What are the Health Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea has been reported to have multiple health benefits, helping to strengthen the immune system and cleansing the body from toxic and harmful substances. In China, green tea has been used to cure many ailments for more than 4000 years. The benefits of drinking green tea have been recently rediscovered by the Western world.
A number of scientific studies have confirmed that green tea lowers the level of cholesterol and improves the ratio of good to bad cholesterol. Green tea helps to build the immune system and is especially beneficial for persons with impaired immune function. It is established that having a healthy immune system is crucial for reducing the risk of heart diseases, cancer, and other serious medical conditions. Green tea also contains anti-oxidants which are known as polyphenols. They are also found in foods such as peanuts, olive oil, vegetables, and red wine. Polyphenols cleanse the body from free radicals accumulated in the system due to pollution, various chemicals, and stress. Moreover, anti-oxidants work to reduce the aging of cells and lower the risk of heart diseases, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Although other types of teas also contain antioxidants, green and white teas contain the highest amount. Black, oolong, green and white tea come from a bush called Camellia sinensis. However, the tea leaves are processed in different ways, resulting in different concentration of antioxidants. Green tea is produced from freshly harvested leaves which are either pan-fried or rapidly steamed. The minimal processing of the leaves helps to preserve a larger amount of antioxidants.
Green tea destroys bacteria which causes dental plague to accumulate in the mouth cavity. In this way, it is beneficial in preventing tooth decay. Found in green tea, fluoride strengthens both, the gum and the teeth. A mixture of spring water and brewed tea makes an effective homemade mouthwash recipe.
Research has demonstrated that green tea speeds up the rate of metabolism and increases fat oxidation. Because of its weight loss properties, this tea has been included in a green tea diet (as a part of effective weight loss program). Extracts from green tea are also included in a variety of fat burning supplements which boost metabolism rate without increasing the heart rate.
Green tea is also effective in the area of skin care, particularly in alleviating the symptoms of acne and eczema. When used in a combination with sunscreen, green tea enhances sun protection. It is best to apply green tea extract or formula under the sunscreen. Green tea may be combined with a zinc based oxide sunscreen which does not react with the plant extract. Due to the presence of antioxidants, green tea is also effective in slowing down the process of aging. A study has demonstrated the effectiveness of green tea in improving the elasticity of skin tissues.
Those who are willing to exert some extra effort may try the following green tea skin care recipes. You can freeze brewed tea in the form of ice cubes and after letting them thaw, you can use them instead of a toner. Do not apply them right out of the fridge because you risk getting a freeze burn. You can also use teabags as an effective alternative to eye creams and eye masks. The polypenols found in green tea absorb toxins from the skin and provide additional moisture. All you have to do is soak teabags in cold water and place them over your eyes. You can also make a facial mask by brewing a pot of tea and mixing three tablespoons of the cooled tea with three to four tablespoons of rice flour. Apply the mask and leave it for fifteen minutes. Rinse with plenty of water, apply moisturizer, and enjoy the results.