Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world. Majority of the population is green tea lover. Almost all types of tea are brewed from the dried leaves of Camellia sinesis, an evergreen shrub. The most common categories of tea consumed today are green, white, oolong, black, etc. Green tea has become the raw material for extracts used in various beverages, health foods, dietary supplements and cosmetic items. The Tea Board of India summarized the findings about Green Tea and has thus provided the following health benefits of Green Tea:
- Reduces unwanted cholesterol by the action of caffeine with flavonoids by increasing the rate at which calories are burnt in the blood.
- Controls blood pressure and therefore reduces the risk of hypertension.
- Burns excess calories, reduces fats and is an excellent recipe to fight obesity.
- Decreases the risk of developing heart diseases, stroke and quickens recovery of heart cells.
- Acts as a diuretic, aids the kidney action and prevents stone formation and constipation.
- Improves lipid and glucose metabolism and prevents sharp increase in blood sugar level.
- Prevents cell damages in the brain and reduces the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
- Provides good source of antioxidants for speedy recovery from wounds and skin injury.
- Acts as an antidotal to stress and headache.
- Balances body fluid level and prevents dullness.
- Increases memory power.
- The antioxidants fight against free radicals and reduces the effect of ageing on skin, wrinkles, skin burn, prevents acne and relieves allergies.
- The Epigallo Catechin Gallate(EGCG) present in green tea protects cell from damage linked to various cancers- stomach, prostrate, esophagenal, skin cancer, adult leukemia, etc.
- Natural source of vitamins and minerals and therefore strengthens the bones and the teeth
- Protects tooth decay and bad breath by inhibiting plague formation and provides natural fluoride.
- Reduces damages to liver due to smoking and alcohol consumption.
Editor: Payal Chordiya
