8 Health Benefits of Green Tea Are:

• Relaxation & Improves Brain Function:

Green tea is a source of a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). This catechin has a relaxing effect on us and calms us.

Green tea also contains caffeine. It acts as a stimulant on our Central Nervous System. Caffeine makes us alert and is known to improve memory, learning, performance and co-ordination. [1]It also improves our mood and reaction time. Green tea also contains L-theanine which increases dopamine levels and reduces anxiety.[2]

Caffeine and L-theanine together improve the overall function of the brain. [3]

• Anti-carcinogenic Effects:

Polyphenols present in green tea reduce inflammation and help our body to fight cancer. [4]

Catechins are powerful antioxidants which protect our body from oxidative destruction and thus protect us from different types of cancers. [5]

Drinking green tea was found to be effective in reducing the risk of breast cancer.  [6] Green tea also reduced the occurrence of prostate cancer in men. [7]

• Helps in Weight Loss:

Green tea is a smart and intelligent replacement for sugary drinks. It gives a boost to our metabolism and thus helps in weight loss. [8]

However, just sipping on green tea is not sufficient, one needs to also adhere to an active lifestyle to bring out significant improvements in body weight.

• Reduces the Risk of Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s Disease:

Drinking green tea regularly shows neuroprotective effects and thus reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. [9]

• Improves Oral Health:

Catechins present in green tea have anti-bacterial effects and protect our body from a variety of infections.

Catechins have proved to be effective in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans in our mouth.[10] Streptococcus is responsible for the formation of cavities and thus drinking green tea protects us from the same.

Consumption of green tea also reduces halitosis (bad breath). [11]

• Lowers risk of Diabetes Mellitus:

Green tea improves insulin sensitivity and reduces our blood glucose levels. [12]

Drinking green tea regularly decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. [13]

• Reduces Risk of Heart Diseases:

Drinking green tea reduces total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in our body. It also reduces blood pressure.

This collectively helps in reducing the risk of heart diseases. [14]

• Improved Eye Health:

Studies also suggest that regular consumption of green tea helps in treating eye ailments effectively. Catechins help to protect the eye from oxidative damage and prevent vision loss too. [15]

How much green tea should you drink?

Daily dose of green tea should not exceed more than 3 cups a day.

How to make an effective cup of green tea?

• Heat water to 160 – 170 degrees (Dont boil water as it will reduce the effectiveness of catechins in green tea) and pour in a cup.
• Now add green tea leaves to the cup (Add around 1 teaspoon of leaves to 1 cup water) and let them steep for around 2 to 3 minutes (For a stronger taste, steep the leaves for a longer time).
• Now strain the tea and it is ready to drink.
• You can add a few drops of lemon to it, to enhance the taste and increase the absorption of catechins.

Side Effects of Drinking Too Much Green Tea:

Drinking too much green tea can lead to increased caffeine intake and may cause side effects like

• Headache
• Sleep disturbances
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Irritability
• Heartburn
• Anxiety
• Increased Heart Rate etc.

Green Tea Should Not Be Consumed:

• First thing in the morning
• Just before going to bed
• Along with meals
• In case of iron deficiency

Types of Green Tea:

• Sencha
• Tencha
• Matcha
• Konacha
• Shincha
• Funmatsucha
• Fukamushicha
• Gyokuro
• Kukicha
• Bancha