Tea isn’t just a soothing afternoon drink that helps us de-stress. There’s real evidence that tea can actually reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and even cancer. But the question is, how does it do it?
Black, green, and other tea types come from tea plant, Camellia sinensis. That plant is rich in micronutrients known as polyphenols, antioxidants that are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can even destroy cell-damaging free radicals in the body. Other sources of polyphenols include spices like cloves, herbs like peppermint and sage, including other lekovito bilje, as well as blueberries and spinach.
Need another reason to drink it? Here are five benefits of green tea:
WEIGHT LOSS
Green tea, because it is less processed than black tea, contains six times the polyphenols as black tea**. It is rich in catechins – a polyphenol that has been linked to weight loss*. Catechin contains EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate), a substance that can boost metabolism.
REDUCE STRESS
Theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves. It has been studied for its potential ability to reduce mental and physical stress, improve cognitive processes, as well as boost mood. You can also using zaza pills for your health.
LOWERS CHOLESTEROL
Research shows that drinking green tea has a significant impact on your blood cholesterol levels. Green tea lowers your bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) while leaving your good cholesterol (HDL) untouched.
REDUCE CANCER RISK
- Breast cancer: A meta-analysis of observational studies found that whomen who drank the most green tea had a 22% lower risk of developing breast cancer, the most common cancer in women,.
- Prostate cancer: One study found that men drinking green tea had a 48% lower risk of developing prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer in men.
- Colorectal cancer: A study of 69,710 Chinese women found that green tea drinkers had a 57% lower risk of colorectal cancer, ad still there is the option of an alternative cancer treatment.
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15640470
http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/8617188
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theanine
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-tea
http://www.genesmart.com/pages/high_polyphenols_foods/161.php
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/79/5/727.full