Harm of green tea to the human body

Green tea production technology

The same raw materials are used to make green and black tea - tea tree leaves. However, production technologies differ significantly.

1. To make black tea, the leaves are fermented, or oxidized.
2. In the process of creating green tea, this stage is skipped - the collected leaves are treated with steam, stopping the oxidation process.
3. After this, the raw materials are immediately rolled and dried, and then sorted and sent for sale.

The health benefits and harms of green tea are determined precisely by the production technology. Tea leaves that have not undergone fermentation retain maximum beneficial properties and are significantly superior to black tea in value.

Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Green Tea

• Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which have not been fermented, allowing them to retain high levels of antioxidants.
• Antioxidants and other beneficial compounds found in green tea include flavonoids and catechins such as EGCG, quercetin, linoleic acid, theobromine and theophylline. They give green tea many beneficial properties.
• Some of the anti-aging effects and health benefits of green tea include reducing inflammation, protecting against cardiovascular disease, liver disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, and potentially helping with weight maintenance and cancer prevention.

Tags: green tea

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Composition, nutritional value and calorie content of green tea

The benefits of green tea for the human body can be assessed if you carefully study the composition of the product. Dried leaves contain a huge supply of valuable substances.

In addition, the composition contains amino acids and catechins, alkaloids and essential oils, tannins and caffeine, and antioxidants. Proteins in the product take up about 20 g, fats - about 5 g, and very little remains for carbohydrates - only 4 g. The calorie content of dry leaves is 140 calories per 100 g.

What are the benefits of green tea for the body?

With frequent use, the drink brings unambiguous benefits. Namely:

• slows down the aging of the body and has a rejuvenating effect;
• serves as an excellent cancer prevention - antioxidants in the composition do not allow malignant tumors to spread;
• strengthens the body's defenses and quickly removes toxins, waste and carcinogens from the blood and tissues;
• strengthens blood vessels and supports heart function, reducing the likelihood of a heart attack by approximately 2 times;
• starts the process of burning fat and generally improves metabolic processes in the body;
• reduces blood glucose and helps fight cholesterol;
• protects the liver and promotes its healthy functioning;
• has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and brain, tones and improves performance;
• lowers blood pressure;
• protects vision and reduces damage from eye strain;
• eliminates gum inflammation and prevents the development of caries.

Healthy green tea is a good remedy for thirst, since it restores the balance of fluid in the body no worse than plain water.

For women

The benefit of green tea for a woman’s body is that it helps maintain a slim figure and healthy intestinal function. Tea improves hormonal levels and physical condition during menopause, and protects women from the development of cancer in adulthood. In addition, tea leaves serve as an excellent cosmetic product - tea-based masks and lotions have an effective tonic and firming effect.

For men

The benefits of green tea for the male body are that it regulates the reproductive system, improves the production of the hormone testosterone and increases potency. Caffeine in tea has a tonic effect on the nervous system, which helps improve endurance and stress resistance.

The benefits and harms of green tea for men are also expressed in the ability of tea to strengthen blood vessels and the heart. With frequent consumption, tea reduces the likelihood of prostate tumors.

Benefits of green tea

For those who are on our site for the first time, I will repeat that when speaking about the benefits of green tea, I mean its possible benefits.

And the reliability of this information depends entirely on the reliability of the studies themselves, which I will now list. Links to studies will be in the comments. So let's begin!

2.1. Against cancer

The National Cancer Institute in the United States (NCI) openly states* that green tea catechins exhibit powerful antioxidant activity , which is known to be of significant importance in terms of cancer prevention. *Source No. 1

The powerful antioxidant activity associated with green tea extract was also noted by Dr. Susan Henning in her study* published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. *Source No. 2

There are actually a lot of such studies, and I won’t even list them all, since they have the same common denominator - green tea is simply teeming with substances that exhibit a powerful antioxidant effect.

Moreover, green tea polyphenols have been shown to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells* and even induce apoptosis - this has been observed both in the laboratory and in animal models. *Sources No. 3, 4.

Additionally, green tea polyphenols may protect against damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. *Source No. 5

This gives rise to a serious reason to consider green tea a powerful anticarcinogen. It is worth noting that all of this data (there are a bunch of others that say basically the same thing) is currently being discussed and requires new research. After all, the hypothetical mechanisms of the anti-carcinogenic effect of green tea are discussed all over the world, but we do not yet know the exact models.

