Green tea is a beverage made up of the leaf buds, stem and leaf of the plant “Camellia sinensis”. It has several health effects. It is healthier than black tea; black tea is a fermented product of the same plant but with reduced activity. Polyphenols prevent inflammation and swelling. It also protects the bones and prevents the joint degeneration. It is a potent carcinogenetic and also able to fight different viral infections. Green tea also contains 2% to 4% caffeine, which may improve brain messengers’ functions, important in Parkinson’s disease. Caffeine is a potent CNS stimulant. It also stimulates the heart and muscles, which result in the excess release of some chemicals in the brain known as “neurotransmitters.” Caffeine can increase urination. Antioxidants are also present in green tea that helps to protect the blood vessels and heart.

Incredible Green Tea Benefits:

1. Protects Against Chronic Disease

The flavonoids in green tea are powerful soldiers against viruses as well as both specific and general inflammation. Inflammation can exacerbate other health problems and cause a vast number of seemingly idiopathic symptoms that seem nearly impossible to cure. Increasing flavonoid intake can decrease the effects of inflammation and even prevent certain chronic diseases and problems including allergies, immune system disorders, heart disease, and depression.

2. Gives You A Feel-Good Boost

A combination of factors makes green tea great for your mood. Caffeine enhances both mood and energy, while theanine helps with anxiety and stress. “L-theanine can help support brain health and lower anxiety due to supporting GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter) production,” says Goldstein. Plus, the flavonoids in green tea boost relaxation and help keep anxiety at bay.

3. A Weight-Loss Key

While green tea alone will not make you magically drop the pounds, some elements of green tea can help with weight loss. The major component is EGCG, which, according to Bryce Wylde, an expert in alternative medicine and the medical advisor for the Dr. Oz show, can increase metabolism by up to six percent. Along with the caffeine of green tea, which can improve performance during workouts, EGCG is a major element of green tea’s weight loss benefits.

4. Cancer-Fighting

Different studies have shown a link between the consumption of green tea and a reduced risk of cancer. One study showed that increased consumption of green tea was directly linked to a reduced risk of stomach cancer in women. The National Cancer Institute attributes these benefits to several characteristics of green tea, including its polyphenols, particularly EGCG and ECG, which “may protect cells from DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species.”

5. Keep Blood Sugar in Balance

For those who suffer from blood sugar related problems, green tea can be a great, natural solution. One study published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research showed that green tea may reduce the spike in blood sugar that occurs after eating starches, and another study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that green tea could decrease fasting glucose in some patients.

6. Bad Cholesterol, Be Gone

A study at the Western University of Health Sciences showed that participants in a study had lower LDL levels when green tea consumption was increased. Other research has shown that both total and LDL cholesterol can be lowered when green tea is consumed, thanks — once again — to its EGCG contents. Green tea image via Shutterstock

7. Brain Health

Green tea can also be great for brain health. Research showed that consumers of green tea had slightly higher scores on cognitive tests than those who did not. This evidence has led some to believe that green tea consumption may ward off or delay dementia.

Benefits of Drinking Green Tea for Beauty and More

Alongside all these great health benefits, green tea also boasts a few beauty benefits that can’t be overlooked.

8. A Glowing Complexion

Drinking green tea can help improve your skin, as naturopathic doctor Christina Major explains. “What it does is help your body hydrated, which makes your skin look better,” she says. “It also will provide antioxidants and nutrients to nourish your body, and that allows you to build healthy skin.” “Antioxidants help ‘clean up’ the free radicals that can contribute to skin conditions,” agrees Goldstein. “Ultimately, our outside is a reflection of what’s going on inside.”

9. Dark Circles Disappear

But drinking tea isn’t the only way to take advantage of its skin-enhancing benefits. “The tannins can also help dark eyes and puffy eyes in the morning,” says Goldstein, who suggests placing chilled, brewed tea bags over each eye for about 15 minutes to take advantage of this. With green tea, you avoid the staining that black tea could lend to your skin, too.

10. Delay Aging

No, it’s not a magic potion, but green tea can help reverse or delay some signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles. “The antioxidant benefits are great for anti-aging of the skin. Green tea masks can be very good for cellular regeneration and for detoxification of the skin.

12. Slim Down

While you’re waiting for the metabolism boost of green tea to kick in, it’s helpful to know that green tea can also reduce bloating and swelling, making you appear slimmer without ever shedding a pound. Green tea aids in digestion and increases hydration, both of which can reduce bloat.

13. Luscious Locks

The catechins in green tea can also help with achieving thicker, longer hair, thanks to 5-alpha-reductase.