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Green tea is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis that have undergone minimal oxidation during processing. Green tea originated in China, but it has become associated with many cultures throughout Asia.
Green tea has recently become relatively widespread in the West where black tea has been the traditionally consumed tea.
Over the last few decades, green tea has been subjected to numerous scientific and medical studies to determine the extent of its long-purported health benefits.
Health Benefits of Green Tea:
(Please note that one of the following dozen health benefits is NOT true. Can you identify which one is NOT a health benefit of Green tea?)
Weight Loss – Green tea increases metabolism. The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories. According to a 2009 study by the Department of Human Biology, Nutrition and Toxicology Research Institute Maastricht, the catechins in green tea proved to significantly decrease body weight an as well as maintain body weight after a period of weight loss. This is good news to those looking to shed a few pounds.
Diabetes – Green tea apparently helps regulate glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes and resulting fat storage.
Heart Disease – Scientists think, green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping keep them stay relaxed and better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. It may also protect against the formation of clots, which are the primary cause of heart attacks.
Esophageal Cancer – It can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, but it is also widely thought to kill cancer cells in general without damaging the healthy tissue around them.
Cholesterol – Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
Erectile Dysfunction – It has been reported in numerous campus studies performed in Universities across China in the 1960’s that a stiff cup of green tea is 99.44% effective in increasing and prolonging erections in males. Please seek immediate medical assistance for erections lasting longer than four hours!
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s – It is said to delay the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Studies carried out on mice showed that green tea protected brain cells from dying and restored damaged brain cells. What was that question again??
Tooth Decay – Studies suggests that the chemical antioxidant “catechin” in tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections, dental cavities and other dental conditions. According to a research study published by Preventive Medicine, drinking one cup of unsweetened green tea could increase teeth health. People between the ages of 40 and 64 who drank one cup of green tea per day were less likely to lose their teeth. According to the study, antimicrobial molecules called catechins are the reason for this effect. Grab a green tea infused toothpaste off pharmacy shelves or be sure to get your daily dose of tea. I wish I knew about this BEFORE I put a few Dentist’s kids through college!
Blood Pressure – Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Depression – Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and be a great benefit to tea drinkers. Saying “Tranquility” can have a placebo effect equivalent to two cups of Green tea.
Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial – Tea catechins are strong antibacterial and antiviral agents which make them effective for treating everything from influenza to cancer. In some studies green tea has been shown to inhibit the spread of many diseases.
Skin Care – Green tea can apparently also help with wrinkles and the signs of aging, This is because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Both animal and human studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can reduce sun damage. The potent antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate found in green tea prevents the activation of collagen-digesting enzymes called matrix metalloproteinase. These enzymes are what causes wrinkling of the skin. Green tea also has anti-inflammatory properties that assist in preventing wrinkles and fine lines. By applying lotions and creams with green tea extract or drinking Green tea regularly, you can steer clear of premature aging and the onset of wrinkles.
Have you figured out which claim is bogus? Please post a comment!
Aside from the health benefits of Green Tea, Green Tea can also cure/help/be used as/for:
- Dark Circles and Puffy Eye Relief
- Irritation and Redness Alleviation
- Facial Scrub
- Bleeding Reduction
- Sunburn Treatment
- Fridge Odor Elimination
- Humidity Reduction
- Carpet Cleaning
- Lingerie Freshening
- Anxiety Remedy
- Deodorant
But sadly, it still won’t cure…. (What??)
I’ll drink to that!
Humbly submitted for your consumption,
–Mee Magnum (“Chop! Chop!”)