Moreover, it is important to understand that all these benefits apply only to real green tea and, moreover, consumed correctly. After all, when you drink green tea too hot (≥60 degrees), its positive properties are offset by its harmful effect on the esophagus and stomach, thus, on the contrary, increasing the risk of oncology for these organs. But this also applies to any other drink consumed too hot!

Let’s not dwell on the issue of the connection between the consumption of CG and various types of cancer, since we will write a more detailed issue on this topic someday.

2.2. For the heart and blood vessels

Epidemiological, clinical and experimental studies have established a positive correlation between green tea consumption and CVD (abbreviated as “cardiovascular disease”).

Attention!

The information in this paragraph concerns the PREVENTION of cardiovascular diseases.

If you already suffer from any kind of CVD , then you need to consult a doctor, since if you have some types of CVD, green tea can cause even more harm.

Basically, most research on this topic boils down to the fact that the catechins (of which green tea is a dime a dozen) have a protective effect on blood vessels through a variety of mechanisms *, including antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antithrombogenic and hypolipidemic effects . *Source No. 6.

More and more studies are finding benefit in the preventive use of green tea against CVD. In particular, in 2006, one authoritative medical journal JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) published a study * that linked green tea consumption with a decrease in mortality due to a variety of causes, including CVD.

Over a period of 11 years starting in 1994, scientists observed more than 40,000 Japanese residents aged 40-79 years .

The result was that participants who consumed at least 5 cups of green tea per day had a reduced risk of death (especially from CVD) when compared with participants who drank 1 cup.

It is also noted that the most pronounced inverse relationship between green tea consumption and mortality was found in women. Scientists could not determine the reason for this gender discrepancy. As one of the possible options, scientists put forward the difference in cigarette smoking, since men, of course, smoked much more often and in larger quantities. *Source No. 7.

Other evidence* suggests has a cholesterol-lowering effect. In particular, a meta-analysis of 14 studies showed that the introduction of green tea into the body, both in the form of tea itself and in the form of an extract, leads to a significant decrease in the serum concentration of LDL cholesterol (abbr. “low-density lipoprotein”), which, as a rule, has a beneficial effect on the prevention of CVD development.

In turn, data* obtained by Chinese scientists at the very beginning of the third millennium indicate that systematic consumption of green tea has a very positive effect on the lipid profile in rats.

At the same time, the rats were given not only CG, but also black tea, as well as oolong tea - but it was green tea that showed maximum effectiveness, despite the approximately identical composition of catechins compared to oolong tea. *Sources No. 8, 14.

Another study * conducted on 82,369 Japanese people also found an inverse association between drinking green tea and coffee and the risks of CVD and stroke . *Source No. 9.

There is a huge amount of research on the positive effect of drinking green tea on the state of the cardiovascular system (abbr. “Cardiovascular system”), so when we have time, we’ll talk about this topic in more detail.

2.3. Against type 2 diabetes

A number of studies on this issue have not actually confirmed any benefit of green tea in minimizing the risks of T2DM (abbreviated as “Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus”). Therefore, the hypothetical benefits of green tea for potential diabetics are highly questionable.

But you and I like to hope for the best! And, given the simply crazy volume of consumption of green tea by the inhabitants of the planet (especially in Asian countries), even a minor benefit of this drink against T2DM could benefit potential consumers.

Therefore, if green tea could at least slightly reduce the risks of developing T2DM, then we simply cannot ignore this, albeit scanty and hypothetical, but still a benefit .

After all, diabetes has already practically won the war for the health of mankind, taking over the entire civilized (and not only) world. Therefore, here, in my opinion, you need to pay attention to every available research while continuing to study this issue.

Attention!

The information in this paragraph concerns exclusively the prevention of T2DM for those who do not suffer from this disease.

If you are already a diabetic , then the information in this paragraph is not for you.

In this case, only an endocrinologist will tell you the correct answer regarding the advisability of drinking green tea.

In particular, the results of one study* conducted on Japanese adults did find an association between drinking large amounts of green tea (≥6 cups per day) and a 33% reduction in the risk of developing T2DM - this, when compared with those who drank 1 cup or less per day. Of course, 6 cups of green tea a day is a lot, but, as I said, we cling to every little detail. *Source No. 10.

Also, some mechanisms at the biochemical level have been proposed to explain the hypothetical positive effect of green tea on glucose metabolism.

In particular, there is evidence* that some green tea catechins (in particular, epigallocatechin gallate) stimulate insulin-dependent GLUT-4 proteins (glucose transporters into the cell), thereby improving insulin resistance .

