Drinking Green Tea is Essential to Optimal Health and Longevity
Sunday, August 24, 2008 (18:23:55)

Posted by Cougar

This ancient Chinese herbal elixir has been known for centuries to increase lifespan and improve overall health.

Sip Your Green

Drinking Green Tea is Essential to Optimal Health and Longevity

© Aimee Hughes

Jul 16, 2008


Green tea, with its high antoxidant content, combats free radical damage to protect against degenerative diseases and boost enzyme production in the body. It also has antibiotic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. May the following list serve as a helpful reminder to sit back, relax, and have a cup of tea.

* Green tea for heart health

Recent research suggests that antioxidants in green tea play a role in reducing the negative effects of bad cholesterol, lowering triglyceride levels and increasing the production of good cholesterol. Antioxidants have also been shown to inhibit excessive blood clotting which may combat heart disease and stroke.

* Green tea for immunity

Green Tea has antibiotic properties and even has the ability to combat antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. It can also lower iron levels in the body, having a direct anti-viral effect on abnormal types of hepatitis viruses. There is evidence from some studies that green tea provides significant immunoprotective qualities, particularly in the case of cancer patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. White blood cell count appears to be maintained more effectively in cancer patients consuming green tea compared to patients who do not drink the soothing beverage.

* Green tea for cancer prevention

Green tea’s rich supply of antioxidants may also play a key role in the prevention of various cancers, like breast, colon, stomach, and lung cancer. They suppress the formation and growth of potent cancer-causing agents. While the potential anti-cancer properties of green tea look promising, they are also complex and not yet completely understood. Catechins, which are tannins found in green tea, have been shown to have anti-tumor effects. Studies in Japan have shown that several cups of green tea a day are effective in reducing lung cancer death rates, while other studies indicate the same success with liver and stomach cancers.

* Green tea for digestion and detoxification

The Chinese regard green tea as a stimulant and astringent for clearing phlegm and a digestive remedy. Because of the tannins in green tea, it is useful for diarrhea. During detoxification, the polyphenols found in green tea are astoundingly efficient at lessening the production of uremic toxicity to protect the kidneys.

* Green tea for weight loss

Because it boosts enzyme activity in the body and is fully enzyme-active it helps the body cleanse itself and lose weight, while increasing metabolism. Polyphenols have also been known to help the body burn fat because they work with other chemicals to intensify levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is when heat is created in the body by burning fuels such as fat. A study in Switzerland found that drinking 2-3 cups of green tea daily caused participants to burn eighty extra calories each day without increasing their heart rates.

* Green tea to prevent tooth decay

Studies suggest that chemicals in green tea can destroy bacteria that cause tooth decay and other dental conditions. Try natural toothpastes, dental floss and mouth washes that contain green tea.

* Green tea for great skin

Green tea can also be used as a natural beauty product. When applied directly to the skin, it has the ability to clear blemishes and other skin problems. Its leaves can act as an excellent exfoliant to the skin while concentrated versions calm and cool the face.