We’re already feeling the heat from summer, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t enjoy a contemplative cup of warm tea. The process of making a traditional cup of green tea is involved and can begin the day with a comforting structure. Even if you don’t want a warm cup, you can put it on ice for a refreshing drink later.
And you wouldn’t just be doing your morning routine a favor but also your body. Here are five evidence-based benefits of green tea.
Improves skin clarity
Green tea increases collagen production, improves skin elasticity, and helps smooth wrinkles. Green tea even has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These were put to the test in a 2021 analysis of five studies where green tea extract was directly applied to participants’ skin for acne treatment. As a topical treatment, green tea had significant benefits with no adverse side effects.
Green tea helps against neurodegenerative diseases
Green tea is full of neuroprotective compounds like its reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity—which can prevent oxidative stress. More importantly, green tea contains a catechin called epigallocatechin (EGCG) which suppresses the neurotoxicity induced by the amyloid-beta protein (Aβ) which has a causal relationship with developing dementia.
Boosts focus and energy
An eight-ounce cup of green tea has on average 28 milligrams of caffeine. That’s not enough to get you wired, but it is enough to keep you awake and focused. Caffeine limits adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and enhances dopamine and norepinephrine signaling in the brain. This improves reaction, memory, and temperament.
Could help fight cancer
Researchers have found that green tea could be helpful against certain types of cancer. These include bladder, breast, esophagus, intestinal, lung, pancreatic, and stomach. It does this through its catechin derivatives and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Helps burn fat
Green tea extract is used in many fat-burning supplements because it boosts your metabolism. A study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that green tea helped boost people’s calorie-burning rate by four percent.
