Drinking 3 to 5 cups of green tea a day can support cognitive function, weight control, increase energy and prevent cancer.
Green tea contains a type of polyphenol called catechins, which has antioxidant effects, can prevent cell damage and provides many other health benefits.
Beneficial for the brain
Drinking green tea benefits cognition, mood, and brain function due to compounds in green tea such as caffeine and L-theanine. The aroma from tea, especially the pyrazines in roasted green tea, directly affects the brain, affecting mood, relaxation and cognition. In addition, drinking green tea also constricts peripheral blood vessels, creating a feeling of refreshment and increasing alertness.
Plant compounds in green tea have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease prevention in people without cognitive problems. Compounds like EGCG and L-theanine may be key to this benefit.
Supports fat burning
Tea leaves contain beneficial plant compounds that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity by fighting inflammation and reducing oxidative stress, cholesterol and insulin. In particular, catechins and caffeine in green tea promote weight loss by increasing the number of daily calories burned (energy expenditure) and enhancing fat oxidation, metabolism and thermogenesis.
The most important catechin in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), accounting for up to 80% of catechins in green tea that can reduce obesity-related markers such as total body weight, body fat percentage, waist-hip ratio, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI). This can be beneficial for people who are losing weight or are obese.
Reduces the risk of certain cancers
Drinking green tea regularly is associated with a reduced risk of certain types of cancer such as lung cancer or ovarian cancer.
Control blood sugar levels
Consuming catechins from green tea extract reduces blood sugar, chronic inflammation, and boosts gut health. This is beneficial for people with diabetes or who need to control blood sugar.
Cardiovascular protection
Polyphenols in green tea also reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), one of the most common cardiovascular diseases. Drinking tea regularly is also good for the heart by reducing high cholesterol, high blood pressure, protecting the heart muscle, repelling inflammation and supporting stronger blood vessel linings (endothelial function).
Contributes to increasing longevity
Green tea contains compounds that can prevent cancer and heart disease, making you less likely to get sick. To gain maximum benefits from green tea, you can drink 3 to 5 cups per day. However, this may vary depending on personal factors and the specific benefits each person desires.
Drinking too much caffeinated tea can cause nausea, heartburn, restlessness or difficulty sleeping, so caffeine-free tea should be preferred. Even drinking just one glass a day, combined with a balanced diet rich in whole foods, is good for gut bacteria, blood sugar levels and the entire body.