Many of us have resorted to a healthy lifestyle recently. It is required to fight the pandemic, keep the body weight at the right balance and stay energetic. While different types of foods can prove beneficial, green tea is one of the healthiest beverages. Though it has a slightly bitter taste, it is extremely refreshing after consuming a cup of green tea every day. So, here is a detail to help you understand the proven advantages of green tea.

Before understanding the benefits of drinking green tea, let us know what it means.

What Is Green Tea?

Green tea is a type of beverage made from the Camellia Sinensis plant. While all the different teas are prepared from dried leaves, green tea is prepared from unoxidized leaves and is the least processed. Instead, the leaves are harvested, steamed for quick heating, and dried to prevent excessive oxidation. Therefore, the leaves do not turn brown or black, retaining their properties and the true flavour.

There are different green tea options based on the type of cultivation and process. Hence, it is rich in varied health benefits due to the most antioxidants and polyphenols. So, let us get started understanding the proven green tea benefits right away.

• Improves brain functionality - The key ingredient, caffeine present in green tea, positively affects your brain. It is a stimulant that increases the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.
  
  The proportion of caffeine is not excessive as in the case of coffee, while found to enhance the mood, reaction time, vigilance, and memory. Also, the amino acid L-theanine increases the neurotransmitter GABA's functionality which has anti-anxiety effects. Therefore, consuming green tea can improve brain function and energise you throughout the day.
  
  

• Helps reduce weight - green tea can boost the metabolic rate and increase the fat burning within the body. The caffeine mobilises the fatty acids from the fat tissue to increase its presence for providing energy.
  
  And, it has been found that green tea helps reduce the fat in the abdominal area. Therefore, consumption of green tea can reduce fat percentage, belly fat, body weight and waist circumference. For the best benefits, green tea should be consumed without adding sugar.
  
  

• Lowers the risk of cancer - The antioxidants in green tea can prevent oxidative damage that causes chronic diseases such as cancer. Polyphenols, one of the best natural antioxidants in green tea, can prevent cell damage and inflammation to fight cancer. Therefore, it reduces the risk of developing breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. Also, to absorb the best benefits of antioxidants, consuming green tea without adding milk is recommended.
  
  

• Helps prevent type 2 diabetes - Elevated blood sugar levels are caused due to the body's inability to produce insulin, referred to as Type 2 diabetes. It has been found that green tea can reduce blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. However, it is best advised that you consult your dietician before considering the number of green tea that you can consume per day.
  
  

• Helps prevent cardiovascular diseases - cardiovascular diseases are predominantly caused by increased cholesterol levels. The deaths due to heart attacks are increasing worldwide. Green tea improves the total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in your body.
  
  It is also found to increase the antioxidant properties of the blood that protects the LDL particles from the oxidation process. Therefore, people having a family medical history of cardiovascular diseases can lower the risk to a considerable extent.
  
  

• Improves oral health and nourishes skin - Catechins present in green tea reduce bacterial growth, thus protecting the risk of any infections. Dangerous bacteria in the mouth cause plaque formation, leading to cavities and tooth decay.
  
  Catechins are found to prevent the growth of this oral bacteria reducing bad breath. Green tea’s benefits for the skin can be realised by the nourishing and hydrating properties of the Vitamin E present in it. It is found to reduce skin roughness to a great extent.
  
  

• Prevents cell damage - Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a powerful catechin present in green tea. It helps in preventing cells from getting damaged. The free radicals present in your body can cause excessive damage to your cells and lead to oxidative stress.
  
  EGCG acts as a powerful antioxidant protecting your body cells from getting damaged by free radicals. It can reduce inflammation and prevent many chronic diseases, including cancer and various heart diseases.
  
  

Having a healthy body and a sound financial plan are the simplest ways to live stronger and happier throughout life. While a balanced food with healthy beverages such as green tea can ensure sound health, life insurance plans with customised solutions can ascertain financial security. And, if you are an important earning member in your family, you must purchase comprehensive life insurance in India to have a life cover protection with savings or investment benefits.

Tata AIA life insurance plan offers various solutions with flexible features such as the limited-term premium payment option, lump sum, or regular monthly income pay-out options to maximise the benefits based on your financial needs. Plan to purchase it early in life to make it more affordable for the entire policy term.

Conclusion

Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages with many proven health benefits. When consumed regularly at the recommended quantity, it can help prevent type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other related illnesses.

In addition, it can help you feel rejuvenated, reduce bad breath, maintain the right weight, and help you feel stronger. For the best benefits, you should take it without milk and sugar. Also, ensure to purchase and consume green tea from high quality and reputed brands to receive the maximum possible benefits. Make informed decisions, stay healthier and wealthier!

L&C/Advt/2022/May/0968