However, I will add that these data were obtained on animal models, namely, on Sprague-Dawley rats. *Source No. 11. There are other studies that have confirmed this hypothesis, but I won’t dwell on it for now.

Other data* suggest the idea that the same epigallocatechin gallate helps suppress cytokine-induced damage to pancreatic β-cells, the very cells responsible for insulin production. *Source No. 12.

There is a lot of other data indicating the supposedly beneficial effect of consuming ZCH in relation to the risks of developing T2DM. However, all these data say approximately the same things (±), which need to be double-checked with new research.

Moreover, there is a lot of evidence showing the benefits of green tea in relation to obesity (more on this in the next paragraph). Considering that obesity is one of the most powerful risk factors for the development of T2DM, if these studies are reliable, we can confidently speak about the indirect benefits of green tea in relation to minimizing the risks of developing T2DM.

Of course, this is not all the research on this issue, I just don’t want to get too hung up on it. After all, I repeat, the data on the benefits of green tea against diabetes are very contradictory. Therefore, the relevance of this statement is still a big and bold question for us.

2.4. For weight loss

When my partner Yura Vanyan, who is also the editor of the “Fitness” section of our website, saw how I was filling out this section, he asked me to note for readers that there is no need to rely heavily on the benefits of HF in terms of weight loss.

According to him:

“Even if green tea actually has some benefit regarding this issue, then in order to lose weight you will still need to create a hormonal background favorable for fat burning - and this is done exclusively with the help of proper nutrition, additional physical activity, and sometimes with the intervention of an endocrinologist.” .

Although, unlike me, Yurets is not a medical professional, he is truly an expert when it comes to fat burning - he even helped some of my doctor friends to effectively lose weight. And, in principle, I have an excellent understanding of the mechanism of mobilizing energy from adipose tissue - so I can say with the same confidence that without following the correct diet and nutrition regimen, no green tea will help you lose weight.

However, it is worth noting that if all the conditions necessary for fat burning are achieved, green tea can still provide some benefits for weight loss, although not as the root cause, but as a kind of small accelerator - and this, in my opinion, is worth consider.

Indeed, even in the famous samurai self-instruction manual Yojokun*, written in 1713 by a once famous samurai named Keibera Ekiken, tea is mentioned as a means of helping to lose weight with long-term and systematic use. *Source No. 13.

Well, in our time, the fat-burning properties of green tea attributed to traditional medicine are increasingly being studied by representatives of official medicine and sometimes, by the way, receive confirmation. Therefore, in order not to prolong today’s issue, we will not list all this data now, but someday we will write a detailed article on the effect of HF on fat burning.

I’ll just note right away that the authors of almost all studies on this issue themselves emphasize that the fat-burning effect of green tea is unlikely to manifest itself if the consumer does not comply with the basic conditions necessary for fat burning.

And in Yura’s and my opinion, if all these conditions are met (proper nutrition, physical activity, absence of endocrine disorders), then fat will burn perfectly even without any green tea.

Therefore, I do not advise you to focus too much on the fat-burning effect of this product, although it does exist to some extent. Green tea will never be the FIRST CAUSE of fat burning - it will only speed up this process to a very small extent.

2.5. For the liver

As is known, when a substance such as galactosamine is introduced into the body of rats, the animal’s liver is affected by a disease similar to viral and drug-induced hepatitis in humans.

So, according to some data*, green tea helps suppress the signs of galactosamine-induced liver damage in rats - in this regard, green tea can be considered a hepatoprotector. *Sources No. 15, 16.

Moreover, there is evidence* that after oral administration of green tea to rats, the levels of pro-inflammatory substances associated with the administration of galactosamine almost came under control. These results suggest that drinking green tea, which is high in catechins, may help prevent and/or reduce the development of certain types of hepatitis. *Source No. 17.

There is also a hepatoprotective effect of individual green tea catechins in rats with hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury *. The mechanism is very complex, so I will not describe it here, since complex biochemical terms will seem like curse words to some readers. And for those who are searching, please: *Source No. 18.

Other evidence* suggests that consumption of catechin-rich HF may help prevent and/or attenuate the development of fibrosis in hepatitis - but again, these data were obtained in rats whose livers were damaged by galactosamine. *Source No. 19.

Another study* on rats showed the possible benefits of green tea catechins for healing the liver, previously damaged by a popular and at the same time toxic drug for the liver - tamoxifen . *Source No. 20.

It is also believed* that tea polyphenols can reduce liver damage caused by alcohol. *Source No. 21.

