Green tea stands out more than most beverages for its rich cultural heritage. Modern science has found an increasing number of benefits to consuming the tea, enjoyed in many parts of the world for centuries. Meanwhile, retailers have begun to offer green tea with a wide array of flavours, one of which is jasmine. While imparting a gentle and slightly sweet taste, jasmine-infused versions maintain all the same health benefits as regular green tea.
Fat Burning
Green tea can increase the rate at which your body burns fat by stimulating thermogenesis, a process that sees the central nervous system sacrifice fat stores in order to maintain a suitable body temperature. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1999, a green tea extract increased the overall energy expenditure and volunteers burned fat preferentially to other fuel sources. The team conducting the survey, led by Dr. Abdul Dulloo, credited the catechins contained within the tea as the active component.
Cholesterol
The antioxidants present in green tea also demonstrate a measurable benefit in cardiovascular health. By countering the oxidation of cholesterol, the catechins can inhibit the build-up of arterial plaque in the blood vessels. Dr. Joseph Mercola, a U.S. physician and the author of several books on health topics, highlights green tea as a wise choice for those interested in reducing their coronary risk and suggests consuming several cups per day.
Cancer Prevention
The antioxidants in green tea can inhibit damage to cells that can lead to the development of cancer. The website Vitamin & Herb University refers to a study conducted in Japan which looked into the consumption of green tea and the development of cancer among more than 8,000 individuals. The results, published in the Preventative Medicine journal in 1997, showed a negative correlation between the consumption of green tea and the development of the disease, especially in women.
References
- Vitamin & Herb University: Green Tea
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: "Efficacy of a Green Tea Extract Rich in Catechin Polyphenols and Caffeine in Increasing 24-h Energy Expenditure and Fat Oxidation in Humans"; Dr. Abdul Dulloo, Et. Al.; 1999
- Mercola.com: Green Tea Protects Against Heart Disease
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