Green tea isn't just another beverage. it is a powerhouse of health benefits that has been cherished for thousands of years.

In today's world, where we are constantly bombarded with conflicting health advice and quick-fix solutions, green tea stands out as a simple, natural way to support our well-being.

Whether you are looking to boost your brain power, manage your weight, or simply enjoy a calming ritual, green tea offers something truly special.

Green tea comes from the same plant as black tea. The difference is just that green tea is not fermented. A cup of green tea can contain half as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, but it also contains a lot of polyphenols like EGCG, a powerful antioxidant, stronger even than vitamin E or C. In fact, it is said that green tea has a total of 124 benefits for the human body. I know, right? Here are just a few of them:

Catechins in green tea are compounds that protect your brain. They shield neurons from oxidative stress and this reduces the risks of developing Alzheimer's disease. But only when green tea is drunk in moderation. When it is taken in excess, the benefits disappear. Recent research conducted in Japan shows that drinking 7 cups each day lowers the risk of cognitive impairment by 62 percent.

Caffeine, when combined with L-theanine, another compound present in green tea, leads to a state of relaxation and is often used in formulas to help promote sleep.

But that is not all. Green tea can make your hippocampus grow more brain cells, so it enhances your memory and learning abilities.

If you need to lose weight, green tea can be very helpful! It helps burn abdominal fat. This is especially true for women. Men do not seem to enjoy this benefit as much. In addition to this, green tea has a thermogenic effect which means it increases the body's energy expenditure.

Green tea not only burns the fat, but it also cuts off fat’s blood supply, thus fat reduces automatically.

Angiogenesis is the process by which tumors have to create new blood vessels. It is precisely because of its angiogenesis inhibitory effect that green tea reduces the risk of lung, ovarian, intestinal, bladder, skin, breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.

Asians, even though they tend to smoke quite heavily, do not get cancer as much. So, why would they get cancer less than we do in the West? The answer? They drink green tea in large quantities (average 1.2 liters per day).

Other bonuses of green tea is that it works on menopausal symptoms, strengthens bone density, and keeps osteoporosis at bay.

It contains fluoride and has anti-bacterial properties so it prevents cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.

Green tea is also good for non-menopausal women as it may help with a range of female reproductive disorders, such as endometriosis, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and dysmenorrhea.

Green tea is good for heart health since it lowers cholesterol.

Similarly, green tea lowers blood sugar and increases insulin sensitivity.

Finally, Oregon State University research indicates that green tea helps regulate the immune system in autoimmune conditions.

How to Make the Perfect Cup:

If you want to live a little longer and enjoy better health, don't use tea bags full of plastic. Instead, use loose leaves and add hot water.

Heat water to 160-180 degrees and steep for 2-3 minutes. Don't boil the water or let it steep for too long or the tea will become bitter and astringent.

Bonus points: add lemon juice to it—it boosts the absorption of the antioxidants and makes them even more potent.

I love to make a big pot of green tea in the morning that I sip throughout the day. Sometimes I will add a bit of honey or fresh mint. Other times, I keep it simple and just enjoy the pure, clean taste. Find what works for you and make it part of your daily ritual.

If you want to learn more about foods that are appropriate for your personal health, reach out at celltosoulhealth.com so that we can work together on that goal.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or nutritionist, and this is neither medical nor nutritional advice.

References:

Green Tea And The Asian Paradox. Science Daily, 2006. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/06/060618171.htm>.

Unno K, Nakamura Y. Green Tea Suppresses Brain Aging. Molecules. 2021 Aug 12;26(16):4897. doi: 10.3390/molecules26164897. PMID: 34443485; PMCID: PMC8401650.

Li X, Qiao Y, Yu C, Gu S, Liu Z, Yang L, Chen Y, Xian S, Xie C, Lu M, Zhang Z, Lv J, Li L; China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group. Tea consumption and bone health in Chinese adults: a population-based study. Osteoporos Int. 2019 Feb;30(2):333-341. doi: 10.1007/s00198-018-4767-3. Epub 2018 Nov 15. PMID: 30443748. PMCID: PMC6449318.

Kamal DAM, Salamt N, Zaid SSM, Mokhtar MH. Beneficial Effects of Green Tea Catechins on Female Reproductive Disorders: A Review. Molecules. 2021 May 3;26(9):2675. doi: 10.3390/molecules26092675. PMID: 34063636; PMCID: PMC8124874.