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Green tea helps you lose weight, prevents cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's, among other benefits

Arseniy Kapran image in Unsplash

Green tea is a drink made from the plant. Camellia sinensis, which also gives rise to other types of tea, such as black tea, white tea and oolong. What makes all these types different is the process of preparation of each one, which guarantees distinct medicinal properties, texture, aroma and flavor.

• Camellia sinensis: what is the "real" tea for

Loaded with antioxidants, green tea provides benefits for brain function, fat loss, cancer prevention, among other benefits. Check out:

• Antioxidants: what are they and in what foods to find them

Green Tea Benefits

1. Improves health

Many of the plant compounds found in the leaves of the Camellia sinensis are still present in green tea, providing significant amounts of polyphenols, substances that reduce inflammation and the risk of cancer.

About 30% by weight of green tea is made up of polyphenols, including large amounts of a catechin called EGCG, a natural antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage, among other benefits.

These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage, premature aging and all kinds of diseases.

EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) is one of the most powerful compounds present in green tea. It has been studied to treat various ailments and may be one of the main reasons why green tea has such powerful medicinal properties.

Green tea also has minerals important for health.

2. Improves brain function

In addition to keeping you awake, green tea improves brain function. Its main active ingredient is caffeine, a stimulant. However, green tea does not contain as much caffeine as coffee, which gives the body a better response, without causing agitation and anxiety.

Green tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that provides anti-anxiety effects, increases dopamine levels and the production of alpha waves in the brain.

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Studies have shown that caffeine in combination with L-theanine has synergistic effects, improving brain function (see studies here: 1, 2).

3. Burns fat and improves physical performance

If you look for a list of foods that help you lose weight, you're sure to find green tea among the ingredients on the list.

• 21 foods that help you lose weight with health

Two studies have shown that green tea increases fat burning and speeds up metabolism in humans.

Another study, conducted with ten men, found that green tea increased energy expenditure by 4%. Other research has shown that green tea increases fat oxidation by 17%.

4. Decreases the risk of cancer

Cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell growth. Oxidative damage contributes to the development of cancer; antioxidants, on the other hand, have a protective effect against cancer. And green tea is an excellent source of antioxidants.

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One study showed that women who consumed green tea had 20% to 30% less risk of developing breast cancer. In the case of men, a survey showed that those who consumed green tea were 48% less likely to develop prostate cancer, the most common cancer in the male population.

An analysis of 29 studies found that people who consume green tea are 42% less likely to develop colorectal cancer.

However, don't put milk in your tea as, according to one study, it reduces the amount of antioxidants.

5. Lowers risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common chronic neurodegenerative disease in humans and is a leading cause of dementia. Parkinson's disease comes in second, and is related to the death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.

Some studies have shown that catechin compounds present in green tea provide protective effects on animal neurons, which indicates a potential for reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease in humans (see studies here: 3, 4 , 5).

6. Decreases the risk of infections

The catechins present in green tea have the properties of killing bacteria and inhibiting the growth of viruses such as influenza, reducing the risk of infections (see studies on: 6, 7, 8, 9).

7. Improves oral health

Studies have concluded that the consumption of green tea together with good oral hygiene is associated with improved oral health and a lower risk of developing caries (see studies here: 10, 11, 12, 13).

Other studies have even concluded that consumption of green tea reduces bad breath.

8. Decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is related to high blood sugar levels, caused by insulin resistance or the body's inability to produce insulin.

One study concluded that green tea improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels. Another research found that people who consumed green tea had 42% less risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

A third study found that green tea prevents severe albumin loss in diabetic patients and can be used as an ally in the treatment of kidney disease associated with diabetes.

9. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease

A study concluded that green tea can improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Two other studies concluded that green tea improves the blood's antioxidant capacity. These factors are related and together promote cardiovascular health.