It’s widely known that green tea is good for you. We’re being advised to drink it at every given opportunity and in some places, entire traditions and rituals have grown up around the brewing and drinking of tea. Read on to get a clear understanding of these benefits and why you should incorporate it to your diet.
1. Green tea contains antioxidants
Green tea is full of antioxidants. That means it naturally gives protection against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease as well as lowering your risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease or stroke. Antioxidants also appear to lower the risk of tissue damage during a workout. Green tea helps lower cholesterol, blood sugar levels and blood pressure. A lower blood sugar level means a lower risk of diabetes. Plus, it’s an anti-inflammatory, so not only does it reduce the effects of irritable bowel disorders, it is likely to lessen the pain of arthritis too.
There is also evidence that the type of antioxidants in green tea inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Studies have looked at the effect of drinking green tea on various types of cancer and have concluded that people who drink green tea regularly have a lower risk of developing breast cancer (the most common cancer in women) and prostate cancer (the most common cancer in men). Green tea drinkers have a lower risk of many other types of cancer too.
2. Green tea is good for your mouth hygiene
The compounds in green tea kill off bacteria and the microbes responsible for bad breath. It has a mild antiseptic effect and some studies have shown it could be effective in MRSA treatments because of its antibacterial properties. Because green tea is not fermented, it has the greatest antibacterial property of any tea variety except white tea.
3. Green tea boosts your metabolism and aids digestion
Green tea gives a short term boost to your metabolism and can increase performance and endurance during exercise. This is due to its ability to mobilise fatty acids in fat tissue, which means they will then be used as energy instead of being stored as fat. It also aids digestion, so your body can make better use of food.
4. Green tea builds healthy bones
There is some evidence that green tea helps strengthen bones, because it is alkaline forming. Given that it also has the ability to reduce tissue damage sustained when exercising, athletes may see some benefits from drinking green tea.
5. Green tea is calming
A useful health benefit of green tea is that it contains theanine, an amino acid known to reduce anxiety and feelings of stress. It also soothes and reduces the effects of irritable bowel disorders making it calming for body and mind.
6. Green tea keeps you mentally alert
Studies also show that the level of caffeine in green tea is at an optimum level to make the most of mental alertness without bringing on a case of the jitters. It also keeps you hydrated, which in itself helps with staying alert. Being calm and alert at the same time may sound like a contradiction, but it means you will be better prepared to react to whatever happens.
7. Green tea lowers your risk of infection
Not only is green tea effective at lowering your risk of cancer, it also lowers your risk of many other infections and illnesses. It appears to prevent viruses from attaching themselves to cells so you may find you suffer fewer colds and have more resistance to flu outbreaks in winter.
8. Green tea is good for your skin
The antioxidants in green tea don’t just help your bones, teeth and gut. It alsos help your skin by protecting against wrinkles and signs of aging. According to several studies, green tea supports your skin’s natural defences against damage due to sunlight.
Green tea is an excellent base for adding flavour
Green tea doesn’t always have to be drunk plain. For those who find that pure green tea is not to their taste, there are many hot and cold infusions currently available which provide added flavour. Our twist on this is our organic green tea with peppermint and freeze dried strawberries. It is a blend of zingy peppermint and the sweetness of strawberries, designed to calm you and remove any stress. After drinking this, you will feel revived and ready to face the rest of your day.
Click here to buy our organic green tea with peppermint and strawberries.
At Nordic Honey, we value organic food, sustainable farming and healthy living. All the ingredients in our tea blends are carefully sourced and organically certified with no flavourings or additives. Take a moment for yourself and enjoy a cup of your favourite tea!
To be up to date with all our news and blog posts, please follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or sign up to our email newsletter.