Are you a green tea lover? We love our afternoon cup(s) of green tea with fresh peppermint leaves, cardamom pods, and a pinch of cinnamon. So much warming and healing plant goodness in one cup.
Green tea absolutely rocks your health! Did you know that after water, green tea is considered the world’s healthiest drink? It is loaded with polyphenols which act as powerful antioxidants to protect your body from free radical damage.
And to make it even better, green tea can be used as a liquid base for your morning green smoothies. We have been experimenting with it lately, and our taste buds are digging it (scroll down for the recipe).
Here are 10 impressive health benefits of green tea you should know about
1. Weight Loss Aid
Several studies showing that green tea can boost metabolism and help to decrease fat, especially in the abdominal region. If you are on a weight loss mission and need some help, CLICK HERE for more info.
2. Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Green tea can help to improve insulin sensitivity and balance blood sugar levels when consumed on a daily basis. Some studies claim that people who drink green tea have 42% lower risk of developing diabetes type II.
ALSO READ: Apply These Proven Tips To Benefit From Healthy Eating For Diabetes
3. Reduce Risk Of Cardiovascular Diseases
Green tea drinkers have up to 32% less chance of developing cardiovascular diseases. Green tea helps to reduce blood pressure, keeps cholesterol ratio in balance, and prevents blood clots (most common cause of heart attack).
4. Anticancer Properties
Cancer is one of the world’s leading causes of death, together with cardiovascular diseases. Free radicals are among the leading contributors to the development of cancer. Green tea is packed with antioxidants to protect your body against these free radicals.
FYI: Do not add milk to your tea, it may reduce antioxidant levels.
5. Slows Down Aging
Green tea can help with wrinkles, sun damage, and aging. So no wonders many cosmetics contain green tea these days. Always make sure to opt for organic cosmetics to avoid nasty chemicals and animal-cruelty.
ALSO READ: Discover 7 Secrets To Prevent Premature Aging Of Your Skin
Scroll down for more health benefits of green tea and an amazing green tea green smoothie recipe.
6. Improve Brain Function
With less caffeine than coffee, green tea helps you to stay awake and improves brain function. It thanks its brain improving powers to L-theanine which works synergistically with caffeine.
7. Lower Risk Of Alzheimer’s And Parkinson’s
Not only does green tea improve your brain function, but it also protects your brain cells from dying and even helps to restore them. These protective effects may help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, dementia, or Parkinson’s.
8. Improve Oral Health
The catechins help to destroy mouth bacteria and viruses that cause tooth decay, dental carriers, or throat infections and reduces a bad breath.
ALSO READ: Health Benefits of Oil Pulling (+ How To Do It)
These 8 health benefits of green tea are only the top of the iceberg… so why not try and swap your coffee for a delicious green tea to get you through the day or try my green smoothie recipe…
Green Tea Smoothie (serves 2)
Ingredients
- 2 cups bok choy
- 1 banana
- 1.5 cup white grapes
- 1 cup mango
- 1 cup brewed organic green tea
Blend bok choy and green tea until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and blend again. Add water for thinner consistency.
Enjoy!
Don’t forget to download my FREE green smoothie eBook HERE!
FYI: How Much Green Tea Can I drink
How much green tea you can drink is difficult to say. To reap its benefits, it is said you should drink between 2 to 5 cups a day. But note that green tea contains small amounts of caffeine, so if you are sensitive to caffeine, 1 cup will be enough.
And if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, no green tea for you. Its tannins can decrease iron and folic acid levels.
Thanks for reading. I hope this information was helpful. Until next time!
Amy Goodrich
Crazy cat lady, life and food lover, certified biologist, and holistic health coach.
cool I never knew that green tea has so many benefits. I daily start my day with a cup of green tea and remain fresh all the day. Thanks much for sharing.
You’re welcome!