I know I don’t drink green tea as often as I should. I’ve just heard it’s good for my health and that there are some benefits, but other than that, I don’t know much about it. I just know it helps. So I decided to look into it, discover and understand what is so good about green tea..
This is what I found out about the miraculous green tea.
It originated in China and it has been used as a medicine for thousands of years.
The difference between green tea and black tea is in the way they are processed. Green tea is less processed (made from unfermented leaves) and so it retains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants.
The big secret? It’s all about the antioxidants (polyphenols) and their powerful effect on the body; they protect cells and molecules from damage.
These are some of the green tea benefits:
- It improves brain function and makes us smarter – I like that! The combination of caffeine and L-theanine is very potent at improving brain function.
- It increases metabolism and intensifies fat burning, therefore it can help you lose weight and it is especially effective at reducing abdominal fat.
- The powerful antioxidants it contains may protect against cancer – breast, colorectal and prostate.
- Green tea may reduce the risk of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s due to the protective bioactive compounds.
- It lowers your bad cholesterol(LDL), while leaving the good cholesterol (HDL) untouched, so it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- It can lower the risk of infection and improves dental health. It’s been shown that some common antibiotics were more effective when taken with green tea.
- It also causes mild reduction in blood sugar levels and lowers the risk of type II diabetes.
- Overall, because it reduces the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease it helps you live longer and healthier.
Well, now I will just have to add that the effects are not dramatic. If you have a heart condition, a bad infection, diabetes or high blood pressure, just check with your doctor. Don’t expect a few cups of tea per day to miraculously solve any health problem. But at the same time, I believe that anything natural that helps improve one’s health is a good thing.
Because it’s so versatile, there are so many ways to prepare green tea: iced or hot, with honey, lemon and mint. You can infuse some iced berries for added flavor, or mix it with peach or pineapple juice. Anything would work!
Do you usually drink green tea? Did you know about so many benefits of green tea?
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I love green tea and knew that it had a lot of health benefits. Just goes to prove once again that less processed is best.
Yes, that was new to me – I didn’t know the difference between green and black tea. From now on, I’m going to drink green tea more often. 🙂
Thanks for giving us the details of this super tea, Ana. 🙂 I am aware of green tea health benefits and while I also drink Earl Grey black tea for its flavor, I alternate it with Green Jasmine tea, which is so delicious!
Oh, Jasmine tea is so flavorful!
Yes we make Mint Green Cold Tea here. Great hot or cold. Grew up on green tea in our household-just always had a lot of non alcoholic beverages available due to easy dehydration in Florida’s heat. YAY!
Cold Mint Green Tea – oh yeah…. Perfect for Florida! 🙂
Yummy-I grow mint too! Really refreshing give it a try Ana-Happy Easter.
Wow, nothing is missing from your Paradise, Cheryl. Happy Easter to you too! 🙂
LOL we had some experience here figuring it all out Ana …xo
:O Wow didn’t know that Green tea also increases smartness.. Gotta have more of it from now on… Thanks for the info 😀
Haha, me neither! I will make it a habit to have at least one cup every day. 🙂
I am a total tea addict! But I have recently decided to cut out black tea, along with various other dietary elements, such as sugar, in an attempt to help with my migraine problem. I have a huge range of herbal and fruit teas, but one of the most interesting ones I have recently got into is Matcha green tea. This is supposedly a super-version of green tea. It comes in powder form and you can either just make a normal cup of tea, or add it to smoothies, porridge etc. I have not yet been very adventurous with it, nor can I account in any way for its supposed benefits. But I always feel very virtuous when I have my daily cup!! 🙂 My favourite of all teas is jasmine – I love the relaxing, gentle scent and taste. It makes me feel very calm and rested.
“But I always feel very virtuous when I have my daily cup!!” Haha, I like that! I’ve heard about Matcha tea. I found some at Costco – it’s a mixture, but I hope it’s still good. Oh, yeah, I love Jasmine tea too… Cheers!
Cheers to you too
I used to drink a few cups a day, but I got out of the habit. I need to get back into it! I didn’t realize how many benefits.
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A few cups a day…! It would be great if you could get back into the habit! So many benefits! 🙂
I love green tea, I drink it everyday, such awesome benefits for sure. Thanks for sharing.
You’re very welcome, petite heartbeat! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
As a tea enthusiast and tea writer, I definitely am a green tea drinker! I am a tea drinker in general though 🙂 It is my passion to share the world of tea with others and I’m so happy to hear of your love for it. You can also use green tea to cook and bake with!
I had no idea green tea can be used in cooking and baking. Your blog is full of interesting info about tea in general. I just love it and I’m sure I’m going to check it pretty often from now on. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I do drink green tea but will do more! Thanks for sharing your research.
From now on, I will do more too…! 🙂
I’ve been an herbal tea drinker for a while but haven’t really tried much green tea. I’m definitely going to have to go pick some up this week. Thanks for sharing your research! This post was super informative. 🙂
I love herbal tea too! I like to mix several herbs – each of them comes with a unique flavor. Besides, it’s healthy and so refreshing! 🙂
same here, Ana dear! 🙂 btw, I’ve had Japanese green tea for years – every day… 🙂 I’ve been to Japan 3 times and I’m gonna go back there very soon… 😉
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have a sunny day and a fine week! cheers! 🙂
I’m trying to have a green tea everyday too, Melanie. Enjoy your trip to Japan and have some Japanese green tea for me! Hugs. 🙂
I love green tea, but had no idea it did so much! Thanks for sharing this 🙂
You’re very welcome, Kenzie! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I love green tea, and it’s great knowing it’s good for me. Thanks for the information!
I’m glad you like it, Caytee. Cheers! 🙂
Thanks for the info!
You’re very welcome! 🙂
🙂
I didn’t know a lot of these things and find green tea slightly too bitter. Perhaps the tea has gone stale or its brewed for too long. I love a cup of red bush though!
I know what you mean… Maybe you should try to steep it only for 3 minutes.
I didn’t know it has so many great benefits I will definitely be drinking more of it in future #waywow
These are all great reasons to drink green tea. I use to drink it pretty often than I just kind of stopped. I really need to start drinking it again. Thanks for reminding me why I did to start it up again.
I did the same, but I recently started having green tea every day and I love it! 🙂
Ana, I enjoy green tea occasionally, but my beverage of choice since about the age of two has been black tea (a habit I picked up from my English grandmother and mother). It may not have quite as much antioxidants as green, but it is I think a very healthful drink as well. It better be – I drink it about 8 times a day! 😀
Wow, I’m impressed! I’m sure black tea is very healthy too! 🙂