Today's Natural Cure: Green Tea

This article is from  naturalhealth365.com

9 health benefits of green tea

 

 

(NaturalHealth365) The health benefits of green tea are (almost) endless. Cultivated for hundreds of years, green tea is loaded with antioxidants; saccharides (sugar); chlorophyll and some vitamins like, A, B1, B2, B3, C and E. Naturally, millions of people drink green tea for the health of it – but what does it really do for us?

1. A great way to prevent cancer

Research shows that green tea helps inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent cancers such as, pancreatic, prostate, breast, esophagieal, colorectal, stomach and lung cancer. A current analysis of 22 studies proved that drinking (2) cups of green tea per day can reduce the risk of lung cancer by 18 percent.

Studies associated with China showed that the more green tea was consumed, the lower the risk for cancer.

2. Protect yourself from cellular damage

The antioxidants in green tea guard your cells from free radical damage. The daily stress of living can (potentially) bombard the cells with too many free radicals which can damage our DNA – causing an increased risk for cancer, atherosclerosis and blood clots.

Unlike black tea, green tea leaves are not fermented and are given minimal processing time. That’s why green tea has more nutrition than other types of teas or coffee.

3. Promote healthy teeth and gums

Green tea contains catechins and polyphenols that help us kill (unwanted) bacteria and thus prevent bad breath and tooth decay. Most people lose their teeth because of poor gum health. Drinking green tea; a diet rich in all the essential trace minerals and, even oil pulling with coconut oil are great ways to have a clean mouth.

4. Green tea will help strengthen your bones

Regular consumption of green tea can dramatically reduce your risk for osteoporosis and arthritis. There has been lots of scientific research, in recent years, to indicate that a combination of green tea and healthy vitamin D levels can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress within the body. All of this will greatly reduce your risk for bone damage.

5. A simple way to improve your heart function

The antioxidants contained in green tea act as chemical dilators – which enhance the flexibility of the blood vessels, thus making them less prone to getting clogged. Green tea shares similar properties with pomegranates and blueberries – when it comes to helping the heart do a better job.

Again, many studies suggest that around 3-4 cups of green tea daily can immediately provide a heart healthy benefit by dilating the blood vessels and offering free radical protection.

6. Green tea will help balance your blood sugar levels

Having a cup of green tea after your meal can greatly improve your ability to enjoy stable blood sugar levels. Many studies have found that EGCG (also known as epigallocatechin gallete) – one of the polyphenols in green tea – influences the way glucose is absorbed. Researchers have suggested that EGCG may reduce the amount of glucose that passes through the intestine and into the bloodstream.

7. Green tea is good for the brain

Studies have shown that a daily consumption of green tea will reduce your risk for developing age-related cognitive disorders such as, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

If you want to prevent brain dysfunction like, memory loss – take lots of antioxidants; reduce the stress in your life and eat plenty of healthy fats – on a regular basis. The key is to reduce the inflammation within the body.

8. A delicious way to improve skin tone

The antibacterial and antioxidant activities of green tea help to prevent wrinkles and sun damage. After all, let’s not forget, the rays of the sun can produce free radical damage under our skin. But, interestingly enough, a 2000 study by Case Western Reserve University – showed that green tea protects against sunburn.

Volunteers had green tea extract applied to the skin on their buttocks, which was then exposed to solar radiation. At a concentration level of 4 milligrams per 2.5 cm square of skin area, the subjects obtained complete protection from sunburn.

9. Eliminate excess body fat – drink green tea

Many studies suggest that the catechins, in green tea, may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and decreasing body fat. Obviously, green tea is not the only way to lose (unwanted) body fat – but ought to be considered part of a sensible diet.

Don’t forget to always buy organic and enjoy!

About the author: Jonathan Landsman is the managing director of NaturalHealth365.com and host of the NaturalNews Talk Hour – a free, weekly health show sponsored by NaturalHealth365.com and NaturalNews.com. Jonathan is helping millions of people worldwide create health and physical fitness through a variety of educational and entertaining articles, teleconference calls, live shows and special events.

References:
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative/therapies/green-tea
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/green-tea-000255.htm