Green tea has been around for over 500,000 years but it is just recently that Americans have recognized the health benefits of the Asian staple. The tea has been used in Asian culture as a traditional medicine to help control bleeding, heal wounds, regulate body temperture, control blood sugar and promote digestion for generations.
It has long been linked with protecting your heart but there are many other benefits to switching a cup of java for a spot of tea once a day.
Green Tea May Help Prevent Cancer
Green tea has antioxidants called polyphenols which studies have shown can reduce the risk of cancer. Green tea also blocks the ability of cancer cells grabbing onto healthy cells in your body.
Evens Blood Pressure
Those same polyphenols that help prevent cancer can steady your rising blood pressure. Studies show that people who drink one cup of green tea per day are 50% less likely to develop hypertension. Properties in green tea support blood vessels and prevent them from contracting and thusly elevating blood pressure.
Use it as a natural antiseptic
Asian cultures for centuries have applied green tea to cuts and sores. It is a homeopathic antiseptic that relieves itching and promotes healing.
Un-puff those tired eyes
Because of its natural antiseptic and calming influences green tea can work wonders on those puffy tired eyes. Two wet, cold teabags applied to the eyes can immediately reduce swelling and calm tired eyes.
Stave off Alzheimer’s
The antioxidant nature of green tea fights free radical damage in your body which may prevent diseases of the brain including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. Elderly adults that drank two or more cups of green tea a day had far less cognitive problems according to a study at UCLA Medical Center.
Beat the Bulge
Looking to loose weight? Or having trouble dropping those pounds? Green tea may be the answer. It speeds up the calorie burning process in your body and boosts your metabolism.
Green tea can be an acquired taste. It has a bit of a back-bite. But, the good news is you can’t destroy the properties of green tea by adding lemon, sugar or a little creamer to it in an effort to make it go down easier.
For those who just can’t stomach the taste, green tea is now available in a pill form at most major vitamin retailers.
