Wellness
Incredible Health Benefits of Herbal and Green Tea
Aug
The Incredible Health Benefits of Herbal and Green Tea in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine is well documented, and thought to assist in the cure of and recovery from many illnesses.
Legendary Japanese Zen priest Eisai wrote one of the oldest tea books, ‘Kissa Yojoki’ (Book of tea) – How to stay healthy by drinking tea (1191). This two volume book explains the health benefits of drinking green tea and its positive effect on the five vital organs, in particular the heart. It also explained the medicinal uses of tea including treating indigestion, preventing fatigue, boosting brain function, and acting as a stimulant. Eisai states ‘Tea is the ultimate mental and medical remedy and has the ability to make one’s life more full and complete’.
Rich in antioxidants
Over the last few decades, green tea has been subjected to numerous scientific studies to establish the extent of its long-purported health benefits. Scientists believe that green teas health benefits are due to its polyphenols, which are natural plant compounds found in high levels in green and white tea that act as potent antioxidants. These chemicals neutralize free radicals in the body that are associated with the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
There are a number of polyphenols found in tea including catechins (epigallocatechin gallate – EGCG, epicallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, epicatechin), theaflavins, tannis, and flavonoids. Catechins make up a majority of the pholypenols found in green tea, with the most active and most extensively studied being EGCG. EGCG, which is unique to white and green tea.
Tea also contains alkaloids including caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, that provide tea's stimulant effects, and L-theanine, an amino acid compound found in green and white tea, that has been studied for its calming effects on the nervous system.
Because white and green teas are treated gently and not over processed, they retain most of their beneficial antioxidants. White tea contains the same types of antioxidants as green tea, but in greater quantity. These antioxidants have been found to have many health promoting properties.
Cardiovascular health
Research shows that antioxidants found in green tea may help lower cholesterol levels and help protect against coronary heart disease and stroke. (1)
According to a Japanese study published in the JAMA, women who drank five or more cups of tea a day had a 31% reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, and a 42% lower risk of stroke. (2)
Cancer protection
Clinical studies have also linked green tea consumption to the prevention of a number of different types of cancer including breast, colon, lung, and stomach. (3)
Weight loss
Drinking green tea has also been shown to help encourage weight loss by increasing metabolism and fat burning. According to International Journal of Obesity (2000), green teas thermogenic effect is due to the synergistic effect of its caffeine content and catechins, which boosts metabolism.
Tea catechins, especially EGCG, seems to have and andtidiabetic and antiobesity action. (4)
Liver function
Green tea has also been found to have positive effect on liver health and may offer protection against liver disease. (5)
Oral health
Green tea consumption is also associated with better oral health. Researches discovered that polyphenols found in green tea can help protect against bacterial induced dental caries, bad breath and oral cancer. (6)
Bone density
Drinking green tea may also help improve your bone health by increasing bone mineral density. (7)
nice post, I really like to read these types of post. Tell me one thing,
Is there any difference between herbal tea or green tea?
Hello, Herbal teas or herbal tisanes are made from different herbs they can be flowers, leaves, barks, seeds or roots. They’re not considered a true tea as they don’t contain the tea leaves from the tea plant camellia sinensis.
I had no idea that drinking green tea could help reduce your risk of cancer! I have a family history of stomach cancer, so I am always looking for ways to help prevent it. I will definitely have to add more green tea to my diet if it really helps this much, thanks!
Wow, I never knew that green tea could improve the oral health especially that it fights bad breath and oral cancer. I am not a green tea fan, but the benefits that you’ve listed really made me want to start drinking green tea. You did a great job explaining the role of the said tea in our body when consumed. Thanks!
It was interesting to learn that drinking green tea may help improve your bone health by increasing bone mineral density. My mom is worried about developing osteoporosis, because she doesn’t like to drink milk. I think she could really benefit from drinking tea so that her overall health, as well as her bone health, can be improved.
I had no idea that herbal teas would help with cardiovascular health. I have a long family history of heart problems, so I wonder if I should start drinking more teas. I will definitely look into this so I can reduce my chance of stroke.
I didn’t know that you can lose weight using herbal teas. They are also more healthy for your teeth as well. It is better than getting your energy from soda or coffee that can stain.
Impressive, this is one of the most comprehensive articles that I have read on this website. You touched on the many health benefits of green tea and even showcased the many varieties out there