4 Health Benefits Of Green Tea, According To Experts

Due to the beneficial compounds and antioxidants it contains, green tea can provide a number of health benefits.

Helps protect the heart

"Green tea contains catechins, a type of flavonoid with powerful antioxidant properties," says Sam Schlager, a functional medicine dietitian in Elkhorn, Wis., and founder of the Simply Nourished nutrition practice. "These catechins help reduce plaque build-up in the arteries, lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol and improve blood lipid profiles, ultimately reducing the risk of heart disease."

These heart health benefits are also supported by research. According to a 2016 review of nine studies, people who drank one to three cups of green tea a day had a lower risk of stroke and heart attack. Also, people who drank at least 10 cups a day had lower LDL cholesterol levels than those who drank less than three cups a day. Similarly, a 2023 analysis of seven studies found that green tea consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.

It can support weight loss

Green tea contains compounds like caffeine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which can boost metabolism and help break down fat cells, explains Amy Shapiro, registered dietitian and founder of Real Nutrition NYC. "Caffeine is a stimulant that helps burn fat and enhance exercise," Shapiro continues. "It increases the effect of certain fat-burning hormones, such as norepinephrine, which tells fat cells to release fat into the bloodstream so it can be used as energy rather than stored."

A 2020 study found a link between green tea consumption and lower body weight, body mass index (BMI), and belly fat in obese people. Additionally, another study concluded that green tea consumption may promote weight loss in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), although the researchers note that the exact dose of green tea needed for this weight loss has not been determined.

It can improve brain health

"Green tea contains caffeine, which improves alertness, concentration and memory," says Schlager. "There's also an amino acid called L-theanine that promotes relaxation and increases the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which leads to better brain function," he said.

According to a study in Phytomedicine , green tea can provide a number of benefits for the brain, including reducing anxiety, improving memory and increasing concentration. Although more research is needed, another study suggests that certain compounds in green tea may play a role in treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. types of brain proteins.

It can help stabilize blood sugar levels

Some studies show that green tea can help keep blood sugar levels stable. This may be due to the EGCG content, which, Shapiro explains, "seems to prevent the breakdown of starch that causes blood sugar spikes."

In short-term studies, green tea consumption has been shown to lower fasting blood sugar levels. However, more research is needed as other studies have shown that green tea does not affect blood sugar or insulin levels in the long term.

Create a wellness ritual with tea

Magic Hour Organic Ceremonial Matcha contains L-theanine, which improves concentration and memory and lowers bad cholesterol levels in the body. Make the perfect cup of matcha from Japan's Kansai region.

Why is green tea recommended by every specialist? #Shorts are #skinny