We're so keen about green (...tea, that is)

The hype surrounding green tea seems to be growing by the minute. This little plant is finding itself in cheesecake & cocktails, shampoos & face masks, and not to mention breath mints & snack bars. But what's so great about green tea, anyway? Quite a lot, actually.

For centuries, green tea has been touted for its healing properties. Although it comes from the same plant as black and oolong tea (Camellia sinensis), the processing method of green tea results in considerably more health-boosting antioxidants, and only about half the caffeine content. Recent medical studies have validated some of these benefits, while many others are continuously being confirmed. Possible green tea health benefits include:

Heart Health
~May decrease high blood pressure
~Possibly prevents heart disease by reducing the risk of heart attack & atherosclerosis
~Has been shown to lower bad cholesterol

Oral Health
~Antibacterial properties of green tea fight root causes of bad breath
~May prevent tooth decay (cavities)
~Helps fight against gum disease
~Associated with prevention of dental plaque

Weight Control/Fitness
~Green tea extract raises metabolism, but not heart rate (unlike caffeinated coffee)
~Has been shown to boost metabolic rate, thus possibly promoting weight loss
~May protect athletes from free radical damage after resistance (weight-bearing) exercises
~Has been shown to help burn more fat when taken before workouts

Mental Health
~Helps maintain cognitive ability with age
~May alleviate headaches
~Possibly protects against memory loss
~Associated with improved attention & focus
~May protect against/reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Skin Health
~May aid in treatment of acne
~May aid in treatment of rosacea
~Protects against skin aging by reducing/preventing inflammation from excessive sun exposure

Daily Life
~Has been shown to offset physical and mental fatigue that results from modern work life
~L-theanine (amino acid) in green tea may alleviate stress & anxiety
~May protect against pollen allergies

Disease Prevention
~May combat Type 2 Diabetes
~May treat and prevent male-pattern baldness
~Helps fight rheumatoid arthritis
~Possibly guards against multiple sclerosis
~May prevent damage to the brain caused by sleep apnea (nightly respiratory problems)
~Reduces risk of biliary (intestinal) stones
~Helps treat bursitis and aching joints
~Has been shown to improve bone health
~May help to prevent osteoporosis

Immune Support
~Boosts immunity through Vitamins C & E
~Makes antibiotics up to 3X more effective
~Helps fight infections
~May aid in digestion
~Effective against resistant superbug viruses
~May protect against respiratory infections
~May prevent food poisoning
~Prevents symptoms of ascorbic acid deficiency
~EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate, a type of catechin) is said to be 200 times more powerful than Vitamin E’s antioxidant properties
~EGCG may fight against HIV

Cancer Prevention
~Green tea antioxidants fight damaging free radicals, which may lead to cancer
~Has been shown to slow the growth of tumors
~May protect against multiple types of cancer: prostate, breast, skin, bladder, pancreatic, ovarian, esophageal, liver, colon, rectum, stomach, and gallbladder.

To maximize these benefits, green tea is best consumed with citrus, as in the form of a fresh lemon or orange squeezed directly into your cup. Adding vitamin C to green tea has been shown to improve antioxidant absorption up to 13 times, compared to drinking plain green tea.

(Health Disclaimer: These statements are for informational purposes only. Sencha Naturals does not make the claim that green tea prevents or treats disease. Readers are advised to consult with a medical professional before undertaking new dietary regimens.)