Green tea, native to China and India, has been consumed worldwide since ancient times for its health benefits. Eastern cultures have also consumed this beverage because of its apparent health benefits.
Aside from being a widely consumed beverage, it has also attracted scientific research for its potential positive effects on the body, especially on the immune system, helping protect against oxidative stress that can harm cells and counteract immune system issues.
In addition to health advantages, green tea has impressive effects on skin and hair. Green tea is believed to be exceptionally helpful for the human body.
Green Tea Major Components: Its Effects
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Components |
Effects |
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Catechins |
Decreases blood cholesterol |
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Caffeine |
Increases alertness |
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Theanine |
Neuronal cell protection |
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Vitamins |
Vitamin C |
Maintenance of healthy skin and mucus |
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Vitamin B2 |
Maintenance of healthy skin and |
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Folic acid |
Prevention of fetal neural tube defects (NTD) |
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β-carotene |
Maintenance of nighttime vision |
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Vitamin E |
Antioxidant |
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Saponins |
Lowering of blood pressure |
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Fluorine |
Prevention of tooth decay |
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γ-aminobutyric acid （GABA） |
Lowering of blood pressure |
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Minerals |
Biological regulators |
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Chlorophyll |
Deodorizing effect |
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Green Tea and the Immune System
A study on green tea and the immune system found that tea contains antigens that may help prevent colds and flu. Tea fights flu and colds, but also contains antigens that set us up for bacterial attack.
Tea contains chemicals known as alkylamine antigens, which are found in a few microscopic organisms, including tumor cells, parasites, and fungi. Drinking tea enables the body to defend against these.
Antioxidant Activity in Preventing Cancer
Catechin, an antioxidant found in green tea, is thought to protect against specific types of cancer, including mammary cancer, after their underlying development has started.
These catechins are thought to work as cancer-fighting agents, directly preventing the development of cancerous tumors.
Still, as a 2004 review in The Journal of Nutrition indicated, they are also crucial in supporting the immune system's response to exposure to carcinogens or cancer-causing compounds.
This impact avoids immune system dysfunction when growth is presented or advanced.
Other Immune Agents and Their Strengthening Effects
In addition to their anticancer properties, green tea's antioxidants help strengthen the immune system.
Green tea supports a healthy immune system by protecting it against damage from compounds known as free radicals and similar molecules.
Healthy immune systems are better at handling contamination from microbes, parasites, and infections.
Treatment of Autoimmune Disease
Certain antioxidants in green tea, called polyphenols, have anti-inflammatory properties, triggering a key change in immune system response that could be advantageous in treating rheumatoid joint pain and other immune system illnesses.
Green tea-fed rats experiencing immune system joint pain had higher amounts of the immune system-boosting compound cytokine IL-10 than the control group.
They exhibited diminished indication of seriousness, per a recent report in "The Journal of Nutrition."
Green tea-sustained rats also had lower interleukin (IL) —17 levels, contributing to a reduced immune system inflammatory response.
Green tea for the Skin and Hair
1. Enhances Skin Complexion
Green tea enhances skin complexion and promotes healthy skin. It helps flush toxins from the skin, heals blemishes and scars, reduces inflammation, and even improves elasticity.
A recent Medical College of Georgia report showed that green tea helps rejuvenate the skin and can be used to treat skin diseases and wounds.
2. Tighten Open Pores
Because of its antioxidants and astringent properties, green tea can help reduce the size of pores that tend to become clogged and then contaminated with bacteria. Thus, it will help smooth and repair your skin.
3. Exfoliates Skin
The slightly harsh surface of dry green tea leaves exfoliates your skin, shedding dead skin cells, dirt, and other impurities.
4. Functions as a Skin Toner
This well-known beverage also acts as an organic toner for your skin. It eliminates pollution, decreases huge pores, and gives your skin a pleasant, healthy glow. It even helps keep your skin hydrated, which is essential for healthy skin.
5. Treats Acne and Pimples
The catechins in green tea are antibacterial agents that help fight acne-causing bacteria. Catechins even help control hormonal imbalances in the body, one of the key reasons for skin breakouts.
Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory properties of green tea help reduce redness and irritation associated with skin breakouts.
6. Promote Hair Growth
Green tea contains high levels of antioxidants that promote hair growth. Its catechins have 5-alpha-reductase-restraining properties that help block DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), one of the key causes of male baldness.
It can even promote new hair growth and help prevent common issues like dry scalp and dandruff.
A recent report published in the Journal of the National Medical Association found that the polyphenols in green tea helped prevent male baldness among rodents.
7. Makes Hair Shiny
Green tea makes hair healthy, strong, glossy, and full of life. It also protects hair from damage caused by contaminants and harsh substances.
Also, the high amounts of panthenol and vitamins E and C help keep your hair conditioned.
8. Reduces Eye Bags and Dark Circles
Green tea's antioxidants and tannins (an astringent) help treat puffy eyes and dark circles. They reduce the size of veins underneath the delicate skin around the eyes, decreasing swelling and puffiness.
9. Serve as an Anti-Aging
Green tea has anti-aging and antioxidant benefits that can help delay the appearance of signs of skin aging, such as sagging skin, sun damage, age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
The polyphenols in green tea help neutralize free radicals, which can harm the skin and accelerate aging.
10. Secures against Sun Damage
Green tea can even shield your skin from the sun's hurtful bright (UV) beams. The tannic acid, theobromine, and polyphenols in green tea can help calm and soothe sunburned skin by neutralizing the damage from UV light exposure.
A recent report published in the journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications found that EGCG in green tea prevents melanoma by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory properties that initiate the inflammatory response.
Other Benefits
Compounds in Green Tea Can Improve Brain Function and Make You Smarter
Green tea does more than keep you alert; it can also make you smarter. The key ingredient is caffeine, a stimulant. It doesn't contain as much caffeine as coffee, yet it is enough to produce a reaction without causing the "unsteady" effects of too much caffeine.
Caffeine hinders an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine in the brain. Thus, it increases neuronal firing and the concentrations of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine.
Caffeine has been extensively studied and consistently alters various aspects of the mind, including mood, reaction time, and memory.
In any case, green tea contains more than just caffeine. It additionally has the amino acid L-theanine, which can cross the blood-brain barrier.
L-theanine stimulates the action of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which has anti-anxiety effects. It also stimulates the production of dopamine and the generation of alpha waves in the mind.
Numerous individuals report experiencing more sustained energy and being significantly more productive when they drink green tea than when they drink coffee.
Green Tea Increases Fat Burning and Improves Physical Performance
If you look at the ingredients for any fat-burning supplement, the odds are that green tea will be on the list.
This is because green tea appears to reduce fat intake and increase metabolic rate in human-controlled trials.
In one study of 10 healthy men, green tea increased energy consumption by 4%.
Another study found that fat oxidation increased by 17%, suggesting that green tea may specifically increase fat oxidation.
In any case, a few studies on green tea don't demonstrate any increase in indigestion, so the effects may rely on the person.
Caffeine has also been shown to enhance physical performance by mobilizing unsaturated fatty acids from adipose tissue and making them available for energy use.
In two separate survey studies, caffeine appeared to increase physical execution by 11-12%, on average.
Green Tea May Protect Your Brain in Old Age, Lowering Your Risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
Green tea can enhance brain function, but for the time being, it might also protect your brain in old age.
Alzheimer's disease is the most widely recognized neurodegenerative disease in people and the main cause of dementia. Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and includes the death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.
Different studies demonstrate that the catechin mixes in green tea can have different defensive effects on neurons in test tubes and animal models, possibly reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
Preparations for Green Tea
Making the perfect cup of green tea involves only a few steps. It is simple, but you must get the essentials right. Like our ordinary chai, green tea is never made with milk. However, you could add a few drops of honey for flavor.
- Boil some water.
- Take a strainer, measure, and put one teaspoon of green tea leaves in it.
