Green tea really is a superfood extraordinaire. Thanks to a potent
plant nutrient called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, green tea is
proving that food (or beverage, in this case) really is the best
medicine. I wrote an article a few years ago about the benefits of
green tea but plenty of exciting hot-off-the-press research means there
are more reasons than ever to start drinking green tea. Here are 13
reasons to start drinking greet tea today or to keep drinking it if
you’re already hooked:
1. It prevents cholesterol build-up in arteries and helps prevent
cardiovascular disease. According to research released earlier this
month in the
Journal of Biological Chemistry, EGCG helps prevent fat buildup in the arteries.
Read more:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/13-reasons-to-drink-green-tea.html#ixzz2qbGhpSvc2. In another new study published in the
Journal of Applied Oral Science,
scientists tested the effects of EGCG against bacteria found in the
mouth called Streptococcus mutans and found it to be effective. The
former used EGCG in dental materials but drinking green tea should have
similar inhibitory effects. Other research in the
Archives of Oral Biology confirms the antibacterial effect on harmful dental bacteria.
3. It helps slow breast cancer growth. New research published last month in the journal
Experimental Cell Research found that EGCG inhibited cancer cell metabolism in breast tumors.
4. It helps to protect the skin against UV damage, according to new research in the journal
Pharmaceutical Development and Technology.
5. Green tea is an overall fat buster extraordinaire. EGCG increases the rate at which fat is burned in your body.
6. It burns up belly fat. Research at Tufts University indicates
that EGCG in green tea, like other catechins, activate fat-burning genes
in the abdomen to speed weight loss by 77 percent.
7. It keeps energy stable by balancing blood sugar levels. EGCG
improves insulin use in the body to prevent blood sugar spikes and
crashes that can result in fatigue, irritability, and cravings for
unhealthy foods.
Read more:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/13-reasons-to-drink-green-tea.html#ixzz2qbGpFNRS8. Research shows it may be helpful against lung cancer. In an April 2010 study published in
Cancer Prevention Research, EGCG was found to suppress lung cancer cell growth.
9. It may halt colorectal cancer. In numerous studies including one in the September 2012
Oncology Letters, EGCG prevents and inhibits colorectal cancers.
10. In research it appears to cause prostate cancer cells to commit suicide. A March 2010 study in
Cancer Science indicated that EGCG aids the body by killing prostate cancer cells.
11. It may prevent skin damage and wrinkling. EGCG appears to be
200 times more powerful than vitamin E at destroying skin-damaging free
radicals. Free radicals react with healthy cells in the body, causing
damage so lessening their numbers may help reduce wrinkling and other
signs of aging.
12. It contains a potent antioxidant that kills free radicals.
Because it is a potent antioxidant it can positively impact a lot more
than skin cells. Free radicals are increasingly linked to many serious
chronic illnesses like arthritis,
diabetes, and cancer.
13. It tastes good. If you’re not wild about the flavor, try a few
different kinds. Try it iced or hot. Add some of the natural herb stevia
to sweeten it if you want a sweeter drink. I wasn’t crazy about green
tea the first few times I tried it, but now I love it with a fresh
squeeze of lemon and a few drops of stevia over ice—voila! Green tea
lemonade. Mmmmm. Even green tea haters love this drink.
How to Benefit from Green Tea
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