How do you fit a miracle in a cup?
For over 4,000 years, the Chinese people have used green tea as treatment for numerous ailments.
In 1994, the Journal of National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study of Chinese men and women that showed one of the health benefits of drinking green tea is that it has possibly reduced the rate of esophageal cancer by up to 60%.
The presence of catechin polyphenols, particularly EGCG is the primary reason why green tea has such great health benefits. EGCG is a powerful antioxidant that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and may even be able to destroy them without harming healthy cells.
A study by the University of Purdue has also concluded a research project on how a certain compound present in green tea can stop cancer cells from growing. Yet another health benefit of green tea is its ability to decrease cholesterol levels and improve the ratio between good HDL cholesterol and the bad LDL cholesterol.
The EGCG in green tea is a health benefit substance that can lower down LDL cholesterol levels and stop blood from forming abnormal clots (thrombosis), a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes.
Green tea has more health benefits than other teas like oolong and black tea, even though they come from the same Camellia sinensis plant. Green tea is different because of the process by which it is made. Green tea gets much of its health benefits from how the Camellia sinensis leaves are steamed. The steaming process keeps the EGCG health benefits from oxidizing. With oolong and black teas, the leaves are fermented instead of steamed, which causes the EGCG be less potent.
One of the most exciting benefits of green tea is how it can help you to burn more calories – aiding in weight loss. Recent studies have shown that combining green tea and caffeine is more effective in burning calories that just taking caffeine or placebo. Scientific studies bode well for the numerous benefits of green tea.
Another health benefit of green tea is its bacteria-destroying properties. The health benefit of green tea in this area is that it can help prevent food poisoning and also prevent tooth decay. The substances found in green tea kill the bacteria causing food poisoning and those that cause dental plaque to form.
The benefits of green tea are numerous – have you had your miracle in a cup today?
