What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Green Tea Every Day?

Green tea comes from the same plant as black and oolong tea, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The difference is that green tea is made from the fresh, unfermented tea leaves and therefore contains the most antioxidants, including polyphenols. These antioxidants fight free radicals in your body that can lead to diseases and other health conditions. Drinking green tea every day might help ward off a number of health concerns; you should, however, speak to your doctor before using green tea as a treatment method.

Chronic Disease

The antioxidants in green tea might prevent chronic diseases caused by free radicals. Research shows promising results with polyphenols preventing a number of different types of cancer and suppressing cancerous cells once they have formed, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Green tea has been shown to regulate blood sugar and might prevent diabetes from developing. Green tea has also been used to protect the liver and prevent liver disease. More research is needed before these results are conclusive.

Cholesterol

Green tea is on the list of healthy ingredients that can improve your cholesterol numbers. It lowers your total cholesterol and your LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, while also increasing your HDL, or "good" cholesterol, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The polyphenols seem to cause this result by preventing the intestines from absorbing cholesterol into the blood stream and instead assist the body to excrete the cholesterol.

Weight Loss

Another popular use of green tea is for weight loss. Victoria Zak explains in her book, "20,000 Secrets of Tea," that antioxidants in green tea assist your body in breaking down fats. Green tea also contains caffeine, which could stimulate some weight loss. The University of Maryland Medical Center also notes the weight loss health benefit of green tea, adding that research has shown weight loss in overweight participants through the use of green tea.

Additional Benefits

A number of additional health benefits claims connected to green tea require more research. Victoria Zak explains that green tea acts as a decongestant if you are having respiratory concerns. It contains fluoride, which keeps your teeth and gums in optimum health. Green tea also contains antibacterial and antiviral properties, according to Zak. The University of Maryland Medical Center adds that green tea might decrease inflammation, which could possibly help if you have arthritis or other conditions involving tissue inflammation.