The health benefits of green tea have been believed for a long time. In fact, green tea is touted as one of the healthiest beverages in the world and is believed to be able to prevent various types of diseases. Not only that, there are many other benefits of green tea that you can get.
Green tea comes from plant leaves Camellia sinensis. This drink has been used in Japanese and Chinese medicine for centuries. Green tea processing is shorter than other types of tea, such as black tea, so that the nutritional and antioxidant content in it is still maintained.
Green Tea Nutrient Content
In 100 grams of green tea, there are various nutrients as follows:
- 1 kcal of energy
- 0.2 grams of protein
- 1 milligram of magnesium
- 8 milligrams of potassium
- 12 milligrams of caffeine
In addition, green tea also contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer which are good for maintaining a healthy body. This drink is also good for toddlers and children to consume when they are tired of drinking water.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that are useful in fighting free radicals that enter the body. Excess exposure to free radicals can damage body cells, causing premature aging and dangerous diseases such as cancer.
One of the antioxidants in green tea is catechins. Catechin compounds play an important role in stopping the damage to body cells. If consumed regularly, green tea can provide many health benefits, such as:
1. Prevent heart disease and stroke
Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death in the world. A study shows that consumption of green tea can lower total cholesterol and bad cholesterol (LDL).
In addition, green tea also contains phenolic acids, which can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
2. Inhibit the growth of cancer cells
Polyphenols are one of the antioxidants contained in green tea. This compound can inhibit the growth of various types of cancer cells, such as skin cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, and breast cancer.
However, further and thorough research is still needed to ensure the effectiveness of green tea in preventing cancer.
3. Prevent diabetes
A study shows that green tea can improve insulin performance and reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics. Therefore, green tea is safe for consumption by people suffering from diabetes.
4. Lose weight
A clinical trial shows that green tea is beneficial in increasing the body's metabolism and burning fat, especially fat in the abdomen. However, the benefits of green tea for weight loss do not apply to adults who are obese.
5. Mestabilize blood pressure
Green tea is known to relax the muscles in the blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. In addition, the polyphenol content in it is also able to lower blood pressure in the body.
In addition to some of the benefits above, green tea is also believed to be able to repair damaged skin, reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, maintain brain health, and reduce anxiety. However, further research is still needed to prove the effectiveness of green tea for general health.
You can get the maximum benefits of green tea, when consumed regularly and not excessively. However, in order to maintain a healthy body, you still have to adopt a healthy lifestyle, namely by eating nutritious foods, getting enough rest time, and exercising regularly.
If you are taking medication or supplements, you should first consult with your doctor before drinking green tea. This is because green tea can cause interactions with certain drugs or supplements.