Benefits of green tea has attracted renewed attention nowadays for the beneficial compounds present in it. Green tea has long been enjoyed as a beverage, whether hot or cold. Now, science has discovered a particular group of chemicals present in green tea that has shown promise strengthening the immune system against environmental stress.
One of the benefits of green tea is its class of naturally-occurring compounds named polyphenols, which have shown immune system-strengthening capabilities. Numerous scientific studies has shown that these compounds have capabilities to neutralize tumor-promoting enzymes and other carcinogenic chemicals. In laboratory studies, polyphenols have shown effectiveness in lowering cholesterol and in the prevention of stroke for its blood-thinning(anticoagulant) properties. Anecdotal studies done by numerous health supplement companies have also touted green tea as a health drink against the damagesof stress in the human body.
The benefits of green tea helps in concentration and boosting of metabolism because its considered as mild stimulant. There are studies that show that regular green tea drinkers(three cups a day) are leaner and have less body fat. As if that were not enough, green tea has shown promise in slowing or preventing the gradual decline of cognitive function in the elderly. A recent study done by an eminent university in Japan (Tohoku University in Sendai) in 2006 has shown that regular drinkers of green tea aged 70 and above, even for those having one cup week, were shown to have less decline in their cognitive functions as compared to those who do not drink green tea regularly.
Aside from the common benefits of green tea that we are aware of, researchers all over the world have extracted other compounds from green tea plant. These extracts, particularly EGCG or epigogallechtin catechin galleate have shown potent antioxidant properties and are known to inhibit cancer-cell formation. In numerous laboratory studies, green tea extracts have shown antibacterial properties and are being used in the treatment and prevention of mouth and gastrointestinal diseases. Green tea extracts are also used in adjunctive therapy for HIV-AIDS, neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and osteoarthritis.
Science has yet to unlock more benefits green tea can offer us. Until then, let us enjoy a regular consumption of the health benefits of green tea or green tea extract supplements a part of a healthy and active lifestyle.
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