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Green tea has been used for medicinal purposes by Asian cultures throughout the course of time. However, recent scientific
studies show many different benefits are associated with green tea. Green tea, rich in powerful antioxidants, comes from the same
plant as oolong, black and other teas.
Camellia green tea is processed differently than the other teas -- the leaves are steamed. Therefore, the useful compound
isn't oxidized, as it is in the other teas.
Although green tea has the same kind of harmful effect noticed with other caffeine drinks, it has considerably less caffeine
than coffee.
Following are 10 health benefits of green tea:
Lowers Cholesterol
One health benefit green tea offers is a lowering of cholesterol because green tea has a high concentration of antioxidants.
Green tea helps your body increase your liver's LDL receptors, reducing bad cholesterol in the blood, thereby lowering your total
cholesterol levels. Consuming as few as 5 cups of green tea per day could lead to lower cholesterol.
Cancer Remission
Green tea, known to cause remission in cancer patients, inhibits the enzyme that can help cancer cells spread throughout the
body. It can decrease the size of the tumor and prevent further tumor formation.
Cancer Prevention
Green tea can also prevent cancer because it contains the compound EGCG, which prevents cancer cells from growing.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Green tea can also ease the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. The antioxidants in the tea ease swelling, which in turn helps
ease the pain associated with arthritis.
Heart Disease
Another health effect of drinking green tea is that it can prevent heart disease. It helps break down plaque on artery walls,
which allows better blood flow.
Infection
The antioxidants in green tea have the ability to kill the disease causing organisms, which means it's able to cure
infections.
Impaired Immune Function
Since polyphones and antioxidants exist in green tea, it assists with impaired immune functions. Therefore, drinking green tea
helps stimulate the immune system, making one stronger and better able to fight infection.
Acne Treatment
Because green tea has natural antioxidant and antibacterial properties, it is just as good as acne medications. It also helps
reduce toxins and swelling. Moreover, it reduces some of the hormone levels that are known to cause acne. For acne problems, the
tea can either be ingested normally or placed directly on the skin in the form of a cream.
No Cavities
Yes, green tea destroys bacteria and viruses, which inhibits the growth of cavities. In the future, you may see it in
toothpaste and mouthwash products.
Longer Life
A final benefit of green tea is that it can promote longevity. The polyphones in green tea help to destroy free radicals,
which means fewer wrinkles and longer life.
Brew The Perfect Cup
In order to ensure that you receive all of the health benefits of brewing green tea, here are a few tips:
- if it is brewed at a heat higher than 175 degrees, it will become bitter.
- it should not be brewed for more than 2 minutes.
- due to short shelf life, once you've opened it you should get rid of it after 3 months.
- if your tea came poorly packaged, it was probably bad from the start.
- green tea is best when harvested in April or May.
Remember, if properly used, green tea has many health benefits.
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