This beverage may be effective at fighting everything from cancer to acne. So pour a cup, and let the benefits begin.
8 Health Benefits of Green Tea You Haven’t Heard Before
Updated on Apr. 09, 2021
Help prevent multiple cancers
Research on the benefits of green tea and cancer prevention is still in early stages, but the results are promising. Researchers suspect that polyphenols in green tea may help kill cancer cells and stop their progression, or prevent various cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 50 epidemiologic studies of the association between tea consumption and cancer risk have been published since 2006. While the results have been “inconsistent,” some have found an association with a reduced cancer risk of the colon, breast, ovary, prostate, and lung. Pair your green tea with these foods that help prevent cancer.
Make your heart healthier
According to Harvard Medical School, green tea contains significant amounts of flavonoids, antioxidants that protect against heart disease by slowing the breakdown of LDL cholesterol, preventing blood clots, and improving blood vessel function. The benefits of green tea also include associations with lower cholesterol and lower rates of artery blockages.
Soothe arthritis
According to the Arthritis Foundation, green tea is particularly useful for soothing symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The polyphenols in green tea are believed to reduce inflammation while also slowing destruction of cartilage. Another antioxidant called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is thought to block production of molecules that cause joint damage in people who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Did you know other teas also act as natural home remedies for arthritis pain?
Boost your brain
A recent review of studies published in the journal Phytomedicine revealed evidence that green tea can reduce anxiety, boost memory and attention, and increase overall brain function. A small study found that green tea extract particularly enhances the working memory, which could prove useful in future treatments for dementia. (If you’re looking for another way to get these perks, try this matcha smoothie recipe.)
Clear up acne
Good news for those seeking an acne remedy: Research suggests that supplements containing green tea extract may help acne. In one study published in Psychopharmacology, which included 80 women who suffered from moderate to severe acne, researchers found that those who took decaffeinated green tea extract daily had fewer breakouts around their nose, mouth and chin after four weeks compared to those taking a placebo. Check out more teas that also work as acne home remedies.
Fight a UTI
In a recent study review, published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, researchers reported that a cup of Japanese green tea (roughly 7.5 grams of dried green tea) is equivalent to approximately 150 milligrams of epigallocatechin (EGC). This amount may be enough to act as an effective antimicrobial agent for urinary-tract infections.
Reduce puffy eyes
To reap the full benefits of green tea for calming puffy eyes, take two wet green tea bags, place them on tired or swollen eyes, and lie down for 15 to 20 minutes as the tea soothes and refreshes. (Black tea bags also serve as a great eye-depuffer.)
Cut down on stress
According to the Anxiety.org, green tea may be a stress reliever, thanks to the calming amino acid L-theanine. Take your jitters down an extra notch with these mini-meditations you can squeeze into the busiest (and most stressful) days.
Sources
- Current Pharmaceutical Design.: "Tea and Health: Studies in Humans."
- National Cancer Institute: "Green Tea Fact Sheet"
- Arthritis Foundation: "Best Foods for Arthritis"
- Phytomedicine: "Green tea effects on cognition, mood and human brain function: A systematic review."
- Psychopharmacology: "Green tea extract enhances parieto-frontal connectivity during working memory processing."
- Complementary Therapy Medicine: "Does supplementation with green tea extract improve acne in post-adolescent women?"
- Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine: "Effects of green teon Escherichia coli as a uropathogen."
- Anxiety.org: "Five Foods That Make You Happy"
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