Green tea: Herbal me healthy

We’re all familiar with the cuppa, and the more experienced of tea drinkers may be partial to a darjeeling or two, but none provide the great benefits that green tea is said to, possibly winning its place in the “superfood” aisle next to blueberries and coconut water.

One of the most unprocessed of all the teas, green tea retains most of its natural compounds, therefore providing a multitude of health benefits that are pretty hard to resist.

General health

You may have heard talk of antioxidants being tossed around lately. This is because they provide huge general health benefits – being a strong form of nutrient – and can provide you with an array of benefits for your general well-being. So when you’re considering having a milky brew, or a slim green tea, you know what to do.

Brain food

The key ingredient in tea is caffeine, which we have been conditioned to believe is all bad. However, in contrast to the huge amount that is in coffee, tea contains only a fraction of the amount. The hyperactive effect isn’t a side-effect of the caffeine in green tea.

Various studies have also shown that green tea contains catechin, a compound that can possible protect neurons, therefore potentially minimising the risk of diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Infection perfection

Catechin doesn’t just have possible neuron effects, but could also kill bacteria. This means that the risk of viruses such as influenza could be lowered by the consumption of green tea.

Bye bye fat

Metabolism is a major factor when it comes to losing weight and burning fat, and guess what? Green tea boosts metabolism.  In addition, as it contains caffeine, this does instil energy and therefore makes you more hyperactive, so you move more and burn energy.

Gum shmum

Green tea has also been shown to improve bad breath, so it really is a crowd pleaser.

Type 2 diabetes

Studies have shown that green tea can possibly help to reduce blood sugar levels and also regulate insulin sensitivity, meaning that it can potentially reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular disease

Green tea has been shown to minimise the main risk factors of heart disease, including cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and can also increase the oxygen capacity of the blood, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

So before adding sugar to your tea, consider the benefits of putting down the milk, and sipping on some green tea, aka the elixir of life.

Tamara Massey

Please be aware that all of this information is taken from recent studies, and may not be 100% accurate. For more information go to the NHS website.