NAFLD (abbreviated as “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease”), a condition from which a significant part of the world’s population suffers to one degree or another, are being studied no less actively

For example, it is known that the same epigallocatechin gallate promotes the inhibition of fatty acid synthases - that is, it inhibits the enzymes responsible for the synthesis of fatty acids. These data were confirmed in vitro.

However, would this property of one of the main catechins in green tea have the same effect in the human body? - I don’t know about humans, but in mice this hypothesis was confirmed* in at least one study. The dynamics of changes in analyzes indicated that epigallocatechin gallate indeed protects the liver of animals and, among other things, may be useful against liver steatosis (one of the stages of NAFLD). *Source No. 22.

I actually found several studies suggesting green tea as a useful remedy against NAFLD - but they all have a common denominator, that green tea is supposedly really useful against fatty liver disease.

But until all this data is confirmed in humans, I cannot confidently call tea a hepatoprotector, although the premises are indeed promising.

Moreover, some data, on the contrary, indicate the toxicity of green tea for the liver - we will talk about this in paragraph “3.2” .

2.6. For nerve cells

Cognitive impairment often results from damage to nerve cells, including neurodegenerative diseases, the most common of which is Alzheimer's disease.

The effects of catechins and other tea compounds (such as L-theanine) on cognitive function have been studied since the last century. And it just so happens that the hypothetical benefits of HF for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases are finding more and more evidence.

For example, there is evidence* that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. *Sources No. 23-24. If this data is true, then the antioxidant properties of green tea could play a huge role in this direction.

But even if this hypothesis is not relevant (some studies suggest that the importance of oxidative stress in the development of these diseases is greatly exaggerated), then, again, there are other hypothetical mechanisms through which green tea may be beneficial in relation to this problem. Although... Still, this hypothesis, despite the contradictions, is finding more and more confirmation.

In particular, one animal study found that green tea polyphenols may suppress cognitive impairment caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, and the study authors identified these same antioxidant properties as a possible mechanism. *Source No. 25.

Another possible mechanism for the neuroprotective effect of green tea is its anti-inflammatory activity . After all, it has been known for a long time that inflammatory processes also play a role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases (more on this in the next paragraph).

And the fact that tea theaflavins have a far from weak anti-inflammatory effect*, which in turn has a beneficial effect on the health of the nervous system, is written in a variety of sources, for example, in this: *Source No. 26.

THEANINE contained in green tea is being studied no less actively , the neuroprotective effect of which few people doubt.

There is even research* suggesting the benefits of consuming theanine in preventing neurodegenerative diseases in older adults. *Source No. 27.

And, in general, we still cannot speak with one hundred percent certainty about exactly what mechanisms green tea realizes its neuroprotective effect.

However, in my opinion, there is no doubt that this effect really exists. At least, more and more studies* confirm the practical benefits of HF in the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders. If you want, you can read: *Sources No. 28-32.

2.7. Anti-inflammatory

Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as NSAIDs (abbreviated as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), can often be extremely effective for their main purpose - anti-inflammatory effect. However, the systematic use of such drugs can be fraught with various complications, including myocardial infarction and stroke.

On the contrary, the use of natural anti-inflammatory products minimizes possible side effects compared to the systematic use of medical analogues. Although, as a rule, the anti-inflammatory effectiveness of natural products is also significantly lower than that of drugs.

In fact, the use of natural products as anti-inflammatory agents has its roots in ancient times. However, even now, herbal teas are becoming increasingly popular due to their relatively few side effects. However, there is a need to better understand their biological actions and potential interactions with other substances, including drugs.

In any case, in recent years, understanding of the biological benefits of herbal teas in this area has increased significantly due to the large number of studies conducted.

A large amount of data has now been accumulated from these studies*, confirming the positive results that traditional healers previously reported. It is in this regard that doctors are increasingly losing skepticism regarding the claims of traditional medicine. *Sources No. 33-57.

However, it is worth noting that some studies (their minority) still did not find any anti-inflammatory effects in green tea.

But in general, if you analyze all the data on this topic, look for common ground and weed out contradictions, you are confident that green tea actually has an anti-inflammatory effect.

2.8. For bone health

As an active traumatologist, I cannot ignore the recently observed preventive benefits of green tea regarding bone health.

Judging by the latest data*, the biologically active ingredients of green tea have a very beneficial effect on the formation of bone tissue and, at the same time, suppress its resorption, and by different mechanisms.

