Evidence-Based Benefits of Mountain Green Teas
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Increases fat burning
If you look at the ingredients list for any fat-burning, chances are, green tea will be on there.This is because, according to research, green tea can increase fat burning.
In one study involving 10 healthy men, taking green tea extract increased the number of calories burned by 4%. In another involving 12 healthy men, green tea extract increased fat oxidation by 17%, compared with those taking a placebo.
However, some studies on green tea don’t show any increase in metabolism, so the effects may depend on the individual and how the study was set up.
Caffeine may also improve physical performance by mobilizing fatty acids from fat tissue and making them available for use as energy.
Two separate review studies reported that caffeine may increase physical performance by approximately 11–12%.
Contains healthy bioactive compounds
Green tea is more than just a hydrating beverage.
The green tea plant contains a range of healthy compounds that make it into the final drink.
Tea is rich in polyphenols, which are natural compounds that have health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and helping to fight cancer.
Green tea contains a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Catechins are natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and provide other benefits.
These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage. These free radicals play a role in aging and many types of diseases.
EGCG is one of the most powerful compounds in green tea. Research has tested its ability to help treat various diseases. It appears to be one of the main compounds that give green tea its medicinal properties.
Antioxidants may lower the risk of some cancers
Cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells. It’s one of the world’s leading causes of death.
Research has shown that oxidative damage can lead to chronic inflammation, which can lead to chronic diseases, including cancers. Antioxidants can help protect against oxidative damage.
Green tea is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants.
Research has linked green tea compounds with a reduced risk of cancer, including the following studies:
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Breast cancer. A comprehensive review of observational studies found that women who drank the greenest tea had an approximately 20–30% lower risk of developing breast cancer, one of the most common cancers in women.
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Prostate cancer. One study observed that men drinking green tea had a lower risk of advanced prostate cancer.
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Colorectal cancer. An analysis of 29 studies showed that those drinking green tea were around 42% less likely to develop colorectal cancer.
Many observational studies indicate that green tea drinkers are less likely to develop several types of cancer, but more high-quality research is needed to confirm these effects.
To get the most health benefits, avoid adding milk to your tea. Some studies suggest it can reduce the antioxidant value in some teas.
May protect the brain from aging
Not only can green tea improve brain function in the short term, it may also protect your brain as you age.Alzheimer’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia in older adults.
Parkinson’s disease is another common neurodegenerative disease and involves the death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.
Several studies show that the catechin compounds in green tea can have various protective effects on neurons in test tubes and animal models, possibly lowering the risk of dementia.
Green tea also has small amounts of minerals that can benefit your health.
Try to choose a higher quality brand of green tea, because some of the lower quality brands can contain excessive amounts of fluoride
May improve brain function
Green tea does more than just keep you alert, it may also help boost brain function.The key active ingredient is caffeine, which is a known stimulant.
It doesn’t contain as much as coffee, but enough to produce a response without causing the jittery effects associated with taking in too much caffeine.
Caffeine affects the brain by blocking an inhibitory neurotransmitter called adenosine. This way, it increases the firing of neurons and the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.
Research has consistently shown that caffeine can improve various aspects of brain function, including mood, vigilance, reaction time, and memory.
However, caffeine isn’t the only brain-boosting compound in green tea. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which can cross the blood-brain barrier.
L-theanine increases the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which has anti-anxiety effects. It also increases dopamine and the production of alpha waves in the brain.
Studies show that caffeine and L-theanine can have synergistic effects. This means that the combination of the two can have particularly powerful effects in improving brain function.
Because of the L-theanine and the small dose of caffeine, green tea may give you a much milder and different kind of buzz than coffee.
Many people report having more stable energy and being much more productive when they drink green tea, compared with coffee.
Increases fat burning
If you look at the ingredients list for any fat-burning, chances are, green tea will be on there.
This is because, according to research, green tea can increase fat burning.
In one study involving 10 healthy men, taking green tea extract increased the number of calories burned by 4%. In another involving 12 healthy men, green tea extract increased fat oxidation by 17%, compared with those taking a placebo.
However, some studies on green tea don’t show any increase in metabolism, so the effects may depend on the individual and how the study was set up.
Caffeine may also improve physical performance by mobilizing fatty acids from fat tissue and making them available for use as energy.
Two separate review studies reported that caffeine may increase physical performance by approximately 11–12%.
May improve brain function
Green tea does more than just keep you alert, it may also help boost brain function.The key active ingredient is caffeine, which is a known stimulant.
It doesn’t contain as much as coffee, but enough to produce a response without causing the jittery effects associated with taking in too much caffeine.
Caffeine affects the brain by blocking an inhibitory neurotransmitter called adenosine. This way, it increases the firing of neurons and the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.
Research has consistently shown that caffeine can improve various aspects of brain function, including mood, vigilance, reaction time, and memory.
However, caffeine isn’t the only brain-boosting compound in green tea. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which can cross the blood-brain barrier.
L-theanine increases the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which has anti-anxiety effects. It also increases dopamine and the production of alpha waves in the brain.
Studies show that caffeine and L-theanine can have synergistic effects. This means that the combination of the two can have particularly powerful effects in improving brain function.
Because of the L-theanine and the small dose of caffeine, green tea may give you a much milder and different kind of buzz than coffee.
Many people report having more stable energy and being much more productive when they drink green tea, compared with coffee.