A popular hot drink costing just four pence could help lower levels of cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Studies have shown that drinking green tea regularly could improve your cardiovascular health.
High cholesterol is a potentially dangerous condition that occurs when you have too much of a fatty substance known as cholesterol in your blood. This can build up in the blood vessels, causing blockages.
As a result it can be difficult for blood to flow properly through the arteries and high cholesterol is therefore a major risk factor for medical emergencies such as strokes and heart attacks. Luckily, there are steps we can take to help reduce our cholesterol.
Diet is a contributing factor when it comes to our cholesterol, with some foods and drinks known to raise it and others to lower it. A study, published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association in 2011, found that polyphenols known as catechins found in green tea led to a “significant” reduction in both total and “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol).
A scientific study from 2020 came to a similar conclusion. The meta-analysis, which was published in Nutrition Journal , looked at the impact of green tea on more than 3,000 people. Source: Visit website
Green tea has been consumed for centuries and is known for its numerous health benefits. From weight loss to improved brain function, green tea is a powerhouse of nutrition that can positively impact your overall well-being.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
One of the key benefits of green tea is its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. The catechins in green tea are powerful antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. In fact, green tea is packed with polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and fight cancer cells.
Boosts Metabolism and Aids in Weight Loss
Green tea is often touted for its ability to boost metabolism and aid in weight loss. The catechins in green tea have been shown to increase fat burning and improve insulin sensitivity. Studies have shown that drinking green tea can help increase the body's ability to burn fat, leading to weight loss over time. Additionally, green tea contains caffeine, which can also help improve physical performance by mobilizing fatty acids from the fat tissues and making them available for energy.
Improves Brain Function and Reduces the Risk of Alzheimer's
Green tea is not only beneficial for the body but also for the brain. The caffeine and amino acid L-theanine in green tea can have synergistic effects that improve brain function. L-theanine has anti-anxiety effects and increases the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which has anti-anxiety effects. Furthermore, green tea has been shown to improve memory, focus, and mood. Some studies suggest that the catechins in green tea may also help protect the brain from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
