Beneficial Effectiveness of Green Tea

Beneficial Effectiveness of Green Tea

Green tea is touted to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. It’s loaded with antioxidants that have many health benefits, which may include:

·       blood pressure control

·       healing injury

·       improving heart and mental health

·       weight loss and obesity

·       type 2 diabetes

This tea also manages the temperature of your body. Green tea is also a great help for your fitness. It not only helps in fighting chronic diseases, but this tea is also very helpful in staying fit. Taking green tea everyday can relieve a lot of your problems and it is also very beneficial. When it comes to fitness and health, green tea benefits cannot be denied. Due to the health benefits of green tea, its trend is increasing worldwide. Many studies done on this have also highlighted its medicinal properties.

Green tea can be taken by mouth to improve mental alertness and thinking, for overcoming depression, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), weight loss and to treat stomach disorders, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and bone loss (osteoporosis). Some people take green tea by mouth to prevent various cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, solid tumor cancers, leukemia, and skin cancer related to exposure to sunlight.

Here are some Benefits of Green Tea :

---  Contains Healthy Bioactive Compounds

Green tea is more than just a hydrating beverage. The green tea plant contains a range of healthy compounds that make it into the final drink. Tea is rich in polyphenols, which are natural compounds that have health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and helping to fight cancer. Green tea contains a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Catechins are natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and provide other benefits.

These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage. These free radicals play a role in aging and many types of diseases. EGCG is one of the most powerful compounds in green tea. Research has tested its ability to help treat various diseases. It appears to be one of the main compounds that gives green tea its medicinal properties. Green tea also has small amounts of minerals that can benefit your health. Try to choose a higher quality brand of green tea, because some of the lower quality brands can contain excessive amounts of fluoride. That being said, even if we choose a lower quality brand, the benefits still outweigh any risk.

---  Can Help Us Lose Weight

Green-tea can be beneficial in reducing weight. The anti-oxidant present in it may help in reducing weight by increasing metabolism. Green tea contains caffeine and is a type of flavonoid called catechin, which is an antioxidant. Catechin helps to break down excess fat, while both catechin and caffeine help keep the body fit by increasing energy in the body. According to a research published on the website of NCBI (The National Center for Biotechnology Information), moderate-intensity exercise along with drinking green-tea can promote fat oxidation (fat burning), which helps control obesity. In addition, in another study, intake of a mixture of catechin and caffeine present in green tea may show a somewhat positive effect in reducing weight and keeping weight balanced. Several studies have proven that daily use of one cup of green tea can reduce body fat (especially in the abdominal area). It can reduce body fat percentage, body weight and waist fat. In addition, the catechins present in green tea produce heat in the body, which also helps in burning excess calories.

---  May Improve Brain Function

Green tea does more than just keep us alert, it may also help boost brain function. The key active ingredient is caffeine, which is a known stimulant. It doesn’t contain as much as coffee, but enough to produce a response without causing the jittery effects associated with taking in too much caffeine. Caffeine affects the brain by blocking an inhibitory neurotransmitter called adenosine. This way, it increases the firing of neurons and the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. Research has consistently shown that caffeine can improve various aspects of brain function, including mood, vigilance, reaction time, and memory. Actually, a research done on this subject has revealed that green tea can improve the functioning of the brain along with reducing anxiety. In addition, it may also exhibit positive effects in increasing concentration.

---  Reliefs the Skin Around Our Eyes

If we’re experiencing swelling around our eyes, this green tea home remedy for puffy eyes may provide relief. It’s a simple method.

Here are the steps:

1.      Steep or soak two green tea bags for tea to drink.

2.      Squeeze the bags to remove excess liquid.

3.      Put the tea bags in the refrigerator for 10 to 20 minutes.

4.      Place the tea bags on our closed eyes for up to 30 minutes.

Advocates for this treatment suggest that the combination of caffeine and a cold compress will help alleviate the puffiness. Although clinical research does not support this method, the research recommends using a cool compress (washcloth and cool water). Also, according a 2010 article in the Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, the caffeine in green tea can constrict the blood vessels to reduce swelling and inflammation.

