If you’re like me, you have trouble keeping warm. Especially when the weather’s cold and damp as it is now.
Due to my issue—and since it’s not kosher to walk around wrapped in a blanket all day—I’m obsessed with drinking and eating warming foods/beverages; and green tea is one of my favourite beverages out there.
This green wonder doesn’t just hep keep you warm on a cold day, it’s also packed with health benefits—which increase the more you drink it.
So put your kettle on and check out the 5 benefits of drinking green tea below!
5 Health Benefits of Drinking Green Tea
1. It lowers cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease
Green tea helps to prevent fatty buildup in arteries, according to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. The investigation found EGCG from green tea may reduce cholesterol levels, ultimately assisting in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.
2. It promotes joint health and stronger bones
A study published in Nutrition Research found the bioactive components of green tea may help decrease the risk of fracture by improving bone mineral density.
3. It reduces Inflammation and may help prevent skin damage and cancer
An animal study published in Mutation Research/Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis found green tea appears to protect against skin papillomas and tumours induced by UVA and UVB light. The study also reported that sun-induced inflammatory changes were “slightly lowered” by tea consumption.
4. It supports cardiovascular and metabolic health
According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, researchers found subjects consuming five or more cups of green tea per day were less likely to develop hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes, or die of cardiovascular disease or stroke. Researchers also found in animal studies that EGCG improved heart health by preventing “overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy” – or thickening of the heart muscles.
5. It provides mild stimulation and metal focusing effects
Green tea contains a small amount of caffeine, which a 2008 study in Nutrition Bulletin found can improve mood, cognitive function and physical performance. Green tea contains less caffeine than does coffee, and provides L-theanine, an amino acid shown to promote a state of calm awareness. Result: green tea provides the benefits of alertness associated with caffeine without the “jittery” feeling often experienced as a side effect of coffee.
It’s also a great source of antioxidants that can inhibit cancer cells and boost immunity. According to a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the polyphenols found in green tea provide six times the radical-quenching potential of those found in black tea.
