Green Tea Benefits: 10 Studies!

Ten scientific studies on Green tea benefits establish its health-promoting properties which were always known to people of China and Japan. Numerous scientific studies have explored its potential benefits for various aspects of health. In this section, we delve into the ten specific health benefits of regular consumption of green tea. All the green tea varieties, including the Matcha tea leaf, contain benefits.

List of 10 Green Tea Benefits with Scientific Studies

1. Rich in Antioxidants

First on the list of green tea benefits is the presence of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most potent catechin in green tea. The EGCG is a natural antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage and has disease-fighting properties. These antioxidants can neutralize harmful free radicals, which affect ageing and many diseases.

A study by Cabrera et al. (2006) highlights that green tea is rich in catechins like EGCG, which have potent antioxidant properties.

2. Weight Loss and Metabolic Rate

Green tea shots can increase the metabolic rate in the short term, potentially reducing body fat in the long term. A study by Dulloo et al. (1999), established that green tea extract significantly increased metabolism and fat oxidation by higher energy expenditure.

3. Cardiovascular Health

Regular green tea consumption is associated with lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol and increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Thus, it can prevent blood clotting in arteries, the primary cause of heart attacks.

Maron et al. (2003) published this finding in “Archives of Internal Medicine”.Further, a Japanese study published in “JAMA” in 2006 found that adults who consumed more than five cups of green tea daily may have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

4. Brain Health and Cognitive Function

The caffeine in green tea, while less than coffee, produces a response without causing the jittery effects associated with too much caffeine. It works along with L-theanine to improve brain function.

A study by Haskell et al. (2008) in “Biological Psychology” showed that combining L-theanine and caffeine in green tea can improve cognitive function and mood.

A review by Mandel et al. (2007) in “Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry” suggests that catechins in green tea have potential protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases.

5. Anticancer Properties

The catechins found in green tea have anti-cancer properties. For this reason, consuming green tea may prevent breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.

A meta-analysis by Sun et al. (2006), published in “Carcinogenesis,” found that green tea consumption might reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer.

6. Diabetes Management

Green tea consumption can help regulate glucose levels and insulin spikes. A study by Iso et al. (2006) in “Annals of Internal Medicine” suggests that daily consumption of green tea may protect people from the risk of type 2 diabetes.

7. Dental Health

The catechins in green tea also have biological effects on dental health. They can kill bacteria, improving dental health and lowering the risk of infection.

A study in the “Journal of Periodontology” (2009) reported that routine intake of green tea may also help promote healthy teeth and gums.

8. Longevity

The green tea consumption is associated with longevity. This could be attributed to the various health benefits that reduce the risk of common causes of death.

The Ohsaki National Health Insurance Cohort Study, a large-scale population-based study in Japan (published in JAMA in 2006), concluded a possible link between green tea consumption and reduced mortality.

9. Stress and Mental Well-being

A study by Unno et al. (2018) in “Nutrients” highlighted the relaxing effect of theanine in green tea on the mind, potentially reducing stress and anxiety. This is because of the presence of L-theanine, a kind of amino acid, in green tea, known for its calming effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

10. Skin Health

Green tea’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help protect the skin from damage and ageing.

 A study by Hsu (2005) in the “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” discusses the potential skin benefits of green tea, including anti-inflammatory properties.

The evidence supporting the green tea benefits on the health of a person is strong, making it a valuable addition to a health-conscious diet.