Green tea rich in antioxidants
Drinking a cup of green tea might do more than warm you up this winter. Researchers offer even more reasons to make time for this age-old beverage. Green tea comes from the leaves of the white-flowered tea plant, Camellia sinensis, a bush native to Asia. These tea leaves are less processed than black tea and contain rich sources of antioxidants, which protect the body’s cells from damage and fight diseases. The antioxidants in green tea have been linked to cancer prevention, decreased risk of stroke, heart diseases, and lowered blood cholesterol. Catechin, a phytochemical, is the main component in green tea and is present in higher amounts than in grape juice and red wine, which are also believed to reduce the rate of heart disease.
Good for your heart?
Recent research suggests that antioxidants in green tea play a role in reducing the negative effects of bad cholesterol, lowering triglyceride levels and increasing the production of good cholesterol. They have also been shown to inhibit excessive blood clotting which may help against heart diseases and stroke. Further evidence has suggested that green tea plays a role in prevention of age-related and brain degeneration diseases, such as Parkinson and Alzheimer’s. Its antioxidant properties are thought to reduce free radical damage and the breakdown of neurotransmitters.
Cancer prevention?
Green tea’s rich supply of antioxidants may also play a key role in the prevention of various cancers, like breast, colon, stomach, and lung cancer. They suppress the formation and growth of potent cancer-causing agents. While the potential anti-cancer properties of green tea look promising, they are also complex and not yet completely understood.
Good for your teeth?
Another interesting benefit of green tea is its effectiveness in preventing dental decay. It inhibits the growth of oral bacteria, which can help to fight cavities. When used as a mouth rinse, green tea reduced plaque and the incident of periodontal disease.
How to serve green tea
You can enjoy green tea during any season. Green tea can be served hot or cold and still provide a host of health benefits. While sugar and lemon are not thought to alter the antioxidant content, milk may bind to the antioxidants and make them unavailable to the body. To brew a potent cup of green tea, make sure to steep the tea bag for at least 3 minutes. Otherwise, all of the antioxidants may not end up in the tea. If you’re concerned about caffeine, a 6-ounce cup of green tea contains approximately 30 mg. That’s much lower than coffee, which has about 100 mg per cup.
While there is plenty of new and exciting evidence about the health benefits of green tea, it’s still important to eat a well-balanced diet that includes other rich sources of antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables.
