Tea is a staple in every Indian home and one of the most popular beverages. Despite the abundance of several other beverages, most Indians prefer to start the day with a warm cup of tea. However, among many types of tea, green tea stands out as one of the best options for health-conscious people. But did you know that green tea's therapeutic power can help with serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease and cancer? It contains a range of antioxidants and minerals that are beneficial for health. Green tea has 20-45% polyphenols by weight, with catechins contributing 60-80%. Green tea offers various benefits, such as weight loss, decreased risk of cancer, and much more. 

Benefits of Green Tea Revealed

Green tea is made from the unoxidized leaves of the Camellia sinensis bush. It is one of the least processed teas, with the highest antioxidant and beneficial polyphenol concentrations. Green tea is used to treat blood loss, help with digestion, and regulate body temperature. Here are some green tea benefits: 

May Reduce Blood Pressure

Green tea may help protect the heart by lowering blood pressure. Drinking green tea lowers blood pressure significantly, especially in people with a high risk of heart disease.

Reduces risk of Heart issues & Cholesterol Levels

Regular consumption of green tea helps in decreasing the risk of heart disease. It aids in lowering LDL cholesterol, which is the bad cholesterol, and increasing the good cholesterol, HDL.

Cures Type-2 Diabetes

Drinking green tea can help manage and eventually cure Type-2 diabetes, which requires insulin injections. Regular consumption of green tea aids in calorie reduction. Your insulin sensitivity steadily improves, eventually decreasing your blood sugar. 

Increases Weight Loss and Fat Burning

Green tea has been found to have a significant fat-burning effect with a 4% increase in calorie expenditure and a 17% increase in fat oxidation. This can be combined with diet and exercise to accelerate weight loss. 

Green Tea Benefits for Skin

Green tea contains EGCG, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. They help make the skin healthy and free from minor infections. 

Fights Premature Aging

Green tea contains numerous antioxidants, including catechins, which help neutralize free radicals, which are frequently responsible for skin ageing. These antioxidants help to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, keeping your skin looking youthful and radiant. Regular use can also boost skin elasticity, making it smoother and more resilient.

Reduces Acne and Inflammation

Green tea's high polyphenol content provides anti-inflammatory benefits. It soothes redness and swelling produced by acne, while its antibacterial qualities fight acne-causing germs. Green tea can also help reduce oil production, making it an excellent choice for anyone with oily or acne-prone skin.

Protects Against Sun Damage

Green tea contains antioxidants, particularly EGCG, that protect the skin from damaging UV radiation and photoaging. Green tea applied topically can help to minimize the effects of prolonged sun exposure, such as dark patches, pigmentation, and rough skin.

Improves Skin Tone and Texture

Green tea reduces dark spots and blemishes while also evening out skin tone, making it appear more clear. It promotes cell regeneration, which aids skin repair and rejuvenation. Green tea scrubs the skin softly and reduces puffiness, leaving it bright and refreshed.

Green Tea Benefits for Stomach

Green tea has always been regarded as somewhat of a miracle worker, not only for refreshment and weight loss but also for gut health.

Aids Digestion: Green tea includes catechins, antioxidants that aid digestion. These substances stimulate digestive enzymes, allowing the stomach to break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently. This can also help with bloating and pain after meals.

Reduces inflammation: Green tea has anti-inflammatory compounds that can help soothe the stomach lining. If you suffer from gastritis or acid reflux, the polyphenols in green tea can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract.

Helps with Weight Management: Green tea boosts metabolism, allowing the body to burn fat more effectively. Green tea can help control stomach fat, lowering the risk of digestive issues connected with obesity.

Fighting Harmful Bacteria: Green tea's antibacterial properties can help to prevent the formation of dangerous bacteria in the stomach. This is very important for avoiding food poisoning and other digestive illnesses Additionally, by balancing bacteria, it reduces bad breath, which is often linked to digestive issues.

Green Tea Benefits and Side Effects

Everything has its pros and cons. It is not at all the case that there are only benefits. Let’s read about the benefits and side effects of green tea. 

Benefits

Some people drink green tea to improve their alertness or mental function. Others take it to decrease cholesterol and avoid arterial stiffening. Some individuals believe it protects the brain and reduces the risk of stroke. Some people use green tea to treat high blood pressure or to prevent cancer. Green tea may also help with genital warts and other types of diseases. Other people may drink green tea to treat mouth problems or to reduce uric acid levels in their blood. 

Side Effects

Green tea can cause side effects, especially if consumed in high quantities or if you are sensitive to caffeine. Green tea contains caffeine, which can produce symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and sleeplessness. If you are sensitive to caffeine, you may feel irritated. High doses of green tea extract can cause liver problems, stomach pain, and skin or eye yellowing. Allergic responses to green tea include skin rash, itching, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or neck. Other adverse effects of green tea include diarrhoea, headaches, dizziness, and an upset stomach. Drinking green tea can also raise pressure inside the eye. Although green tea has many health benefits, it's important to drink it in moderation. 

Frequently Asked Question

What happens if I drink green tea every day?

Drinking green tea daily can boost your health in multiple ways. It’s rich in antioxidants like catechins, which help protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Regular green tea consumption can aid in weight management, improve brain function, and support heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol. Additionally, green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calmness. However, consuming too much can lead to caffeine-related issues, so moderation is key.

What is the best time to drink green tea?

The best time to drink green tea is in the morning or early afternoon, ideally 30-60 minutes after meals. Drinking it on an empty stomach may cause digestive discomfort for some people, so it's often better to pair it with food. Avoid drinking green tea late in the day, as its caffeine content might disrupt sleep. Drink it in between meals to support digestion, increase metabolism, and aid in concentration for the greatest benefits.  

Is 1 cup of green tea a day enough?

Yes, one cup of green tea a day can still offer health benefits. Even a single daily serving provides antioxidants like catechins, which support heart health, aid in metabolism, and help combat cell damage. Drinking more may offer additional benefits, but one cup is a good start if you're sensitive to caffeine or just getting into the habit. Consistency is key, so enjoy your daily cup and consider adding more gradually if it suits your routine.