A new study is adding to green tea’s reputation as a health-boosting beverage. According to a recent study in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology, people who drink green tea at least three times per week have a 20% lower risk of atherosclerotic heart disease compared to non-sippers. The life span of those who drink green tea rises by 15%.
What Science Says
100,902 adults across China were analyzed by this particular study since 1998. The green tea consumption was assessed via food questionnaires and the data was ran against hospital records and death certificates to look for disease rates as compared to green tea drinking. hey found green tea drinkers lived 1.4 years longer and had clearer arteries compared to non-tea drinkers after a seven-year follow up.
The green tea power
It is packed with antioxidants, a potent plant compounds called flavonoids. In particular, green tea is rich in epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). These antioxidants counter the disease-causing effects of free radicals and inflammation. They also aid heart health by improving the function of blood vessels as well as specific cells in the heart. What’s more, these flavonoids could help decrease heart disease risk by helping regulate blood pressure and reduce levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, like cholesterol, to keep arteries free and clear.
3 kinds of Green Tea
- SENCHA
It is said to be the most common type. It’s rich in vitamin C, it has a herbaceous flavor and it is low in caffeine. - MATCHA
Very popular in grocery stores and coffee shops, matcha is rich in antioxidants and it also contains more caffeine. - GYOKURO has a fuller taste due to the fact that the leaves undergo less photosynthesis, keeping the strong-flavored amino acids in the plant.
Green tea consumption could decrease both systolic blood pressure (the top number) and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) each by two points compared to control groups and that it was especially effective for those who have high blood pressure, concluded a new study.
Previous studies also show it can help decrease the risk of certain cancers (like stomach, prostate and oral), and it may also be protective against diabetes and obesity.
If you don’t like the taste and you need an extra reason to consume it, consider that it may also keep your brain sharp. According to a study in Public Health Nutrition, sipping it at least once a day was associated with a 30% lower risk of cognitive decline among older adults compared to consuming the brew less often.
A review of 21 studies from Swiss and UK researchers also says Other compounds in green tea may also help perk up your attention and decrease anxiety. They posit that the caffeine (which is alerting and mood-boosting) and l-theanine (a compound that’s believed to help calm your nervous system) may combine to improve attention while helping you shake off stress.
Did you know that tea drinkers have healthier diets? adults who drank this beverage, including green tea, consumed more protein, heart-healthy fiber and potassium, as well as energy-revving iron, and bone-strengthening magnesium, a study in Nutrients discovered. Plus, it helps you stay hydrated and tends to push out less healthy stuff, such as added or artificial sugar found in soda and diet drinks.
