Green tea has been a likeable beverage for many centuries. It not only has a soothing flavour but also has numerous health benefits. Whether you are having your morning green tea for a moment of peace or looking to improve your daily wellness routine, green tea offers more than just hydration.
For all those who are looking to boost their daily health habits, here is a list of benefits that green tea offers and how to make green tea the perfect way.
1. Rich in Antioxidants That Fight Inflammation
Green tea is rich in polyphenols, especially catechins such as EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate). It acts as a powerful antioxidant which helps to combat oxidative stress. This, in turn, helps to reduce inflammation in the body. These antioxidants are important to prevent chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Drinking a cup of green tea daily supports your immune system and helps to fight off infections in an effective manner.
2. Boosts Metabolism and Supports Weight Management
Aiming to maintain a healthy weight or support fat burning? Green tea is the solution to your problem. There are several studies that prove that catechins and caffeine in green tea enhance oxidation and energy expenditure.
Having two to three cups of green tea daily before exercise gives a boost to your metabolism. This way, your digestive system works more efficiently without depending on diets and supplements.
3. Improves Brain Function and Focus
Green tea contains a combination of caffeine and L-theanine. This unique combination gives a soft boost to the cognitive functions of the brain without the jitters that come with a cup of coffee. Caffeine helps to boost alertness, and L-theanine provides a calming effect. Moreover, it improves focus and reduces anxiety. People who drink green tea on a regular basis report that it improves mental clarity, better memory and sharper focus.
4. Promotes Heart Health
Studies also show that green tea helps to reduce the risk of heart disease. It helps in lowering bad cholesterol while increasing the good cholesterol in the human body. Thanks to the antioxidants in green tea, the blood pressure remains regulated, and the functions of blood vessels also improve. Adding just a cup or two of green tea to your daily routine will help contribute to long-term heart health, making it an effective way to manage your health.
5. Supports Glowing Skin and Healthy Ageing
Your skin is a reflection of your internal health. Green tea helps you to glow not just from the inside but outside as well. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to fight signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging skin and dullness.
Green tea also helps in the reduction of acne and redness, thanks to the antibacterial properties that it possesses. It also helps in controlling the production of sebum and regulating the hormones. In simpler words, we can say that green tea helps to support a vibrant, youthful and clear skin.
How to Make Green Tea for Maximum Benefits
If you wish to enjoy the complete advantages and health benefits of green tea, then you must know how to brew it properly. If you over-boil or over-steep the green tea leaves, then it can result in a bitter taste and loss of nutrients. Here is a quick guide on how to make green tea the perfect way.
- Start with good quality tea leaves – Select loose green tea leaves that are fresh and flavorful.
- Use the right water temperature – You must use the perfect temperature of water for green tea leaves, and it must not be boiling hot. You must use hot water at around 75–80°C (167–176°F)
- Steep for 2–3 minutes – If you oversteep your green tea leaves, then it will leave a bitter taste.
- Optional add-ins – Adding a slice of lemon or a few drops of honey will not just improve the flavour but will also give added benefits.
Final Thoughts
Green tea is not just your morning drink. It is a cup of wellness that is backed by science and preferred by millions all over the world. From the brain to the heart and skin, the benefits of green tea are difficult to ignore.