- Empty high-temperature water into the glass through the filter. Pour until the bottom piece of the filter is immersed in hot water. At that point, if you are using a tea bag, dip it into a cup of water specifically.
- Remove the filter (or the teabag) in 2-3 minutes, then take a sip to see if this is how strong you want it. If you make this for another person, use a spoon to check the flavor!
- Soak again for 30 seconds if you feel the tea should be more grounded.
Next, you will learn how to prepare different green teas. It is important to prepare a healthy drink properly.
Water, along with green tea, plays a significant role in creating a healthy drink. Many kinds of water are available, but it pays to pay attention to the quality.
Such water must be clean, filtered, and free of impurities. There are many ways to achieve this.
The Berkey Water Filter removes microorganisms and other unhealthy contaminants without removing the beneficial and nutritional minerals. It is best to get the best of your tea.
So, here are the methods you can try with your green tea.
Methods of Preparing for Green Tea
1. Green Tea With Leaves Preparation
What You Need
- Green tea leaves – the actual amount is 1 teaspoon per serving. You may likewise utilize green tea pearls.
- A tea strainer. Wash and dry it – this step is essential if you use this filter to make dark tea available.
- A glass
- A stainless steel pot with some water
Method
Step 1
To make more green tea, use 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves per glass, for a total of 4 teaspoons per glass.
Step 2
Now strain the tea leaves through a strainer/sifter, then set them aside.
Step 3
Now, take a stainless steel pot/container and heat the water. If you need to use a glass tea kettle, go ahead. The ideal temperature for green tea is 80°C to 85°C, so watch the water to make sure it doesn't boil. If it starts bubbling, turn off the gas/heat and let it cool for a bit (say, for 30-45 seconds).
Step 4
Presently, put the sifter/strainer over the glass or mug.
Step 5
Next, empty the heated water into the glass and let the tea soak for 3 minutes. This is where we should be exceptionally watchful. Not every person prefers their tea solid. To check whether the tea is perfect, keep a spoonful and drink a spoonful every 30-45 seconds to see if the flavor is ideal for you.
Step 6
Remove the filter and set it aside. You can add one teaspoon of honey if you like.
Step 7
Blend the honey in and let the drink cool for a moment. Make the most of your green tea.
2. Green Tea With Tea Bags Preparation
What You Need
- One great quality green tea sack with some heated water
- One stainless steel/mud container
- A top to cover the container
- A stainless steel pot
Method
Step 1
Heat the water in a stainless steel pot, ensuring it doesn't reach 100 degrees C. The water should be around 80-85 degrees C.
Step 2
Put the green tea pack into the clay or stainless steel container.
Step 3
Pour hot-temperature water into the container and cover it with a lid. Let it soak for 3 minutes.
Step 4
After 3 minutes, expel the top and evacuate the teabag.
Step 5
Mix with a spoon and take a rejuvenating taste!
3. Brewing Green Tea With Powder
What You Need
- Green tea powder – 1 and ½ teaspoon
- Water – 1 container
- One teaspoon of nectar
Method
Step 1
Heat water in a stainless steel or glass bowl. Green tea becomes unpleasant when overheated, so always check the temperature. Use a kitchen thermometer to check whether it's around 85°C.
Step 2
Please turn off the heat once it reaches boiling. Presently, let it cool for a couple of minutes.
Step 3
Add the green tea powder to the water. The perfect time for the green tea mix to soak is around 3 minutes. However, you may taste it for 1 ½ minutes to check if the flavor is sufficiently strong.
Step 4
After 3 minutes, the color should have changed to brown. Pour it through a strainer.
Step 5
Add honey to the tea and pour it into the cup.
Conclusion
Green tea is a very healthy beverage. Once it is brewed properly, its beneficial properties are quickly absorbed.
The effects of green tea and water-drinking green tea have little to no known side effects or contraindications for adults.
Green tea supplements contain highly active compounds that can cause side effects.
The FDA regulates green tea supplements, but they may still contain other harmful chemicals.
Always consult a doctor before starting to take supplements.
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