Over the last few years green tea has gained significant popularity in the Western countries, but is that popularity justified? Yes, yes it is.
And the research is backing it up.
Human studies have shown
- Green tea extract has a positive effect on cognitive function and working memory[1].
- The consumption of green tea has reduced the risk of functional disability in adults over 65 years old[2].
- Green tea has substantial antioxidant capacities and may be used to improve the quality of life in those with inflammatory diseases[3].
- Green tea may reduce the risk of breast cancer[4].
- Green tea can significantly reduce fasting blood glucose levels, reducing the risk of developing diabetes[5].
- Human studies are suggesting potential benefits of green tea supplementation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (improving liver enzyme markers, BMI, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol)[6].
- Green tea has exerted positive effects on anxiety, brain cognition and brain function[7].
- Green tea-based mouthwashes may be an alternative to regular mouthwashes in sustaining oral hygiene (in regard to plaque index and gingival index)[8].
- And lastly, green tea has the potential to reduce body fat and body weight[9].
Green tea consumption gained its legendary origins so long ago that many different versions and legends are told about its discovery. Since then it has gained and maintained its strong health focus.
Did you know that green tea and black tea are derived from the same plant? Both black tea and green tea naturally contain caffeine and just like coffee, there are tea-snobs and very specific ways to make the perfect cup.
According to the experts, there are 4 steps to making the perfect cuppa tea.
- Use water that has boiled then been let to cool for a few minutes. Or if you’re using a stove top, the water is considered ready when there are bubbles beginning to form at the bottom of the pot, but not on the top of the water.
- Steep for 2-3minutes.
- Use high quality tea leaves
- Use the right ratio of leaves to water; 2 grams of tea leaves to 100ml of water is considered ideal.
Relax, sip and enjoy.
[1] Schmidt, A., et al. (2014). “Green tea extract enhances parieto-frontal connectivity during working memory processing.” Psychopharmacology (Berl) 231(19): 3879-3888.
[2] Tomata, Y., et al. (2012). “Green tea consumption and the risk of incident functional disability in elderly Japanese: the Ohsaki Cohort 2006 Study.” Am J Clin Nutr 95(3): 732-739.
[3] Ohishi, T., et al. (2016). “Anti-inflammatory Action of Green Tea.” Antiinflamm Antiallergy Agents Med Chem 15(2): 74-90.
[4] Yu, S., et al. (2019). “Green tea consumption and risk of breast cancer: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis of case-control studies.” Medicine (Baltimore) 98(27): e16147.
[5] Kondo, Y., et al. (2018). “Effects of Coffee and Tea Consumption on Glucose Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.” Nutrients 11(1).
[6] Mansour-Ghanaei, F., et al. (2018). “Green tea as a safe alternative approach for nonalcoholic fatty liver treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.” Phytother Res 32(10): 1876-1884.
[7] Mancini, E., et al. (2017). “Green tea effects on cognition, mood and human brain function: A systematic review.” Phytomedicine 34: 26-37.
[8] Mathur, A., et al. (2018). “Efficacy of green tea-based mouthwashes on dental plaque and gingival inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Indian J Dent Res 29(2): 225-232.
[9] Vazquez Cisneros, L. C., et al. (2017). “Effects of green tea and its epigallocatechin (EGCG) content on body weight and fat mass in humans: a systematic review.” Nutr Hosp 34(3): 731-737.
About The Author - Samantha Mainland
Samantha is a highly educated Naturopath having graduated from both Southern Cross University with a Bachelor of Naturopathy, and University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Medicine Management with Professional Honours in Complementary Medicine.