Green tea contains high concentrations of various antioxidants, which is why it's been shown to provide numerous health benefits. From heart disease to metabolism, green tea is known for boosting overall health. Green tea leaves undergo little oxidation when they are processed, leading to the majority of the herbs and antioxidants remaining in the tea. Smokers can benefit from the health benefits offered by green tea; many of these benefits may help offset any negative effects associated with quitting smoking. Consult with your physician about the best action to take if you are trying to quit smoking.
Features
Green tea contains powerful antioxidants, polyphenols, which help to remove free radicals from your body's cells. These free radicals are toxic to your body. They can damage your immune system, cause diseases and lead to signs of aging in your skin. Green tea has also been shown to boost metabolism and energy levels, according to HealthMad.
Smoking and Green Tea
According to Bloomberg, "The World Health Organization estimates that more than 1 billion people smoke globally and as many as half of them will die because of the habit." Lung cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide--according to Oxford Journals, most deaths from lung cancer are the result of smoking tobacco products. The polyphenols in green tea have also been linked to the ability to quit smoking; additionally, they may assist in reducing the damage to your body from cigarette smoke toxins.
Immune System
According to the Quit Smoking Bulletin, smoking breaks down your immune system, which is one of the reasons smoking is considered so harmful. The high concentrations of antioxidants present in green tea boost your immune system and protect your body from damaging free radicals. According to Oxford Journals, evidence suggests that regular consumption of green tea may be protective against tobacco carcinogens, boosting your immunity to disease. However, avoiding tobacco is still the best thing you can do for your body, as well as for your immune system.
Weight-Loss
According to HealthMad, most people who quit smoking gain approximately 6 lb. in the process. This happens because the nicotine in tobacco helps to activate your metabolism, prompting your body to burn calories and fat. Once you quit smoking, the opposite effect occurs. Green tea can help prevent this due to its ability to boost metabolism. According to HealthMad, "People who drink at least four cups of green tea per day have been shown to burn up to 160 more calories per day than those who don’t." Therefore, drinking green tea can compensate for the metabolic increases associated with smoking, according to HealthMad.
Lung Cancer
While smoking cessation is the best way to prevent lung cancer, studies have shown a possible link between green tea consumption and lung cancer. According to Bloomberg, research found that, for both smokers and non-smokers, non-tea drinkers had a risk of developing lung cancer that was five times greater than those who drank at least one cup of tea per day. Therefore, although quitting smoking is the first step, green tea may help your body remove the carcinogens present from the tobacco.
References
- Oxford Journals: Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Does the consumption of green tea reduce the risk of lung cancer among smokers?
- Bloomberg: Green Tea May Counter Smoking Harm on Lung Cancer (Update1)
- Quit Smoking Bulletin: Green Tea Science: Can It Help You To Quit Smoking?
- HealthMad: How to Quit Smoking and Not Gain Weight
