Green tea is being consumed by people since centuries, but it is only recently that its benefits are being brought widely into public notice. Green tea is healthier than other forms of tea, such as Oolong, because it does not go through the same drying and withering processes. Today, you will find green tea in almost every list of healthy eating habits, thanks to the fact that it is richer in antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of green tea to our health.
Pros of green tea
Here, let us find out what makes this herb such a great health supplement.
Prevents formation of cancer cells: Green tea is richer in antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables, which means that it helps in getting rid of all the harmful antioxidants that accumulate in our bodies. According to certain medical research conducted on rats, it has been found that rats that drink green tea for a long period run a lower risk of contracting cancer than rats that don’t. This is because green tea molecules destroy free radicals that destroy cells, and also block cells that have been damaged by tobacco and narcotics.
Helps in boosting metabolism: Healthy living advocates will wax poetic about the great benefits of green tea on the metabolism. Of course, the most obvious benefit of this is that it thus helps you lose those extra pounds. A cup of green tea right in the morning fires up your metabolism like nothing else, aiding in the digestion of good all day long.
Effects on cholesterol and pH: Green tea has catechins, which helps in lowering the presence of LDL or bad cholesterol in the body. This is good for the heart in the long run, and also lowers the risk of obesity-related illnesses such as cardiac problems, arthritis, and certain cancers. Apart from this, green tea also regulates the pH level in the body, thus lowering the risk of osteoporosis, acid reflux, kidney stones, and colorectal cancer.
Beauty benefits: As mentioned before, green tea is a great drink if you are watching your weight. Apart from its slimming qualities, it has other benefits too; drinking green tea on a regular basis leads to glowing skin, thanks to the presence of a huge number of antioxidants. Besides, it is also great for your dental hygiene; a cup of green tea each day considerably reduces the chances of tooth decay, thanks to the anti-microbial properties of the catechins.
Better brain functions: The catechins present in green tea helps in boosting memory, and also protect the brain cells from decay. As a result, drinking green tea regularly can reduce the chances of succumbing to degenerative neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Apart from this, green tea also contains a compound called theanine, which soothes the brain, thus helping you relax and reduce stress, which also contributes to degeneration of the brain.
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Cons of green tea
Like everything else in life, however, consumption of green tea does not come without its drawbacks. Here are some of the reasons why green tea must be taken in moderation.
Effects of tannin: Taking too much green tea every day can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which is caused because the tannin content in green tea cuts down on the body’s capacity to absorb iron and folic acid. Besides, the tannin can also lead to an increase in stomach acid which helps in digestion, but will also cause you to have stomach ache and acid reflux. This may also lead to stomach ulcers.
Over stimulation: The tannin content in green tea is lower than black tea. However, it may still pose a problem if you are sensitive to tannin or consume green tea in immoderate quantities. The stimulating effects of the tannin will pose difficulty in sleeping, which will in turn lead to irritability, anxiety, restlessness and fatigue.
Possible pregnancy issues: The ECGC present in green tea can cause harm to the baby if you drink green tea during pregnancy. While drinking in moderation is considered safe, it is still recommended to avoid this drink altogether during the nine months. Studies have shown that green tea consumption by the mother can lead to low birth weight and premature births. It is also recommended that green tea is avoided during the lactation period.
Conclusion:
Green tea is high up on the list of every advocate of healthy living. Its benefits are manifold, and there can be no doubt that drinking it in moderation each day can only make life better. There are drawbacks, but the benefits far outweigh them. All said and done, however, it is best to consult a physician in case discomfort presents itself. In all other cases, happy drinking!
Paul Lynne, Editor at ReviewMyThing, brings journalistic expertise to product reviews, offering concise insights across various categories. Passionate about empowering consumers, Paul’s analyses help readers make informed choices. Beyond work, he enjoys travel and gourmet coffee.