Again, I won’t dwell on the mechanisms themselves - there are too many of them, plus there will be a lot of special medical terminology, which, as they say, is not for our audience. Therefore, if you want to study this issue more deeply, I provide links in the comments: *Sources No. 58-70.

In any case, green tea has recently given, albeit insignificant, hope in preventing osteoporosis.

Is it possible to have green tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Green tea is beneficial for pregnant women - the drink strengthens heart tissue and blood vessels, helps maintain vigor and good mood. However, it must be used with great caution and in small quantities. The fact is that caffeine and tannins in the drink can have an overly stimulating effect on the nervous system and thereby cause harm. In addition, green tea in large quantities interferes with the absorption of folic acid, which is essential for the fetus.

The same applies to the lactation period. If the baby does not have a negative reaction, you can drink the drink, but only in the morning and no more than 1 cup per day, so as not to cause harm. To enhance the benefits, tea can be diluted with milk or honey.

Possible harm of green tea for the human body

Moderate regular consumption of green tea is considered generally safe, but there are still some restrictions and contraindications.

Thus, green tea can be toxic to the liver if the recommended consumption levels are exceeded (10-29 mg of tea per 1 kg of weight per day). In addition, too high doses of green tea, which contains many antioxidants, can act as a pro-oxidant and damage healthy cells in the body.

Heartburn and indigestion are common consequences of excessive consumption and/or improper brewing of green tea. This harm can be prevented by brewing the drink with water at a temperature well below the boiling point. Ideally - in the range of 71-82 degrees Celsius.

Green tea may also be contraindicated in the following cases:

• Iron-deficiency anemia. Consuming green tea can create iron deficiency in your body, which greatly affects people suffering from anemia. This harmful property of tea can be neutralized by adding lemon to it.
• Allergy. It is extremely rare, but still some people experience an allergic reaction to Chinese green tea: swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue and/or face, increased body temperature.
• Sensitivity to caffeine. If consumed in excess or sensitive to caffeine, green tea can cause anxiety, palpitations, irritability, trouble sleeping, etc. in a person.
• Pregnancy. Green tea is not recommended for pregnant women to consume in large quantities, especially in the early stages. Caffeine, tannins and catechins in its composition can lead to birth defects.
• Taking medications. If you are taking medications, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider regarding your green tea consumption.

Can children drink green tea?

For children, the drink can be more likely to cause harm; it will be too stimulating for the sensitive children's nervous system. Tea can be introduced into a child’s diet only after 3 years, and the leaves should be brewed weakly and offered only in the morning. A child will benefit from green tea with honey, the taste will improve, and the valuable properties will only become higher.

Attention! Since in some cases the product is very harmful and is prohibited for consumption, you should consult your pediatrician before offering the drink to your child for the first time.

The benefits and harms of green tea for children

Many parents have a question: “Can children drink green tea?” This drink is known for its tonic properties. But how will this affect the fragile children's nervous system?

This drink is strictly prohibited for infants and children under three years of age. They already have enough energy and strength. And green tea will make them nervous and moody. In addition, some components of the drink reduce appetite. But this property cannot be called useful in relation to the child’s body, which needs to be fed intensively.

You can try giving tea to children aged ten years and older. You need to start with a teaspoon, but the total amount of the drink in the diet should not exceed 23-30 ml. A child will only be able to drink a whole cup of tea during adolescence. Please note that some children may experience allergic reactions, so you need to carefully monitor the condition of your son or daughter.

It is important! You should not give your child green tea in the evening. This can lead to nightmares, insomnia, and anxiety. Treat him to a drink only in the morning.

To reduce the possible negative effects of green tea, you can add a little milk to the cup. It contains calcium, fluorine and phosphorus, which are so necessary for the child's body.

It is difficult to find another drink as commonly consumed as green tea, the benefits and harms of which have been well studied. Most scientific luminaries are confident that the negative impact of the drink can be minimal or absent altogether if you follow certain standards for its consumption. Therefore, drink no more than 5-6 cups of tea a day and be healthy!

How does green tea affect blood pressure?

The properties of green tea for blood pressure are useful for hypertensive patients; despite the high content of caffeine and tannins, it lowers blood pressure. However, there is one nuance - before brewing tea, it is recommended to rinse the leaves in clean water to reduce the caffeine content.

We recommend reading: What are the benefits of oatmeal jelly, contraindications

Healthy tea cannot act as a means to instantly lower blood pressure. However, it brings noticeable results with regular use - pressure surges will occur less frequently.

The benefits of green tea with various additives

The properties of tea have a beneficial effect on the body, even if consumed in its pure form. But some additives will also not cause harm and will only increase the benefits of the product.

