by Vivianne Ellis

Created on: March 16, 2009   Last Updated: March 18, 2009

The health benefits of drinking Green Tea are many and have been known for hundreds of years in both China and Japan. In the last 50 years the advantages of drinking Green Tea have also been proved scientifically and their therapeutic properties validated.

Chemical compounds in Green Tea called polyphenols - catechins and epigallocatechin -3- gallate (EGCG) when consumed daily can provide profound health benefits.

The catechins in GreenTea can provide protection against many diseases including weight gain, cognitive impairment, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar to name a few. Evidence has also shown that Green Tea can stimulate adipose tissue to burn stored fat. The daily consumption of Green Tea can significantly reduce body weight, waist circumference and body fat mass.

Theanine is an amino acid that is found in Green Tea and it is readily absorbed and enters the brain to enhance dopamine and increases alpha-brain wave activity which leads to a relaxed state of mind and nerve health.

Scientists have found that EGCG is 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times better than vitamin E at protecting cells and genetic material (DNA) from damage which can keep you looking and feeling younger as they are linked to the aging process.

Catechinsmay also prevent cardiovascular diseases by inhibiting LDL cholesterol from oxidative damage, reducing the inflammation thrombosis, improving your arteries, bringing your blood pressure back to normal and lessening the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Green Tea can also have other effects on your health such as increasing insulin activity, inhibiting bad bacteria and viruses, increasing your intestinal flora, improving your bone health and protecting the skin against UV rays if you drink it an hour before you are exposed to the sun. The advantages of drinking Green Tea seem to be almost unlimited.

Green Tea can be a pleasant ritual and you should aim to drink at least 3 cups a day in order to receive the full health benefits it can provide.
If you feel that 3 cups is more than you can manage, you can still obtain the health benefits of Green Tea in a tablet form if you prefer. You should make sure the tablet contains at least 345mg of catechins and be caffeine free for the best effect.
The advantages of drinking Green Tea are many but I much prefer to obtain mine with a hot cup while I sit on my porch and watch the world go by.

Learn more about this author, Vivianne Ellis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.