Numerous green tea benefits are enjoyed by millions of people around the world every day. The tea itself was first cultivated in ancient China and India. In this day and age, it is the second most popular beverage next to the water. However, green tea benefits have been more recently discovered, making it an enjoyable drink as well as a health tonic.
Traditional Medicine
The health benefits of green tea are so accepted that it is used in traditional medicine even today. The tea is used as a diuretic to promote urination, a stimulant and as an astringent to control bleeding and to aid in wound healing. It is also used as traditional medicine in these countries to regulate body temperature, to treat gas and indigestion and to improve mental function.
How Green Tea Benefits Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a health condition where fatty material builds up along the artery walls. This material can become thick and form calcium deposits that eventually cause blocked arteries. Of the many green tea benefits that have been discovered, clinical studies have shown that its antioxidant properties can prevent this condition. The study was conducted by comparing groups of people from different cultures over time. Despite these promising study results, researchers were unsuccessful in their petition for the FDA to allow wording on green tea labels that would indicate it can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Green Tea Benefits Diabetes
The effect that green tea has in controlling blood sugar is very widely known. In some animal studies, indications are that it prevents type 1 diabetes from developing and slows the process of diabetes that is already present. In humans, green tea seems to help regulate the glucose in the body and lower the A1c, a test to determine blood sugar levels over a period, in people who have borderline diabetes.
Cancer Studies
There have been studies that indicate that green tea benefits may reduce the risk of cancer. In fact, the studies revealed that cancer rates do tend to be less in countries where people drink green tea on a regular basis. While by no means conclusive, various studies indicate that green tea may be helpful in prevention of cancer:
Other Green Tea Benefits
Research is continuing to be conducted regarding the benefits of green tea. Some studies also suggest it is helpful for the following conditions:
- Liver disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- High cholesterol
- Weight loss
- Arthritis
New green tea benefits are being discovered every year. Its antioxidant properties have shown promise to help prevent and stop tooth decay. The chemicals it contains suggest that it can be an effective treatment for genital warts, colds, and flu. Some people believe that green tea can reduce the risks of all-cause mortality.
