Tea is made from the leaves of a plant called camellia sinensis. It is consumed all over the world as black tea, green tea or oolong tea. The tea plant is grown in about forty countries. However, a significant part of tea production takes place in China, Japan, Sri Lanka, India and African countries. Green tea is obtained when the tea plant is steamed. Green tea has been enjoyed for centuries. Among all teas, the most positive effects on human health were observed in green tea. In recent years, it has attracted a lot of attention from scientists. The benefits of green tea are endless. Green tea has long been used for medicinal purposes in China and Japan.
What are the Benefits of Green Tea?
Tea is a widely consumed beverage all over the world. It has been reported that green tea has beneficial effects on many different types of cancer, heart diseases and liver diseases. The health benefits of green tea are due to its catechin content. Catechins are antioxidant compounds. Catechins make up 30% of the dry weight of green tea. What is green tea good for? Let's take a look:
- Antioxidant effect: As a result of oxidative processes in the body, free oxygen radicals are released. These substances cause tissue damage and cell aging. The catechins in green tea have an antioxidant effect by reducing the effect of free oxygen radicals.
- Anticarcinogenic effect: Studies have shown that green tea consumption has a protective effect against various types of cancer. Green tea is thought to prevent DNA damage through the polyphenols it contains. Observations show that breast cancer is 20-30% less common in women who consume green tea more frequently. Studies are continuing on whether green tea reduces the risk of cancer.
- Benefits on heart health: Cardiovascular diseases; It is a group of diseases with many types such as coronary heart diseases, rheumatic heart diseases, heart rhythm disorders, heart diseases with high blood pressure, peripheral vascular diseases. Heart diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. in general Drinking white tea is thought to reduce the risk of heart disease. The protective effect of green tea from heart diseases is due to the flavonoids in its content, which is an antioxidant. Studies have shown that green tea lowers LDL cholesterol, reduces the risk of blood clots and cholesterol absorption from the body. Observations showed that those who regularly consumed green tea had fewer strokes. In addition, it has been observed that the tannin substance in the tea has a blood pressure lowering effect.
- Effect on weight loss: Obesity and related health problems are one of the most important problems of our age. Caffeine and catechins in green tea are thought to act synergistically, accelerating metabolism and increasing fat burning. The low level of metabolism of liver fatty acid with oxygen increases appetite. It is thought that the catechins in green tea may have a reducing effect on appetite by increasing fatty acid oxidation. Research on this subject continues.
- The effect on diabetes (diabetes): The incidence of diabetes is increasing rapidly today. The change in eating habits and the increase in body mass index play a major role in this. It is thought that there is an inverse relationship between green tea consumption and the risk of diabetes. While some studies have shown that green tea has a blood sugar lowering effect, some studies have shown that green tea catechins reduce plasma insulin and triglyceride levels, but do not affect plasma glucose levels. Green tea is thought to reduce the absorption of dietary sugar.
- Reducing inflammation in the body: Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties. It has been observed that the application of creams containing green tea to the skin has a healing effect.
- Antibacterial and antiviral effect: Studies have shown that green tea reduces the growth of E.Coli bacteria that cause diarrhea. It has been observed that helicobacter pylori, known as a stomach microbe, is less common in green tea drinkers. In addition, green tea, cholera, typhoid, candida and mycoplasma micr. It is also thought to be effective against ops. It is thought that green tea has a prebiotic effect, so it provides comfortable defecation. MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics. Studies show that green tea can be effective in the fight against MRSA.
- Effect on oral health: Green tea reduces the formation of plaque by preventing the growth of plaque bacteria in the mouth and prevents bad breath. Green tea contains some fluoride, a substance that maintains dental health.
- Effect on Neurological Diseases: The frequency of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's is increasing day by day. It is thought that the prophenol components in green tea may be beneficial in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's patients. It has also been observed that the elderly who consume green tea regularly show less depressive symptoms. Among the claims that the tannin substance in green tea has an anti-stress effect.
- Effect of green tea on bone health: Insufficient vitamin D level, early menstruation, insufficient physical activity, genetic characteristics and Unhealthy diet negatively affects bone health. Knowing the risk factors affecting bone health facilitates taking protective and preventive measures. Nutrition is a controllable factor for bone health. Recently, green tea has been emphasized in a diet that protects bone health. Green tea is thought to positively affect bone health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Bone density decreases in women during menopause. It is thought that the bone formation process is positively affected in women who use green tea regularly during this period. It has been determined that an increase in serum vitamin D level is among the benefits of drinking green tea.
- The effect of increasing mental alertness: Green tea is a natural stimulant due to its caffeine content. When people feel tired, green tea relieves fatigue and gives vigor. The caffeine in green tea is lower than in coffee. Green tea is also effective in increasing concentration. Green tea contains L-theanine. This substance sends signals to brain neurons. It helps to relax in the body.
- Effects on aging: Green tea reduces oxidative stress in the body due to the antioxidants it contains. In this way, it delays cell aging. It is thought that those who consume green tea regularly may live longer. It also prevents cell death called apoptosis. The use of creams containing green tea increases the elasticity of the skin.
Is Green Tea Harmful?
Although green tea is known to have many benefits, it can have harmful effects above a certain dose. Consuming large amounts of green tea can cause damage to liver cells. In some animal experiments, it has been observed that high doses of green tea cause DNA damage in pancreatic and liver cells. It has also been observed that using green tea for a long time and in high doses may cause the development of goiter in animals. Although green tea has positive effects on heart health, it should be used with caution by heart patients. Those with heart rhythm disorders should avoid high-dose green tea consumption.
How to Consume Green Tea?
The question of "How to drink green tea?" is frequently asked. Sources report that you can drink up to 3 cups of green tea per day. Pregnant women should not drink more than one or two glasses a day. Excess green tea can increase heart rate. Also, in a pregnant woman, caffeine can pass to the baby and affect the baby. Liver damage has been reported in some people taking green tea as a pill. Such products should not be used uncontrolled without consulting a doctor. Another issue to be considered is the quality of green tea and the choice of reliable products.
We wish you a healthy day.
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