Benefits of Green Tea

20 Benefits Of Green Tea That You Should Definitely Know
We probably don’t have to specifically explain the goodness of green tea. It has been accepted the world over for its health benefits. Which is what we will check out in this post – the green tea benefits you must know.
Table Of Contents
• What Is Green Tea
• Why Should I Drink Green Tea
• What Is The History Of Green Tea
• What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Green Tea
• How Does Green Tea Benefit Your Health
• What About The Benefits Of Green Tea For The Skin
• What About Your Hair Does Green Tea Have Any Benefits
• What Are The Different Types Of Green Tea
• Where To Buy Green Tea
• How Can You Make Green Tea At Home
• Any Quick Facts About Green Tea
• Does Green Tea Have Side Effects
What Is Green Tea?
This is the tea made from the Camellia sinensis leaves, which undergo a process of withering and oxidation. There are numerous varieties of green tea, and they differ based on the growing conditions, the process of production, and the time of harvest.
In case you are wondering…
Why Should I Drink Green Tea?
Because it is darn healthy. Let us tell you why.
Green tea contains bioactive compounds that improve numerous aspects of your health. Many of these compounds in the tea leaves make it to the final drink – which is good news for tea drinkers.
EGCG is one of the most powerful compounds in green tea – this compound treats several diseases and prevents several more. We will talk more about this as we go on.
And most importantly, though green has certain side effects, the benefits far outweigh them. Which is why you should drink green tea.
All good. But guess what – green tea does have a rich history.
What Is The History Of Green Tea?
Green tea consumption has its origins rooted in China, during the reign of Emperor Shennong. One book written way back in 600-900 AD by Lu Yu (translated into English as Tea Classic) is considered important in the history of green tea.
Another book written in 1191 by Eisai (called The Kissa Yojoki, or Book of Tea), a Zen priest, speaks about how drinking green tea enhances the health of the five vital organs.
It is important to note all of this wouldn’t hold value if not for the wonderful ingredients in green tea that render those healthful properties.
What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Green Tea?
Unsweetened brewed green tea has zero calories. If you are a calorie conscious individual, that’s simply powerful. Green tea contains flavonols and catechins (a type of polyphenols) that offer many great benefits. The catechins in green tea are:
• epicatechin
• epigallocatechin
• gallocatechin
• gallate derivatives
The most potent compound in green tea is EGCG, also known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate. It is what makes green tea, green tea. It has numerous benefits, some of which include enhanced metabolic rate and body weight regulation.
Other important compounds in green tea include:
• quercetin
• linoleic acid
• aginenin
• methylxanthines (caffeine, theopylline, and theobromine)
• numerous amino acids and enzymes (about 20 percent of the leaves are taken up by proteins)
• carbohydrates (cellulose, pectins, glucose, sucrose, and fructose)
• trace amounts of minerals like magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron, chromium, copper, and zinc
• trace amounts of carotenoids
• lactones and hydrocarbons, esters, and aldehydes (all of which are volatile compounds)
We saw the powerful constituents of green tea. Now let’s see what these constituents do and how they benefit us.
How Does Green Tea Benefit Your Health?
Green tea is synonymous with health today. The tea offers various benefits, some of the most important ones being better heart health, weight loss, and prevention of serious ailments like cancer and diabetes. Green tea also helps improve depression symptoms.