Consumption of green tea has been a part of traditional Indian and Chinese medicine to heal wounds, control bleeding, improve mental and heart health, aids the digestive system, and regulate the body’s temperature. According to some research, it has positive effects on liver disorders, weight loss, Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and many more. However, it is necessary to have more evidence before scientists can prove the possible health benefits of consuming green tea.
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Cancer Prevention
Research shows that the higher the consumption of green tea, the lower the rate of some cancers. However, human studies have found no consistent evidence that drinking green tea reduces the overall risk of cancer.
The researchers evaluated 142 completed studies, including 1.1 million participants. A 2018 review of in vitro and human studies showed the potential benefits of tea polyphenols in the chemical prevention of UVB-induced skin cancer.
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- Chest
- Bladder
- Ovary
- Intestine
- Throat
- Lung
- Prostate
- Skin
- Stomach
The overall results of many human studies have produced inconsistent results and have produced limited evidence of the benefits of drinking green tea against the overall risk of cancer.
Weight Loss
Reviews of multiple studies have found that green tea and caffeine catechins may increase energy metabolism, leading to weight loss. In addition, another meta-analysis of weight loss mechanisms induced by tea polyphenols suggested that catechin and caffeine synergistically produce weight loss effects.
Inflammatory Skin Disease
Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties. A review showed green tea and its main component, epigallocatechin three gallate (EGCG), demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, researchers have found that topical application of a solution containing tea extract promotes an anti-inflammatory response. They also found that skin microcirculation improved in the affected area.
Heart Health
A 2006 study found that green tea intake was associated with reduced mortality from cardiovascular disease. People who drink at least five cups of green tea a day have a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. A 2016 meta-analysis of green tea and cardiovascular disease confirmed these results. The researchers concluded that green tea intake was associated with favorable cardiovascular and ischemic disease risk outcomes. Polyphenols in green tea can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, improve epithelial function, and reduce the risk of heart disease in overweight and obese people.
Stroke Risk
Regular drinking of green tea appears to be associated with a reduced risk of stroke. According to a study, the inclusion of green tea in a person’s daily diet may be associated with a small but positive change in stroke risk.
Type 2 Diabetes
Some suggest that people who drink green tea have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes than those who do not. For example, a review found a correlation between green tea intake and decreased fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels. Another review also associated green tea as part of a Mediterranean diet with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Summary
Green tea has many health benefits. For example, it helps with weight loss, skin irritation, type 2 diabetes, and improved cardiovascular health. Green tea contains the highest levels of antioxidants in tea. It is naturally low in calories and has less caffeine than tea or coffee. But consumption of green tea shall be within limits and should be started under the doctor’s assistance.
