5 Amazing Reasons To Include Green Tea In Your Diet

Green tea has been touted as the new wonder drink by people  around the world, but the truth is that it’s been a part of diets for thousands of years! If you’re wondering what  the hype is all about and whether you should add green tea to your diet, here are five amazing reasons to consider!

1. Green Tea contains multiple substances known for health benefits.

a. Typical composition of Green Tea constitutes polyphenols, caffeine, amino acids including theanine, and vitamins. Polyphenols include Catechins, the primary constituent, which makes Green Tea rich in anti-oxidants. (1)

2. Green Tea has a calming effect.

b. A great way to achieve calmness is with a cup of green Tea, which has been historically known to have a relaxing effect on human physiology. (1) Green tea contains theanine which is an amino acid known to help you feel relaxed. (2) Green tea brings you calmness just like yoga or meditation!

3. Green Tea helps in lipid metabolism.

a. Green Tea Catechins have been shown to help in the reduction of body fat levels through thermogenesis. (3) This effect is because of the activation of lipid metabolism in the liver and muscle by tea catechins consequently permitting ready utilization of fat as energy. (4)

4. Green Tea increases the level of antioxidants in the body.

a. Green Tea Catechins are viable antioxidants that scavenge the free radicals.  Free radicals are reactive species which cause cell damage leading to conditions like accelerated rate of ageing. Catechins are also known to increase the amount of antioxidative enzymes in the blood. This presents their potential role in attenuating the effect of pollution-related stress on the body. (5) Adding a cup of green tea to your diet will do your body good, from inside!

5. Green Tea is a refreshing beverage which helps in hydration.

a. Drinking tea is a great way to help keep your body hydrated if not consumed in excess (~ 6-7 cups a day). (6) When brewed, green tea is primarily water (as no milk is added) so drinking it regularly throughout the day will help maintain hydration and make an important contribution to your daily fluid requirements. A cup of Green tea could be considered as a delightful alternative to high-calorie beverages.  Thus, keeping you guilt-free.

References:

1. Green Tea Polyphenols: Nutraceuticals of modern life. Lekh R. Juneja et al. Chapter 1 – Green Tea: History, Processing Techniques, Principles, Traditions, Features, and Attractions. Page 14. CRC Press.2013.

2. Health-promoting effects of green tea. Proc. Jpn. Acad., Ser. B 88 (2012) 88-101.

3. Tea and Tea Products: Chemistry and health-promoting properties. Chi-Tang Ho et al. Chapter 13 – Green Tea-Induced Thermogenesis Controlling Body Weight. Page 221. CRC Press. 2009.

4. Green Tea Polyphenols: Nutraceuticals of modern life. Lekh R. Juneja et al. Chapter 8 – Green Tea Polyphenols in Weight Management (Obesity) and Diabetes. Page 158. CRC Press.2013.

5. Therapeutic properties of green tea against environmental insults. L. Chen et al. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry 40 (2017) 1–13.

6. Introduction to the proceedings of the Fifth International Scientific Symposium on Tea and Human Health. J. Blumberg. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 98, Issue 6, 1 December 2013, 1607S–1610S.