Green tea is considered to be the most "healthy beverage" on the planet. It is rich in antioxidants and other ingredients that have powerful effects on the body. Its use can improve brain function, contribute to fat loss and reduce the risk of cancer.

1. Contains various bioactive compounds that can improve health.

Tea leaves are rich in polyphenols, with "catechins", which act as powerful antioxidants. These substances have the ability to reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from lesions. The main catechin is EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), which has been studied for the treatment of various diseases and may be one of the main reasons why green tea has such strong medicinal properties. It also contains small amounts of minerals that are important for health.

TIP: Choose high quality green tea because it may contain excessive levels of fluoride.

2. It can improve brain function.

The basic active ingredient in green tea is caffeine, which has been studied intensively and seems to improve various aspects of brain function, including mood, alertness, reaction time and memory.

It also contains the amino acid L-Theanine which is able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, while increasing the activity of the GABA inhibitory neurotransmitter, which affects the regulation of anxiety. It also increases dopamine and the production of alpha waves in the brain. Studies have shown that caffeine and L-Theanine can have synergistic effects, their combination being particularly powerful in improving brain function

3. Increases fat burning and improves physical performance.

Green tea has been shown to increase fat burning and metabolic rate. In a recent study it was found that fat oxidation can be increased by 17%.

In addition, caffeine has been shown to improve physical performance by mobilizing fatty acids from fatty tissue and making them available as a source of energy. Several studies show that green tea leads to a reduction in fat, especially in the abdominal area.

4. It can reduce the risk of various types of cancer.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is known that oxidative damage contributes to the development of cancer and that antioxidants can have a protective effect in which green tea can contribute significantly. Women who consume green tea can have up to 22% lower risk of developing breast cancer and men up to 48% for prostate cancer. In addition, the risk of developing colon cancer may be reduced to 57%.

NOTE: It is advisable not to add milk to your tea because it can reduce its antioxidant value.

5. Protects the brain in the elderly, reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Green tea can improve brain function in a short time as well as protect the brain in the elderly. Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease in humans and the main cause of dementia, followed by Parkinson's disease.

Numerous studies show that catechin compounds in green tea can have various protective effects on neurons in test tubes, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

6. It can improve dental health.

Catechins in green tea have other biological effects. Some studies show that it can kill bacteria and inhibit viruses such as influenza virus, potentially reducing the risk of infections.

Streptococcus is the primary harmful bacterium in the mouth, causes plaque formation and contributes to tooth decay. Many studies show that catechins in green tea can inhibit Streptococcus growth. In addition, green tea consumption is associated with improved tooth health and a lower risk of caries.

7. It can reduce the risk for type II diabetes.

Type II diabetes is a disease that has become epidemic in recent decades. Studies show that green tea can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. A study in Japanese found that those who drank more green tea had a 42% lower risk of developing Type II diabetes. In addition, a review of seven studies concluded that those who ate green tea had an 18% lower risk of becoming diabetic.

8. It can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular diseases, in recent years, have plagued a large part of the world's population. Studies show that green tea can improve some of the major risk factors, such as total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition, green tea significantly increases the antioxidant capacity of blood, which protects LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation. It appears that drinking green tea can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease to 31%.

9. It can reduce the risk of death and induce longevity.

Since people who consume green tea have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, it is logical that they could contribute to achieving longevity. In a study involving 40,530 Japanese adults, those who consumed the most green tea (5 or more cups a day) were significantly less likely to die during a period of 11 years.

• Death of all causes: 23% lower in women and 12% in males.

• Death from heart disease: 31% lower in women and 22% in males.

• Stroke death: 42% lower in women and 35% in males.

Another study involving people aged 65-84 found that those who drank more green tea had 76% less chance of dying during the study period (6 years).

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