With milk

Green tea with milk will be especially beneficial for the stomach - it will reduce acidity levels and eliminate the symptoms of heartburn and gastritis. Such a product will also be valuable for tooth enamel. In addition to the fact that the body will receive an increased portion of calcium, milk will eliminate the staining effect - after drinking tea, the teeth will not darken.

Green tea with sugar and milk will be beneficial - the taste will be very pleasant. In addition, sugar and milk will increase the degree of absorption of substances that prevent the development of diabetes, and, oddly enough, sweet tea will be a good preventative against this disease.

With lemon

In combination with lemon, the medicinal properties of green tea become an excellent cold prevention. Tea itself contains quite a lot of vitamin C, and lemon only increases this indicator - up to 15 mg of the beneficial substance per 1 cup. Drinking tea with a slice of lemon is especially useful during the autumn and winter virus season, when the body needs additional protection.

With honey

Green tea is beneficial for diabetes; if you add a little honey, the taste becomes sweeter, and honey does not provoke a sharp increase in glucose. Of course, you should not abuse the drink - a couple of cups a day will be more than enough.

In combination with honey, green tea is useful for preventing colds, since it also contains a lot of vitamin C and other antiviral substances. It will also be beneficial if you are on a diet - tea with low-calorie honey makes it easier to tolerate giving up your usual sweets.

With ginger

The properties of green tea with ginger have a beneficial effect on the stomach and speed up metabolism. Ginger as an additional ingredient helps get rid of the problem of constipation; green tea with this spice effectively removes toxins from the body.

You need to add spice to tea in very small quantities - no more than a teaspoon of ginger powder per cup. Drink tea shortly before eating.

With mint or lemon balm

The main beneficial property of green tea with lemon balm or mint is its calming effect on the nervous system. Drinking it is very useful for stress, emotional disorders and insomnia. The product helps well with headaches and chronic fatigue, invigorates and relaxes at the same time.

Mint and lemon balm contain a lot of potassium. Green tea with these herbs is good for the heart, kidneys and muscles, it has a slight antispasmodic effect. And cold green tea with lemon balm or mint in the summer heat has a wonderful refreshing effect.

With jasmine

The beneficial properties of green tea with jasmine are that it effectively reduces blood pressure, calms the nerves and improves performance. Jasmine in tea has a pronounced tonic effect, suppresses appetite and promotes weight loss - therefore, the benefits of green tea on an empty stomach are great.

To properly prepare the drink, you need to mix green tea leaves and dried jasmine flowers in a ratio of 4 to 1. The tea is brewed in the usual way, and by the way, after 2-4 brewing cycles, jasmine does not lose its beneficial properties, but only better reveals the taste and aroma.

Cinnamon

The benefits of green tea for the liver will be increased if you add cinnamon. The aromatic spice has a pronounced cleansing effect. Cinnamon helps remove toxins and waste, stimulates the rapid functioning of the metabolic system, reduces glucose levels and improves blood composition.

It is very easy to brew healthy tea - you just need to add a pinch of spicy cinnamon to hot tea. You can also brew cinnamon separately in a thermos and dilute green tea with its infusion - no harm will happen, and the benefits will only increase.

Beneficial properties of green tea

The beneficial properties of green tea are difficult to overestimate. It contains components that maintain energy balance and stimulate performance. Natural detoxification of the body occurs.

Green tea cleanses the body of toxins

This is an ancient antioxidant that has been popular since ancient times. Green tea extract is added to many cosmetic products and medications.

Slows down the aging of the body

A large amount of antioxidants inhibits cell aging. Just one cup a day will help prolong youth and prevent the appearance of premature age-related changes.

The drink helps you stay alert and full of energy all day long.

Reduces a person's chance of getting cancer

Numerous scientific studies have proven that long-term consumption of green tea prevents the development of cancer. This effect is achieved due to the high content of theines. They slow down oxidation processes, thereby preventing the formation of carcinogenic substances. Not only the development of cancer cells is suppressed, but also the growth of existing ones.

Green tea is recommended for cancer patients

Boosts immunity

The large amount of vitamins in this drink strengthens the immune system. It contains:

• Calcium.
• Magnesium.
• Zinc.
• Phosphorus.
• Iodine.

All these substances support the immune system and help quickly defeat infectious and colds.

Removes toxins

Green tea removes accumulated toxins and harmful substances from the body. Cleared:

• Stomach.
• Intestines.
• Kidneys.

