Be good to yourself with green tea
Beat the winter blues with a cup of green tea. It's rich in antioxidants, aids relaxation, and helps keep you hydrated - all in one cup!
If you're on a health kick don't ditch your cuppa. Try switching to green tea, it contains less caffeine than black tea and it could have some very positive health benefits. Still need convincing? Here are 6 reasons why you should give green tea a chance:
1. Heart health
Antioxidants are chemical substances that are present in certain foods and beverages; they play a crucial role in protecting your body from oxidative stress and reducing the damage of cells. You'll find them in tea, dark chocolate, fruits and vegetables.
The intake of antioxidant flavonoids has been related to lowering the risk of heart disease. Research shows that antioxidant flavonoids from tea might be capable of lowering the bad cholesterol responsible. More than 50 studies now convincingly show that the antioxidant activity of flavonoids present in tea is likely to provide modest protection against cardiovascular disease.
2. Beautiful bones
Most foods are poor sources of fluoride, even when grown in fluoride rich soils. In contrast it has long been accepted that tea is an important source of fluoride which benefits bone and oral health.
Osteoporosis, or low bone mineral density (BMD), is the single most important known risk factor for fractures in older women. Tea is thought to protect against BMD because it contains flavonoid antioxidants and fluoride which could reduce osteoporotic progression.
3. Oral delight
Research suggests that tea consumption reduces dental decay in humans. Many studies have demonstrated that green tea exhibits properties that may reduce the damage caused by tooth decay. Studies have shown that high fluoride content of green tea aids the enamel hardening and the support of re-mineralization of teeth. It has been suggested that there are many organic components of tea that work in combination with fluoride to enhance acid resistance of tooth enamel.
4. Mind and relaxation
Historically and universally, the consumption of both black and green tea has been associated with relaxation and refreshment. The main substance responsible for a sense of relaxation is theanine.
According to recent studies, some dietary components of tea especially amino acid L-theanine have an impact on brain activity and have positive effects on psychological outcome, including enhanced cognitive performance and psychological well-being.
5. Skin care
In recent years, many studies have suggested that green tea possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects. The antioxidant flavonoids present in tea could help prevent or slow skin disorders. It has been found that green tea polyphenols could reduce UV damage and skin irritation.
6. Weight management
Tea components can assist with the calorie burn. Green tea has thermogenic properties that promote oxidation of fats beyond its caffeine content alone. The interaction between green tea catechins and caffeine stimulates prolonged thermogenesis and could provide a natural substance for the management of obesity.
The British Dietetic Association also advise that drinking tea contributes towards the 8 glasses of fluid we need a day. Thought tea was a diuretic? The amount of caffeine in a cup of tea is so low that that it actually hydrates you.
See also:
Comments