---  Prevents Mouth Infection

Consumption of green tea can also be beneficial for mouth health. Its use can prevent mouth infection. According to an Indian study, green tea catechin can prevent Pgingivalis and other similar bacteria such as Prevotella, Intermedia and Prevotella Nigrescens from growing. All these bacteria can affect the health of the mouth. Along with this, another research has found that green tea can control tooth plaque and prevent tooth decay. Polyphenols present in green tea can act as anti-plaque agents to prevent plaque in the mouth. Flossing with green tea can be very beneficial, but it is better to consult a doctor once.

---  Helps Balance Blood Sugar & Prevent Diabetes

Benefits of drinking green tea include prevention of diabetes. Indeed, a study conducted in Japan found that people who consumed six or more cups of green tea per day had a 33% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, compared to those who consumed less than one cup of green tea per day. A meta-analysis of 17 previously published studies looked at the relationship between green tea, blood sugar control, and insulin sensitivity in humans. Researchers found favorable effects. Green tea helps reduce fasting blood sugar levels, as well as values for Hb A1C, a measure of average blood sugar over the previous three months.

In simple terms, green tea has anti-diabetic properties, which can reduce the risk of diabetes by lowering the level of glucose in the blood. Green tea helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels in people suffering from diabetes. Compounds such as polyphenols and polysaccharides present in green tea can be useful for both types of diabetes. Green tea can increase the production of insulin (insulin) in the pancreas, regulate blood sugar levels and absorb glucose in people suffering from type 1 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, frequent increases in blood sugar often lead to complications in the eyes, heart, and kidneys. Green tea prevents this growth. In fact, green tea is one of the best things for a person with diabetes, so a person with diabetes must include it in their diet.

---  Is Caffeine-Free

It's not always true, but some versions are. Many people who find coffee-drinking to be a bit too much of a jolt may tolerate the lower caffeine content of tea much better (one cup of home-brewed coffee is about 100mg of caffeine; tea is between 25-50mg, depending on the type and brew's strength). If we're tea-totaling before we hit the hay, look for versions that are clearly labeled "caffeine-free" on the front of the pack, or check Nutrition Facts labels closely for 0mg caffeine per serving.

All of that being said: The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest caffeinating at around 300-400mg per day from coffee and tea to reduce risk of cognitive decline, boost memory, and improve energy — so for those who aren't as sensitive to the jolt, don't be afraid to drink up.

---  Helps Reduce Blood Pressure

Green tea can also be beneficial for blood pressure. Indeed, according to research published on the NCBI website, intake of green tea can reduce blood pressure. At the same time, according to another research, in overweight and obese adults, green tea or GTE (GTE - green tea extract) supplementation has been found to cause a small, but significant reduction in BP. In fact, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, people who consumed one and a half to two and a half cups of green tea on a regular basis for about a year were 46% more likely less affected than those who did not consume green tea at the risk of high blood pressure.

---  Supports Immunity

Green tea intake can also help improve immunity. It can help strengthen the body's immunity as well as protect the body from free radicals. Green tea antioxidants offer antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects that support immunity. In addition, green tea acts as a prebiotic, food for the beneficial gut bacteria tied to healthy immunity.

---  Reduces Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

Consumption of green tea can also reduce the risk of many mental illnesses. Alzheimer's is one of those diseases. In this disease, a person's memory starts to get weaker day by day and the decision making ability also decreases. In such a situation, green tea can be consumed to prevent this disease. The polyphenols present in it, epiglocatechin-3-gallate (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), may benefit in this work.