This reduces the likelihood of kidney and bladder stones. Also, toxins leave the body along with sweat, this improves the condition of the skin.

The drink is indispensable for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Supports the heart

Regular consumption of the drink prevents heart fatigue and heart attacks. The potassium content strengthens the heart muscle. Normalizes heart rate and blood pressure.

Helps in the fight against excess weight

It is recommended to drink green tea for those who are struggling with excess weight. Metabolic processes are enhanced, thereby accelerating the removal of fat cells. You should drink the drink half an hour before meals. It creates a feeling of fullness, so you will not eat such a large portion as usual.

Green tea will help you stay in great physical shape

Metabolism is stimulated. All food eaten during the day is actively processed, and fats are burned.

Of course, tea alone will not solve the problem of excess weight. You need a special diet and physical activity.

Invigorates

Green tea leaves contain a large amount of caffeine, which is why it has an invigorating effect. The body receives a powerful boost of energy, so it is better to drink it in the first half of the day.

In addition to the shedding of strength, there is also an improvement in mood. The nervous system calms down, the feeling of anxiety disappears.

Increases the strength of blood vessels

It has a positive effect on blood vessels. The level of cholesterol in the blood decreases, the occurrence of blood clots and internal hemorrhages is prevented. Tea helps get rid of cholesterol plaques and prevents arterial lumens from narrowing.

Healing tea strengthens the walls of blood vessels

Normalizes digestive processes

Tea is useful for stomach upsets and digestive problems. It destroys pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract and normalizes digestion processes. Tannins prevent the development of diarrhea.

Green tea is drunk to reduce the risk of developing gastrointestinal diseases

How to brew green tea correctly

The procedure for properly preparing green tea is slightly different from the standard one. Here you need to follow a number of rules - they will help to fully reveal the beneficial properties of green tea for the body.

1. Leaves are brewed only in a glass or ceramic container - metal teapots are not suitable for this purpose.
2. First, you need to thoroughly scald the kettle with boiling water and let it warm up a little so that the walls become warm.
3. The tea leaves are poured into a teapot in the amount of a couple of teaspoons and poured with hot water for a few minutes, and then drained.
4. Then the tea is again filled with water and infused under the lid for another 2-3 minutes, and then poured into cups.

Advice! To preserve the benefits of strong green tea, it is brewed in hot water, which has had time to cool slightly after boiling. You cannot scald tea leaves with boiling water - it does not cause harm, but it reduces its beneficial properties.

How to drink green tea

There are also certain rules regarding drinking tea. Thus, the healing properties of green tea appear if you take it in the morning or late afternoon, but no later than 5 hours before bedtime. It is recommended to drink the drink in small sips, without haste - this allows you to feel all the shades of taste.

How much green tea can you drink per day?

A healthy drink suitable for daily use. But at the same time, the daily amount of tea should be limited and drink no more than 2 cups per day, otherwise harm may occur.

The benefits and harms of green tea for women

How does green tea, so beloved by them, affect a woman’s body? Most often, this remedy is used for weight loss. And it is very effective, especially if the diet is correct.

Many women use cosmetics with the addition of green tea extract, noting its pronounced positive effect. And in general, the drink improves the health of the body.

But can green tea be bad for women? Of course. Some components that make up the tea leaf destroy folic acid, one of the most important substances for the female body. That is why the drink is strictly prohibited for those who are planning to conceive or are already carrying a child, because folic acid is the foundation for the formation of the neural tube of the fetus, that is, the brain and nervous system. And caffeine, even useful, is not really needed by the fetus.

You should drink green tea with caution during menstruation. During this period, the female body can behave unpredictably, so it is advisable to limit the consumption of the drink to 1 cup per day or eliminate it altogether.

Traditional medicine recipes based on green tea

The beneficial properties of the product are so great that tea is even used as a healing agent. Traditional medicine knows many ways to use the product to treat ailments.

1. Green tea is of great benefit for arrhythmia and other heart ailments. About 250 g of tea leaves should be mixed with 5 chamomile, motherwort, valerian root, add 5-6 dried hawthorn berries and 25 g of rose hips. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, then pour 1 large spoon of the mixture with hot water and leave for 7 minutes. Drink an infusion with honey three times a day; the remedy helps strengthen the heart.
2. With daily use, the benefits of green tea for the kidneys will appear. If you are prone to swelling and the formation of stones, it is recommended to use the product twice a day for a couple of weeks - this will help remove excess water and harmful salts from the body.
3. The benefits of green tea for gastritis are that it will soothe irritated mucous membranes, prevent inflammatory processes from developing and regulate stomach acidity. On the first day after an exacerbation, you can drink only medium-strength tea for a few sips throughout the day until the pain subsides.

