Green tea is considered to be one of the healthiest drinks in the world. It has been consumed for centuries in Asia, and is considered to be a sacred drink of Chinese royalty. The term “green tea” refers to the colour of the liquid, which is greenish-yellow when brewed with water. The tea leaves are dried, then crushed into a fine powder.
While most people know tea is a hot beverage, there are actually many ways to enjoy tea. Green tea is made from the same plant as black tea, but is processed differently. For example, green tea is also a great cold drink and is ideal for summer refreshing. There are many health benefits to drinking green tea, and cold green tea is a great way to enjoy it.
Cold Green Tea Benefits
Colds and Flu
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2012 examined the effect of consuming green tea on respiratory infections. Researchers found that participants who drank green tea had a significant reduction in the severity of common colds and flu symptoms. The reason why is because of the high levels of EGCG found in green tea. EGCG works by binding to proteins on the surface of cells, which prevents viruses from entering these cells. Another study conducted by researchers at Japan’s National Institute for Agrobiological Sciences found that taking a single dose of EGCG helped significantly reduce illness caused by influenza A viruses (H1N1) and flu B viruses (H3N2).
Immunity
Green tea is known to boost immunity, and this is especially true when consumed with or immediately after exercise. This can be beneficial for athletes looking to enhance their immune system during training or competition, or anyone who wants to prevent catching colds or other illnesses when they are exposed to germs from others.
Metabolism
Green tea is known to have powerful antioxidant properties, which are linked to improved metabolism. When it comes to metabolism, green tea is not the only factor that contributes to weight loss or weight gain. It is an important component of a healthy diet, but it is also linked to certain health conditions that can lead to weight gain or loss. These include heart disease and cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, “Studies have shown that people who drink more than four cups of green tea per day are less likely to develop certain types of cancer, including breast cancer.” The antioxidants in green tea also work synergistically with other antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. This is beneficial for anyone looking for weight loss benefits from eating healthy foods instead of supplements.
Heart Health
According to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that consuming one cup of green tea per day reduced total cholesterol levels by 7 percent and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by 10 percent, while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels by 5 percent over a period of six months. These results suggest that green tea can be an effective tool for reducing risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke. There are several other studies showing similar results.
Weight Loss
Green tea has been shown to be an effective tool for weight loss, which is why it is such a popular loss program. . It has also been shown to reduce fat storage in the body, making it a great beverage for weight loss. Another study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that consuming one cup of green tea per day was associated with reduced abdominal fat, especially around the belly area.
Blood Sugar Control
There are many benefits to drinking green tea, but the health benefits that are related to blood sugar control are especially important for diabetics. A study published in Diabetes Care showed that people who drank green tea had lower fasting blood sugar levels than those who did not drink green tea. It also reduced levels of insulin resistance by improving glucose tolerance. The researchers suggested that “regular consumption of green tea might help prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes.” In another study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that people who drank two cups of green tea per day were significantly less likely to develop diabetes than those who did not drink green tea. Other studies have shown similar results
Digestion
Green tea has been used for centuries as a digestive aid, and recent studies have shown that it can be very effective for people suffering from stomach ulcers. The EGCG in green tea helps stimulate production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which reduces the formation of pepsin, an enzyme that aids in digestion. This results in more efficient digestion and less bloating.
Heartburn
Green tea has been shown to be effective for reducing heartburn, especially for people who suffer from this condition at night. According to a study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, participants who drank green tea every day had significantly less nighttime heartburn than those who did not drink green tea. The researchers suggested that green tea could be useful for treating reflux disease. Heartburn itself is a common condition that affects many people, in which acid from the stomach flows back up into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation and irritation of the throat, causing discomfort and pain.
Stress
Green tea has been shown to have many benefits for stress, including reducing levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It is known that chronic stress can lead to weight gain, which can cause serious health problems. This is especially true for people who are overweight or obese. When it comes to stress, studies have shown that people who drink green tea regularly experience lower levels of stress and anxiety than those who do not drink green tea. Green tea is also linked with improved concentration and focus, which may help in reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.
