Archeological records show that the first countries to cultivate tea and sheer it in boiling water are China and India. At present, almost all countries around the world, particularly Japan, are now using green tea because of its health benefits. Japanese green tea is made from a green tea plant called Camellia sinens, which contains a powerful antioxidant called polyphenols. Studies show that Japanese green tea has positive effects on the body.
Lowers High Cholesterol Levels
The green tea plant Camellia sinens contains the most powerful antioxidant, called polyphenols, which produces extra heat in the body, and aids in calorie burn. According to Green Tea Information, Japanese green tea has positive effects on hypertension and lowering high cholesterol levels by reducing the negative effects of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, which is known as bad cholesterol. Green tea also works by lowering the levels of triglycerides and increasing the production of high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, which is the good cholesterol in the body. Larger HDL is thought to be preventive in the development of atherosclerosis. Antioxidants can also block the intestines from absorbing cholesterol and can help in the removal of cholesterol in the body's system.
Regulates Blood Glucose
Green tea helps to balance glucose in the body. According to Life Extension Magazine, green tea is rich in epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, which enhances the action of insulin instead promoting insulin release. Green tea is also a blood glucose regulator, which prevents or slows the progression of type I diabetes. It slows down amylase, which is a digestive enzyme that acts to slow down the rise of blood sugar levels in the body. Researchers have discovered that the enzyme called alpha-glucosidase, which allows glucose to be absorbed slowly from the small intestine into the body, regulates blood glucose levels. Although green tea can be a safe and effective way to regulate blood glucose levels, it still contains caffeine. Therefore, consult with a health care specialist before consuming green tea.
Prevents Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease is a collective term for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Green tea is efficient in fighting food poisoning because of its effects in the body. According to Citizendia.org, Japanese green tea contains polyphenols, which inhibit intestinal inflammation. Catechin, which is a substance found in polyphenols, is said to be an effective sterilizing agent for bacteria caused by food poisoning, and it is often recommended as a treatment for diarrhea. Viruses and specific bacteria, such as Pseudomonas and atypical mycobacteria, are the possible causative agents of inflammatory bowel disease and may be a primary or secondary response to viral organisms.
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