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Know the properties of green tea
The properties of green tea have allowed it to be one of the healthiest drinks in the world, due to the number of benefits it brings to health. In this sense, various studies have been carried out that have shown its effectiveness in the prevention of different diseases.
In addition, it is one of the easiest to prepare and does not even have an unpleasant taste. Read on to learn more about green tea and its benefits for the body.
green tea properties
The main thing is that it is a drink that does not have sugar, so it is calorie free. It also does not have proteins, carbohydrates and much less fat.
Its virtue is its content of vitamins, being A, C and E the most important, as well as several that form the B complex. It also contains manganese, fluorine, zinc and copper, offering them in small quantities, since it is generally prepared with 2 grams of dry leaves.
However, the properties of green tea vary greatly, where they always offer wide benefits to the health of the person.
great antioxidant
Green tea also contains, like fruits and vegetables, although to a lesser extent, polyphenols, a component with great antioxidant functions. This ability has made it the subject of many recent studies to verify the benefits it offers.
One of the polyphenols present in green tea is known as EGCG, which is highly active. In essence, it has antioxidant properties up to 20 times greater than vitamin E and 100 more than vitamin C.
That is why it is presented as a drink capable of reducing the risk of contracting different types of cancer. It also promotes optimal cardiovascular health.
slight stimulant
Within the properties of green tea we can find a small part of caffeine or theine that works as a stimulant. However, the proportion is minimal, being an eighth fraction of a cup of coffee. Even so, it should be consumed with caution.
One of the presentations with the highest content of caffeine, as well as antioxidants, is Japanese matcha, which is a powdered green tea.
Learn about the health benefits of green tea
Although all existing types of tea bring their benefits to the body, there is no doubt that green tea is the main one. In that sense, in addition to being a great antioxidant, it has other capabilities, such as:
Prevents wrinkles and fights aging
Due to its great antioxidant functions due to the presence of catechins, green tea is the perfect ally for the prevention of aging. It also favors the condition of the skin, preventing wrinkles from forming, and keeps your hair in shape.
Promotes fat burning
The components of green tea allow it to be an ideal complement for fat loss, since it can increase metabolism by more than 15%.
But, the best thing is that it also increases the physical performance of the person, since it turns fats into calories.
Added to this is the presence of caffeine in this drink, which is responsible for improving the person's physical abilities.
Reduces the risk of developing cancer
In cancer studies it has been proven that oxidative damage favors its development, so antioxidants can play a vital role.
Therefore, being green tea a rich source of antioxidants, it is logical that it is capable of preventing the development of certain types of cancer. For example:
Breast cancer: Several studies were able to determine that women who consumed more green tea reduced their risk of cancer by 20 to 30%.
Prostate cancer: Being the most frequent among men, one of the alternatives, according to studies, is to increase the intake of green tea. In essence, those who consumed the most managed to have a 42% less chance of developing it.
Colorectal cancer: Through a set of 29 studies it was observed that people who drank green tea had a 42% less chance of developing colorectal cancer.
Even so, there is still a long way to go to really prove that green tea properties can help in cancer prevention.
Improves brain health and function
Thanks to the properties of caffeine, green tea promotes alertness while your intellectual abilities are optimized. In addition, it is complemented with L-theanine, which allows you to avoid the nervous effects that coffee generates.
On the other hand, it is also capable of preventing major neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. This is thanks to the catechins present in green tea, which have been shown to have protective effects on neurons.
Reduces the chances of suffering from cardiovascular disease
Various studies have shown that the properties of green tea are capable of reducing the level of risk of certain factors at the cardiovascular level. In essence, it is mainly cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides.
This is due again to its antioxidant functions, where it improves the ability of the blood to protect LDL particles from oxidation. The latter are the most common causes of heart disease.
Specifically, consumption of green tea makes people up to 31% less likely to suffer from heart disease.
Reduces stress levels and controls anxiety
One of the most important components of green tea is L-theanine, which is an amino acid capable of producing a calming effect on the person. Therefore, it can be used to reduce the level of stress and anxiety.
All through increased levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for controlling motivation, desire and learning.
It also increases serotonin, better known as the hormone of joy, since it regulates mood, pleasure and happiness.
It is even an amino acid capable of improving the quality of sleep, thus favoring a better rest for the person.
