Green tea is considered to be a very healthy drink, thanks to the plant compounds contained within the leaves. Many people drink it regularly to improve their health.
Bioactive Compounds
It is known that the bioactive compounds in the leaves are not lost when you make them into a drink. Tea is recognised as having high levels of polyphenols, which can help to reduce inflammation and fight conditions such as cancer. It has been calculated that the leaves are around 30% polyphenols and these include EGCG; a catechin which is a natural antioxidant. These prevent free radicals from forming and damaging the cells of the body.
Improved Brain Function
Green tea can help to improve your alertness thanks to the caffeine content. It has just enough to keep you awake, without the side effects which you may experience from the high levels of caffeine associated with coffee. It is known that the right levels of caffeine can improve a person’s mood, reaction time and memory function. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid, which can reduce anxiety levels, and in combination with caffeine, brain function becomes sharper.
Fat Burning
Few people do not want to burn more calories off, and those who are drinking green tea regularly will notice a difference. Green tea is often listed as an ingredient in fat burning supplements, and in trials, it has been noted, that it can boost the body’s metabolic rate. The results do vary according to the individual, and the caffeine content can also help with this.
High in Antioxidants
We have already noted that green tea contains antioxidants and these can have a variety of health benefits. One of these is a lower risk of cancer. It is thought that they can help to protect the body from the threat of cancerous cells developing as they can reduce oxidative damage to the cells which can lead to cancer. However, studies on this point are limited and more research will need to be carried out.