---  Antioxidants May Lower the Risk of Some Cancers

Cancer is caused by uncontrolled growth of cells. It’s one of the world’s leading causes of death. Research has shown that oxidative damage can lead to chronic inflammation, which can lead to chronic diseases, including cancers. Antioxidants can help protect against oxidative damage. Green tea is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants. According to the National Cancer Institute, polyphenol (catechin) is responsible for the tea's anti-cancer properties. The most reliable of these is EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate). It can fight free radicals and protect cells from DNA damage. Green-tea can help prevent the risk of certain types of cancer (lungs, skin, breast, liver, stomach and intestines). Also green-tea can be helpful in stopping the spread of cancer cells.

In fact, antioxidants in green tea are a hundred times more effective than vitamin C and twenty-four times more effective than vitamin E. Drinking four cups of green tea a day can have anti-cancer benefits.

---  Green Tea for Gastrointestinal Disorders

Green tea intake can also be beneficial for gastrointestinal disorders (stomach or digestive problems). A study has revealed that the catechin present in green tea is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and may aid in the fight against diseases. In such cases, green tea can be included in daily life to prevent gastrointestinal disorders.

---  Supports Bone Density

Green tea intake can also be beneficial for bones. This can be followed by bioactive compounds present in green tea. Indeed, its intake may reduce the risk of fracture by improving bone mineral density. On the other hand, it can improve osteoblastic activities (bone formation) by reducing osteoclastic activities (bone breakdown process). Green tea contains high amount of fluoride which helps in maintaining the strength of bones. Regular consumption of green tea reduces the risk of bone fractures. The loss of bone density is not due to the antioxidant and inflammation-reducing properties present in green tea. It helps in increasing the activity of bone-building cells. Drink green tea daily to maintain bone density.

---  May Prevent Hair Loss

You can use green tea to reduce hair problems because it contains some powerful antioxidants, which help to strengthen your hair by reducing problems. Green tea contains vitamin B (panthenol), which reduces two wavy hair and softens your hair and also strengthens your hair follicle. According to research by scientists, green tea contains the antioxidant "EGCG" (or epigallocatechin gallate) which can enhance hair growth.The properties of green tea help prevent hair loss and enhance the growth of new hair. Drinking a few cups of green tea every day will reduce your hair loss and grow again. Also, applying fresh green tea to your wet hair and washing it after ten minutes will help reduce problems like dandruff and dry head. It should be used 2-3 times a week for a few months.

---  Prevents Aging & Is Tied to Longevity

The antioxidants available in green tea protect the skin from harmful free radicals. They treat skin diseases by promoting longevity. Also, help in the fight against various signs of aging. This is why green tea is used in many beauty products. Studies have shown that green tea can also reduce sun damage. One study analyzed the typical Japanese diet and concluded that green tea may increase life expectancy. Green tea positively affects health, which makes the body healthier, which increases the chances of long-term survival.

---  May Reduce Heart Disease Risk

According to a report by Harvard Medical School, Green-Tea can be beneficial for the heart. Heart disease can also be avoided by consuming it. In population studies, people who frequently drink unsweetened green tea are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease later in life. A study conducted on 40,530 Japanese adults found that individuals who consumed more than five cups of green tea per day compared to individuals who consumed more than one cup of green tea per day, had 16 percent lower risk of heart attack or stroke.

---  Reduces Stress and Can be Calming

A study found that polyphenols present in Green-Tea produce antidepressant effects. Its antidepressant properties may prove beneficial in stress situations. On the other hand, the caffeine present in green tea can also play an important role in the treatment of stress. Reduced caffeine intake of green tea may relieve stress problem to some extent. Green tea is a source of the amino acid of the amino acid L-theanine, a compound that's linked to alertness and mood-enhancement. Research has also linked l-theanine consumption to reduced anxiety and improved focus.

---  Slowers Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Along with health, green tea also has benefits for the skin. Studies have revealed that consumption or use of green tea extracts may reduce the risk of skin tumors due to harmful ultraviolet rays. It also has antiinflammatory properties, which can act like anticancer. The polyphenol epiglocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG, epigallocatechin-3-gallate) present in it may be responsible for this. Research has shown protective effects of EGCG on the oxidative stress caused by UVB (Ultraviolet Radiation) when used on the skin of mice. Explain that oxidative stress affects the skin negatively. A 2007 study concluded that green tea could hold promise as a new treatment for skin disorders such as psoriasis and dandruff. Researchers studied an animal model for inflammatory skin diseases, often characterized by patches of dry, red, flaky skin caused by the inflammation and overproduction of skin cells. Those treated with green tea showed slower growth of skin cells and the presence of a gene that regulates the cells’ life cycles.

