10 Reasons Why Green Tea Is Called a "Super Food"!

"Green Tea" is one of the most searched terms on the internet. Its popularity is so huge that millions of websites target this ingredient to earn good rankings. But what is so special about this ingredient that even celebs and health experts repeatedly mention its benefits? Well, Green tea is made from the dried leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant without undergoing the oxidation process.

This lack of further processing makes green tea so special! The unoxidized leaves contain high amounts of antioxidants and polyphenols which offer protective benefits to the body.

In this article, we shall learn 10 best benefits of green tea, and how to prepare green tea at home.

10 Best Benefits of Green Tea for Our Body:

Let us now understand the top advantages of drinking green tea daily:

1. Supports Weight Loss:

Most weight loss diet programs have green tea as a staple ingredient. The reason? Green tea contains caffeine, which can stimulate your digestive system naturally and help you burn fat at a much faster rate. The high amounts of antioxidants and catechins present in this beverage can speed up the metabolic rate and melt the abdominal fat. Try to have one cup of green tea with lemon an hour before your workout to attain good results.

2. Reduces Blood Sugar Levels:

Many studies show that green tea can bring down elevated blood sugar levels in Type-2 Diabetes patients. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of green tea offer protection from inflammation and cellular damage, which lead to insulin imbalance. The catechins in green tea can also decrease insulin resistance and increase insulin sensitivity to better manage diabetes. Have 1 to 2 cups of unsweetened green tea after meals for better benefits.

3. Lowers Bad Cholesterols:

Green tea, when had in conjunction with a healthy diet,can significantly reduce LDL or bad cholesterol levels in the body. Certain types of Catechins present in green tea are considered responsible for these cholesterol-lowering benefits. That's not all! A compound called EGCG in green tea can clear plaque build up in the arteries. Regular consumption of green tea along with taking up some physical activity, can lower the risk of heart problems.

4. Keeps Cancers at Bay:

Cancers are caused by the cells of the body undergo inflammation due to oxidative stress. One way to checkmate this dangerous condition is by increasing your intake of antioxidant foods like green tea. Green tea contains many powerful antioxidants like gallic acid, p-coumaroylquinic acid etc. which fight free radicals that damage your cells. Have one or two cups of Green tea everyday to minimize the risk of Cancers.

5. Boosts Brain Function:

Green tea can improve your memory and overall cognitive and thinking skills. It is partly because of Caffeine, a nerve stimulant and mostly because of an amino acid called L-theanine that can boost your brainpower. The antioxidants in green tea can also prevent many neurodegenerative disorders like Alzhemier's and Parkinson's. While research says that Green tea extracts are quite effective in sharpening your brain, regular consumption of 1 or 2 cups a day of this beverage may also have similar effects.

6. Has Anti-Depressant Effects:

If you are experiencing symptoms of chronic stress, anxiety and depression, green tea may help you fight them. This tea is known to have mood-altering properties which can relax your nerves and calm you down. L-Theanine, an amino acid present in green tea is known to be responsible for this anti-anxiety effect. Combine green tea with other relaxing ingredients like Tulsi, Chamomile, Peppermint etc. can double the benefits.

7. Strengthens Your Immune System:

Green tea contains high amounts of phenolic compounds which strengthen your natural immune system. They also have powerful anti-microbial properties to combat disease-causing pathogens and safeguard your body from infections. Drinking a cup or two of warm green tea with lemon, ginger, honey, tulsi etc. can minimize the frequency of seasonal flus and viral attacks.

8. Treats Oily and Acne-Prone Skin:

If your skin is excessively oily, greasy and prone to frequent breakouts, then green tea can be the perfect skincare solution. A compound called EGCG present in Green tea is known to control the secretion of excess sebum in the skin cells and prevent bacterial growth that causes pimples. Along with drinking green tea, you can also apply this solution with a cotton ball to get a clean and blemish-free skin naturally.

9. Fights Signs of Skin-Aging:

Premature signs of aging like wrinkles, finelines etc. are caused when free radicals attack the skin cells and accelerate the aging process. Green tea, with its powerful anti-oxidant profile, can scavenge these molecules to prevent them from damaging your skin. That's not all! Green tea can also reduce the symptoms of photodamage on skin like burns, loss of elasticity etc. with its anti-inflammatory properties. So, drinking a cup of green tea daily can help you maintain bouncy and elastic skin.

10. Prevents Hair Loss:

Green tea can reduce the risk of hair fall caused due to DHT blockage, with the help of EGCG present in it. This compound can also stimulate new hair growth even in dormant follicles with regular topical application of green tea extract. The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties can reduce inflammatory scalp disorders like dandruff, psoriasis etc. and prevent loss of hair. For strong and shinier hair, you can use green tea solution as a final hair rinse and let it dry naturally.

How to Make Green At Home?

Green tea is traditionally made by pouring hot water on fresh tea leaves and infusing them. However, if you are at workplace, straining the leaves can be cumbersome. You can use instant bags to prepare a cup of green tea:

Ingredients:

- Green tea Bag – 1
- Hot Water – 1 Cup

Procedure:

- Pour hot water in a cup
- Insert the green tea bag and let it seep for 2-3 minutes
- Once the water changes its color, remove the bag
- Serve the tea hot

NOTE: In summers, you can chill this beverage in a refrigerator and consume it as a tasty iced green tea.

How to Make Green Tea Taste Good?

Not everyone can enjoy green tea in its original form. Natural green tea is bitter, tasteless and has a typical raw odour. You can mask the smell and taste by adding ingredients like honey, lemon juice, peppermint, dry tulsi leaves, ginger etc.

Side Effects of Green Tea:

Here are some of the common side effects of consuming green tea inexcess:

- Burning sensation in stomach
- Acid refluxes
- Loose stools
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Sleeping disorders
- Kidney problems

Now, did you understand the reasons behind the huge popularity of green tea? With so many benefits to offer, green tea can be easily labeled as a "superfood". So, stick to the recommended quantity of 1-2 cups a day and you are on the way to enjoy good health, beautiful skin and a glossy mane!