Green tea has the scientific name Camellia sinensis. Many health benefits have been attributed to green tea, but the United States Food and Drug Administration has been able to fully determine the overall risks and benefits of green tea drinking. Seek medical advice prior to consuming green tea so that you can determine the optimum amount to drink in order to maximize its benefits.
Helps Prevent Cancer and Alleviate Other Conditions
Green tea contains chemicals called polyphenols, the American Cancer Society explains. Polyphenols possess antioxidant properties. The specific kind of polyphenols contained in green tea are called catechins. This type of polyphenol is what gives green tea its healthful properties. Drinking green tea can help protect you from various kinds of cancer. Green tea can also help you manage other conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, influenza, liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you suffer from genital warts caused by the human papilloma virus, drinking green tea can help alleviate your condition, Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, says.
Increased Mental Alertness
Green tea contains the stimulant caffeine, Medline Plus notes. Drinking green tea can help increase your mental alertness because of its caffeine content. Green tea also contains alkaloids, which also enhance your mental alertness, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. Regulate your consumption of green tea if excessive caffeine consumption triggers health conditions you may be suffering from.
Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
Drinking green tea may help lower your cholesterol levels, Drugs.com says. Green tea may also lower your triglycerides and fat levels. Your blood pressure may also decrease as a result of green tea consumption, according to Medline Plus.
Prevents Dental Cavities
Green tea consumption may be an effective way to help alleviate your tooth decay and cavity formation, the American Cancer Society says. This green tea health benefit has been supported by some clinical studies, but more studies may be necessary.
Promotes Weight Loss
Green tea consumption can help you lose weight, Medline Plus says. Consuming green tea can increase your metabolic rate. When your metabolism speeds up, you burn fat more quickly and easily.
Treats Inflammation Due to Arthritis
Studies suggest that green tea can help you alleviate inflammation due to arthritis and other diseases, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. Green tea also slow the deterioration of cartilage.
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