Content
Green tea is a drink produced from the leaf of the Camellia sinensis, which is rich in phenolic compounds, which act as antioxidants, and nutrients that provide several health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of various diseases.
The presence of flavonoids and catechins guarantee the properties of green tea, such as antioxidant, antimutagenic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral effects, as well as properties that prevent cancer. This tea can be found in the form of soluble powder, capsules or tea bags, and can be purchased in supermarkets, online stores or natural products.
The main benefits of green tea for the body are:
1. Prevents various types of cancer
Regular consumption of green tea can prevent some types of cancer, mainly prostate, gastrointestinal, breast, lung, ovarian and bladder cancer, since it is rich in antioxidants that prevent cell damage produced by free radicals, preventing growth of cancer cells and functioning as a chemoprotective substance.
2. Favors weight loss
Weight loss is possible due to the presence of several bioactive compounds, such as caffeine, catechins and polyphenols, which, when ingested regularly, could favor weight loss and decrease abdominal circumference.
Some studies indicate that green tea helps to speed up metabolism, causing the body to spend more energy, in addition to facilitating digestion, regulating the intestine and combating fluid retention, however scientific studies are not conclusive regarding this benefit .
3. Slows cell aging
Green tea has a large amount of antioxidants that prevent the aging of cells, as they fight free radicals, keeping the skin hydrated and looking healthy, in addition to preventing the formation of wrinkles.
4. Prevents heart disease
This tea helps to regulate cholesterol levels, mainly the bad cholesterol, LDL, due to its antioxidant power. In addition, it inhibits the formation of blood clots and decreases the risk of thrombosis and, in turn, that of heart attack and stroke.
5. Prevents infections
This plant has antimicrobial properties that help fight bacteria and viruses, preventing the appearance of diseases such as colds and flu caused by the Influenza A and B viruses.
6. Improves mouth health
Because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, green tea can prevent the formation of cavities and inflammation of the gums, decreasing the risk of developing periodontitis. In addition, it also controls bad breath.
7. Helps regulate sugar levels
Due to the antioxidant action of catechins that green tea has, it is possible to decrease oxidative stress and improve insulin resistance and, consequently, regulate sugar levels. Thus, the consumption of this tea can be considered an excellent option both to prevent diabetes and to help with treatment.
8. Help in controlling blood pressure
Green tea, in addition to being a diuretic, has catechins, a bioactive compound with antioxidant properties that could help relax blood vessels and, consequently, regulate blood pressure.
9. Can improve performance during exercise
According to some studies, the consumption of green tea regularly helps to improve performance in resistance exercises, in addition to also stimulating the use of fat by the body to generate energy and increase caloric expenditure.
How to prepare green tea
Green tea can be prepared alone or combined with lemon and mint leaves, for example, and this helps to disguise the bitter taste characteristic of green tea, making it easier to drink throughout the day.
Green tea with lemon help to lose weight because combining green tea with lemon increases the detoxifying power of the body facilitating weight loss and strengthening the immune system. To make green tea with lemon is very simple:
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of green tea
- Juice of half a lemon
Preparation mode
Add the green tea leaves to the boiled water and let stand for 10 minutes. Strain, add lemon juice and drink.
How to take
To have all the benefits of green tea, 3 to 4 cups a day should be taken. In the case of capsules, it is recommended to take 1 capsule of green tea 30 minutes after meals 2 to 3 times a day according to the advice of the doctor or nutritionist. Green tea should be consumed between meals, as it reduces the absorption of minerals such as iron and calcium.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, daily intake should not exceed 1 to 2 cups a day, as it can increase your heart rate.
Possible side effects
It is important not to consume more than the recommended amount per day because it can cause insomnia, irritability, nausea, acidity, vomiting, tachycardia and increased heart rate, for example. In addition, it can interfere with iron absorption.
Contraindications
Green tea should be taken with caution by people who have thyroid problems, as some studies indicate that green tea could alter its functioning, so it is important to consult a doctor. People who have insomnia should also avoid drinking tea, as it contains caffeine, which can interfere with sleep.
It should also be avoided by people with kidney failure, anemia, gastric ulcers and gastritis, as well as by people who use anticoagulant drugs.