Can Green Tea Enhance and Extend Your Life?

The health benefits of green tea have been known for thousands of years. In China, it was employed for relieving the symptoms of such diverse afflictions as depression and migraines. These ancient beliefs concerning green tea have today been confirmed as fact by scientists from all over the world. A study conducted in China in the 1990s showed that the consumption of green tea lowered the danger of developing cancer in the esophagus by 60%. Similarly, recent studies at the University of Purdue have demonstrated that tea contains a substance that prevents the development of cancer cells. Other studies have shown that the intake of tea reduces levels of cholesterol and works to beneficially the body´s good / bad cholesterol ratio.

As a well rounded healing elixir, proponents of the drink credit the tea with having positive effects in treating afflictions such as cardiovascular disease, elevated cholesterol, infections, cancer, impaired immune function, and rheumatoid arthritis. The beneficial properties of tea arise from its high content of catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is a very effective anti-oxidant. Not only does it prevent the development of cancer cells, it also aids in preserving healthy tissue. By reducing the likelihood of blood clots, tea can also help prevent strokes and heart attacks.

For a long time, scientists could not explain why the French, who are known to have a fatty cuisine, report a lower rate of heart problems than people in the US. The solution to the puzzle lies in their regular consumption of red wine. Red wine comprises a polyphenol, called resveratol, which reduces the dangerous impacts of eating fatty foods and smoking. Research has proven that the effects of EGCG contained in green tea are double that of resveratol. This is one possible reason why the male inhabitants of Japan, with it´s high percentage of smokers, have such a low incidence of heart problems.

In accordance with the most recent studies, green tea has been proven to help people lose weight. Research carried out by the Swiss University of Geneva has shown that men who consumed tea extract together with caffeine burned a greater amount of calories than men who only consumed caffeine. In addition to weight loss, tea can also be beneficial to your dental hygiene by destroying bacteria that gives rise to plaque. Currently, skin care products are being launched that include green tea extract.

The great thing about green tea is that it has virtually no negative effects. Over-drinking can lead to a lack of sleep due to its caffeine content. That´s unlikely however, as the amount of caffeine is relatively low when compared to other drinks like coffee.

With so many positives, and very few negatives, it´s easy to see why green tea has become so popular recently in the Western world. Researchers are generally in agreement about the benefits of tea. What they are not in sync on, is the amount of tea required to benefit from the it´s healing powers. Different reports suggest anywhere from two to ten cups per day. Ten cups a day may seem like a lot. Taking the middle road and drinking around five cups is an acceptable compromise. For those who drink already eight or more glasses of water a day, green tea could be a tasty substitute.

Green tea and weight loss can go hand in hand, if you do it right. It's just one of the many drinking green tea benefits.

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