With a wide array of herbal substances continually hyped up as panaceas for an even wider range of complaints, you may find yourself dismissing similar products as likely letdowns. However, green tea has accumulated a wealth of scientific evidence to support the claims that it improves fat burning and cardiovascular health. One of the world's most popular drinks, this herbal beverage has been featured in the daily habits of millions for centuries, although modern science has investigated the benefits of green tea only in recent decades.
Cardiovascular Health
Green tea may help improve your cardiovascular health because of the powerful antioxidants contained within the leaves. Unlike black tea, which also comes from the camellia sinensis plant, green tea undergoes minimal processing; as a result, an impressive amount of catechins are retained. These polyphenol compounds may help prevent damage to artery walls and prevent oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Experts from the University of Maryland Medical Center note how the consumption of green tea can help lower undesirable cholesterol levels, reduce risk of heart attacks and strokes and prevent the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque.
Weight Loss
Appropriate weight loss helps both your overall health and your waistline. The catechins in green tea help stimulate thermogenesis, a process whereby the body burns fat to increase body temperature. David Tolson, a nutritional researcher for "Iron Magazine," explains how the catechins -- particularly the highly potent epigallocatechin-gallate, or EGCG -- inhibit an enzyme that normally breaks down noradrenaline. Tolson points out that increased levels of noradrenaline may activate thermogenic receptors in your central nervous system and enhance the rate of fat burning through this mechanism.
Cancer Prevention
The wealth of evidence supporting green tea's cancer-protective effects continues to increase. The polyphenol in green tea provides strong antioxidant support for both your liver and immune system, which require an ongoing and healthy supply of such compounds for optimal function. Antioxidants also protect cells against pre-cancerous changes that result from free-radical damage. A Japanese study assessed the effect of green tea consumption on cancer risk in 1997, analyzing around 8500 people. The study's results, published in the "Preventive Medicine" journal, showed a strong correlation between increased consumption of the herbal beverage and a reduction in cancer risk.
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