Green tea has been a staple in the diets of people in India, China, Japan and Thailand for thousands of years. This mild-tasting beverage contains generous amounts of antioxidants that guard against cell damage and help prevent a number of degenerative diseases. Green tea also contains other compounds that, together with antioxidants, may relieve many forms of stress.
Antioxidants
Powerful antioxidants in green tea, known as catechins, reduce oxidative stress throughout your body and have been proven particularly effective at reducing stress on kidneys in people with renal disease, according to a Japanese study published in the book "Protective Effects of Tea on Human Health," edited by Narender Kumar Jain. In the study, on both animals and humans, green tea catechins reduced oxidation and decreased elevated blood pressure in the kidneys and prevented overproduction of cells that regulate blood flow and blood pressure in the kidneys. Green tea also inhibits production of toxins that damage kidney cells.
Immune Stress
Green tea protects against stresses that might erode your body's defenses and lead to cancer, according to Herman Todorov, in his book "Public Enemy Number 1--Stress: a Practical Guide to the Effects of Stress." All stages of cancer have been found to be inhibited by green tea. Polyphenol antioxidants in the widely consumed beverage also protect your liver from toxicity, stave off heart disease and prevent dental cavities and gum disease. Smokers can decrease some of the DNA damage caused by tobacco smoke by drinking two to three cups of green tea per day.
Caffeine-Blocking Effects
Theanine, an amino acid in green tea that confers some of the tea's flavor, comprises half of all the amino acids in green tea and contributes to the production of antioxidants, according to "The Green Tea Book," by Lester A. Mitscher, Ph.D. Theanine provides a calming, destressing effect by being able to cross the blood-brain barrier, where it blocks the stimulating effects of caffeine. This green tea component has also been found to boost the effectiveness of cancer drugs and reduce their side effects.
Mental Focus
Theanine improves your ability to work productively by improving focus and attention, writes August Wald, Ph.D., author of the book "Green Tea Health With Matcha Recipes." It starts to work rapidly, improving blood flow to areas of the brain that coordinate attention functions in increasing alpha brain waves within 20 minutes. The effects of a cup of green last as long as three or four hours.
References
- "Protective Effects of Tea on Human Health"; Narender Kumar Jain; 2006
- "Public Enemy Number 1--stress: a Practical Guide to the Effects of Stress ... "; Herman Todorov; 2000
- "The Green Tea Book"; Lester A. Mitscher; 2008
- "Green Tea Health With Matcha Recipes"; August Wald; 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lemon Balm
