I enjoy green tea on occasion but am far more addicted to a good cup of strong black tea if I’m honest. Although I hate to be one of those people missing the boat on the health benefits of this powerful antioxidant, I just prefer that comforting “Keep calm and carry on” appeal of the old stand by. So what’s the big difference between black teas and green? They both come from the Camellia sinensis plant but that intense flavor I love is a result of an oxidization process. Green tea skips this step which helps the leaves maintain their original color and provides a lighter flavor.
The good news for me is both still contain those healthful antioxidants and offer many similar benefits. As well, while both contain caffeine, green tea contains more L-theanine, which has a calming effect to counteract that jittery feeling you might get from black tea. However, many scientists argue green tea contains more health benefits thanks to higher quantities of antioxidant properties. Here’s what scientists are saying about drinking green tea every day. (1, 2)
Why Is Green Tea Healthy?
Green tea contains polyphenols and natural antioxidants called catechins. Together these powerful nutrients help with a number of issues including reducing inflammation and fighting cancer. Green tea reduces and even prevents the damage caused by free radicals, the culprits behind aging and disease. While you won’t find the fountain of youth in a pot of green tea, it helps protect your cells from the ravages of age acting as a preventative and health booster with many benefits including: (1)
Lowers Blood Sugar
By reducing blood sugar you reduce risk for developing diabetes. (1)
Can Assist With Weight Loss
Green tea speeds up your metabolism helping to increase weight loss efforts. The phytonutrient, EGCG, boosts the hormones that make you feel good so you also don’t have as many cravings. (1)
Cancer Prevention
As an antioxidant, green tea can help reduce the risk for many cancers including: (1)
- Breast
- Prostate
- Colorectal
- Lung
- Bladder
- Esophagus
- Skin
- Stomach
- Pancreatic
Better Cholesterol Levels & Heart Health
Improved LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The catechins found in green tea keep the cardiovascular system healthy by protecting it from damage. This reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. (1)
Liver Health
Catechins also help reverse alcohol damage to the liver, while protecting the liver against tumors. (1)
Digestive Health
As an anti-inflammatory, green tea reduces inflammation in the digestive system, which can improve symptoms related to issues like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. (1)
Stimulates Brain Function
Green tea keeps our brain more responsive by enhancing our memory. (1)
A Few More
Let’s not overlook the many other benefits from preventing cavities, colds, and flu to treating arthritis, skin conditions, and genital warts.
So there you have it, an impressive overview of the health benefits of sipping green tea. Personally I will continue to sip black tea instead, happy to reduce the health benefits in exchange for a good old fashioned boost off comfort.
Another good option is lemon water! Learn more here:
