Green tea, the health elixir

Green tea, the health elixir
Photo by Nathan Dumlao / Unsplash

Tea is the elixir of life." - Lao Tzu

For centuries, people have been drinking green tea, which speaks volumes about its enduring legacy. Medicinal properties. This was the reason people drank tea 1000s of years ago. I think they were onto something.

It’s made its way over to western culture. Considered the 2nd most popular beverage after water. Seems extreme in opinion. Thought maybe sodas would be number one, but turns out water takes the number one spot.

The long history of tea dates back to China. Green tea, being the first type of tea discovered and nonfermented, is superior to the other major categories. Black, white, yellow, oolong, and dark are the other tea categories mentioned.

It is extreme the chronic health problems plaguing society today

If you follow me and read my newsletters, then you know there are certain health conditions which will lower your quality of life and shorten your lifespan.

The list

In the United States, approximately 42.4% of adults were obese as of 2018.

It's estimated that approximately 70-80% of individuals with type 2 diabetes are overweight/obese

Chronic diseases account for approximately 60% of all deaths worldwide. The probable culprit is chronic inflammation.

5.8 million Americans aged 65 and older were living with Alzheimer's dementia as of 2020. If we want to live longer, healthier lives, we need to protect our brain and mental capacity.

Chronic stress is a harbinger of poor health. Structural changes occur in the brain with prolonged stress. The front part of the brain, called the prefrontal cortex, shrinks with chronic stress. It’s bad, negatively affects decision making and emotional regulation.

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a beverage to help treat these conditions?

Well, hello my friend, green tea.

Green tea's versatile components

Active ingredients:

Amino acid L-theanine,

Caffeine

Catechins.

Polyphenol

Polysaccharides

How does green tea help?

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are two common causes of death worldwide. If there is a simple beverage which can reduce the risk of both diseases, why would one not take it?

 Antioxidants

Catechins, polyphenols and caffeine. These are the active antioxidants in green tea. They form a protective defensive force for your cells.

Anticancer

The compounds of green tea are fighters. They prevent invasion and migration of cancer cells. Specifically, in liver and lung cancer. Certain studies even showed some green tea compounds induce cell death and prevent cancer cells from getting nutrients by preventing blood vessel growth. Kinda crazy extracts from a plant have this ability.

Anti-Diabetic

1.       Research shows improved insulin resistance

2.       Improved glucose metabolism

3.       Improved insulin secretion

4.       Studies have shown that green tea polyphenols protect cardiovascular mechanisms and improve diabetic complications because of their antioxidant benefits.  

Anti-bacterial/Antiviral

Certain bacteria cause ulcerations within the stomach and green tea has direct antibacterial effects on this organism. It enhances oral health and supports a healthy oral microbiome. There is a well-known protective mechanism against food-borne viruses and the flu.

Neuroprotective

Who would not want to drink something which would be protective against strokes, Alzheimer and Parkinsons disease.  

Weight loss

There is also some evidence green tea activates certain metabolic pathways within the body causing weight loss.

Summary

Green tea, renowned as the "elixir of life," has a centuries-old history and people highly esteem it for its medicinal benefits. Its worldwide popularity exemplifies its enduring legacy as the second most consumed beverage, from ancient China to modern times. Green tea has emerged as a natural remedy in today's world, plagued by chronic health issues. The powerful antioxidants in it protect cells from oxidative stress, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, the top causes of death worldwide. Green tea help manage diabetes, promotes oral health, provides neuroprotection, and potentially aids in weight loss through metabolic activation. Green tea serves as a simple yet potent companion for a healthier lifestyle.