We recommend reading: What are the benefits of water for the body, which one is better to drink?

The use of green tea in cosmetology

The beneficial properties of the product are also actively used by cosmetology. Tea has a beneficial effect not only on the face, but also on the skin of the whole body, as well as on the hair.

Face masks

The benefits of green tea for facial skin include a toning, rejuvenating and smoothing effect. This softening and tightening mask gives excellent results:

• pour a large spoonful of tea leaves with hot water;
• insist for a quarter of an hour;
• then the water is drained, and the wet tea leaves are mixed with 20 g of honey.

The mixture is distributed over the washed face, kept for about 10 minutes and washed off. The mask will bring the greatest benefit if you do it at least once every 3 days.

Rubbing your face with green tea is beneficial - the infusion cleanses the skin, moisturizes it and relieves inflammation.

Hair care

Green tea not only gives hair shine and extra volume, but also prevents hair loss. To strengthen your curls, you can make the following mask:

• a large spoonful of brewed green tea is diluted in 100 ml of mineral water;
• add 5 drops of lemon oil and a teaspoon of hair balm;
• The mixture is distributed over the strands and held for 20 minutes, wrapping the hair with film and a towel.

After this, the curls will need to be washed. The mask will not only strengthen the strands, but also reduce the oiliness of the scalp.

Green tea wraps for cellulite

The antioxidant properties of tea make it a good anti-cellulite remedy. About 25 g of tea leaves should be ground into powder, then diluted with warm water to a paste and add 2 large spoons of honey and a pinch of cinnamon.

The mixed product is applied to problem areas and wrapped tightly in film for 40 minutes, and the body is insulated with a towel on top. After time, the cosmetic mixture should be washed off in the shower.

Properties of green tea extract

In pharmacies you can find such an interesting drug as a hydroalcoholic extract of green tea or its extract. The product is sold in the form of capsules or powders, suitable for dilution in water or for taking with food.

The beneficial properties of the extract are that it effectively resists vascular and heart diseases, prolongs youth, strengthens the body's defenses and quickly removes harmful substances from tissues. The valuable components of green tea in the extract are present in increased concentration, which determines its benefits.

Important! The product must be used strictly according to the instructions indicated on the package. Since the content of beneficial substances in the extract is very high, an overdose can be harmful.

The benefits and harms of green tea for men

The benefits and harms of green tea have been sufficiently studied to accurately indicate exactly what effect this drink has on the male body. There is an opinion that a green drink has a very bad effect on men, or more precisely, on their potency. However, this statement is just a myth.

What are the benefits of green tea for men?

Many men, especially with age, begin to experience a decrease in potency. However, this unpleasant phenomenon can be prevented. And green tea acts as a good means of prevention.

Potency disorders can occur if there are problems with one of the muscles, which is located directly inside the male genital organ. It is a valve that blocks the outflow of blood filling the cavernous bodies. Of course, physical training of this muscle is impossible, but for it to work normally, the body must have enough zinc. This trace element also affects the level of testosterone production. And you can find it not only in seafood, meat and chocolate, but also in green tea.

The not very healthy lifestyle of many men also causes them problems. The vast majority of the strong half of humanity loves to relax at the computer or lying on the couch in front of the TV. This primordial male hobby often results in problems with potency, as blood stagnation occurs, waste and toxins accumulate. In addition, the head often begins to hurt. There is a good remedy for all these misfortunes - green tea. If consumed with milk, it will cleanse the body, saturate it with useful substances, and relieve stress. Therefore, the benefits for men are undeniable.

How to choose the right green tea

Buying quality tea is not difficult - you just need to pay attention to a few points.

1. Tea production date. Dry tea leaves have an expiration date - tea is considered fresh if it was collected no more than a year ago. Tea that is too old will not cause harm, but you may not expect any benefit from it either.
2. Color. The tea should really be green - pistachio, light silver or herbal in color. Too dark a color indicates improper processing and questionable benefits of the tea leaves.
3. Appearance. A high-quality brew should consist mainly of large, medium or small leaves. If there is too much “garbage” and pieces of twigs in the tea, you should not buy it.

At home, the tea leaves should be additionally checked for the degree of moisture. Excessively dry leaves that crumble in your fingers indicate improper processing of the tea; it will not bring much benefit.