heart healthy

Green tea consumption has been linked to a lower death risk from cardiovascular disease.⁶ Scientists have found that habitual green tea drinkers have a 25% lower risk of heart disease and stroke.⁷

The polyphenols in green tea are antioxidants that can reduce chronic inflammation and lower blood pressure, both of which reduce the risk of heart disease.⁸

Green tea may help prevent diseases

Green tea offers a high concentration of antioxidants, and can possibly protect against certain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.⁹

Antioxidants protect cells against damage that over time leads to neurodegenerative diseases. In several studies, green tea was found to be the best tea to combat free radicals, outranking other popular teas such as black and earl gray tea.

Green tea can lower cholesterol

Studies have found that consuming green tea can help lower both LDL and overall cholesterol levels. High levels of LDL cholesterol can block arteries and lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health conditions.⁹

Catechins, a natural phytochemical, and other antioxidant compounds found in green tea work to lower LDL cholesterol levels.

Green tea can help manage type 2 diabetes

Those with type 2 diabetes have high blood sugar due to insulin resistance. Green tea can help reduce insulin resistance, making it a great addition to the diet of those with diabetes.¹⁰

The catechins in green tea work to decrease the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, which reduces insulin resistance.¹¹

Green tea can boost metabolism

Caffeine found in green tea can help boost metabolism. A boosted metabolism is associated with body weight reduction and increased fat metabolism.¹²

The catechins found in green tea can also trigger thermogenesis and leads to fat oxidation, the process of breaking down fatty acids.

Green tea can increase longevity

With all the above health benefits that green tea provides, it can ultimately increase the longevity of your life.

Scientists have found that long-term consumption of green tea combats diseases and oxidative stress, both of which help contribute to your lifespan.¹³

Try Green Tea Today

Now that you know more about the health benefits of drinking green tea, try some today! You can add green tea to your diet to help capture upon the benefits green tea provides.

Here at Saber Healthcare, we prioritize our residents and offer services and dietary options to help them meet their nutritional goals. Our dietary teams work hard to develop and create menus that are not only delicious but also meet residents’ daily nutrition needs.

Saber Healthcare is an organization that provides services to more than 115 buildings across the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, Delaware, and Florida. To learn more about our company and services, click here.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.

Sources

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8. Petre, Alina. “What Are Polyphenols” Types, Benefits, and Food Sources.” Healthline Media, com. July 8^th, 2019. Accessed November 23^rd, 2022. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/polyphenols.
9. Sass, Cynthia. “Health Benefits of Green Tea.” Dotdash Meredith, health.com. October 29^th, 2022. Accessed November 22^nd, 2022. https://www.health.com/nutrition/benefits-green-tea.
10. Cherney, Kristeen. “10 Potential Health Benefits of Green Tea Backed by Science.” Everyday Health, everydayhealth.com. October 8th, 2018. Accessed November 22nd, 2022. https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-and-nutrition-pictures/life-sustaining-reasons-to-drink-green-tea.aspx.
11. Goldman, Rena. “The Health Benefits and Risks of Green Tea for People With Type 2 Diabetes.” Everyday Health, everydayhealth.com. April 12^th, 2018. Accessed November 23^rd, 2022. https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/diet/green-tea-good-type-2-diabetes/#:~:text=Toby%20Smithson%2C%20RDN%2C%20CDE%2C,are%20a%20type%20of%20antioxidant.)
12. Yap, Aya. “11 health benefits of green tea.” First Longevity Limited, longevity.technology. September 23^rd, 2022. Accessed November 22^nd, 2022. https://longevity.technology/lifestyle/11-health-benefits-of-green-tea/.
13. Schlichter, Sarah. “Why green tea might extend your lifespan.” Elo Health, elo.health. Accessed November 23^rd, 2022. https://www.elo.health/articles/why-green-tea-might-extend-your-lifespan/.