---  Increases Fat Burning

If we look at the ingredients list for any fat burning supplement, chances are, green tea will be on there. This is because, according to research, green tea can increase fat burning and boost metabolic rate. In one study involving 10 healthy men, taking green tea extract increased the number of calories burned by 4%. In another involving 12 healthy men, green tea extract increased fat oxidation by 17%. However, some studies on green tea don’t show any increase in metabolism, so the effects may depend on the individual and how the study was set up.

Caffeine may also improve physical performance by mobilizing fatty acids from fat tissue and making them available for use as energy. Two separate review studies reported that caffeine may increase physical performance by approximately 11–12%.

Treat Cold without Medicines

Treat Cold without Medicines

Being sick, even when we’re home in bed, isn’t fun. The combination of body aches, fever, chills, cold and nasal congestion can be enough to make anyone miserable. Cold is a common viral infection of the nose and throat. The condition is generally harmless and symptoms usually resolve within two weeks. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing and congestion. High fever or severe symptoms are reasons to see a doctor, especially in children. Most people recover on their own within two weeks. Over-the-counter products and home remedies can help control symptoms.

There are plenty of home remedies that can alleviate our symptoms and get us back to normal. If you still feel sick after a few weeks, make an appointment with your doctor. If you have trouble breathing, have a rapid heartbeat, feel faint, or experience other severe symptoms, get medical help sooner.

Keep reading to see what cold and flu remedies we can conjure up at home.

Ginger Water

The health benefits of ginger root have been touted for centuries, but now we have scientific proof of its curative properties. A few slices of raw ginger root in boiling water may help soothe a cough or sore throat. Research suggests that it can also ward off the feelings of nausea that so often accompany influenza.

Honey Tea

Honey has a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Drinking honey in tea with lemon can ease sore throat pain. Research suggests that honey is an effective cough suppressant, too. In one study, researchers found that giving children 10 grams of honey at bedtime reduced the severity of their cough symptoms. The children reportedly slept more soundly, which also helps reduce cold symptoms.

We should never give honey to a child younger than 1 year old, as it often contains botulinum spores. While they’re usually harmless to older children and adults, infants’ immune systems aren’t able to fight them off.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays an important role in our body and has many health benefits. Along with limes, oranges, grapefruits, leafy greens, and other fruits and vegetables, lemons are a good source of vitamin C. Adding fresh lemon juice to hot tea with honey may reduce phlegm when we’re sick. Drinking hot or cold lemonade may also help. Getting enough vitamin C can relieve upper respiratory tract infections and other illnesses.

Stay Hydrated
Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which can make dehydration worse.

Sip Warm Liquids
A cold remedy used in many cultures, taking in warm liquids, such as chicken soup, tea, or warm apple juice, might be soothing and might ease congestion by increasing mucus flow.

Echinacea Tea

Some people use herbal extracts from the Echinacea plant to help prevent colds and relieve nasal symptoms. Research has shown that components of Echinacea may support the immune system. Echinacea has antiviral properties and may fight against flu viruses. Other studies have found that certain Echinacea products may reduce a person’s likelihood of getting a cold by 10–20 percent.

People can use Echinacea as a herbal tea.

Garlic

Garlic may help fight off a common cold because it has antibacterial and antiviral properties. One study found that people who took garlic daily for 3 months had fewer colds. Garlic has long been a home remedy for colds and the flu. People can eat raw garlic, incorporate cooked garlic into meals, or take a supplement. Unless a person has a garlic allergy, it is usually safe to use. Fresh garlic is readily available in supermarkets. People who do not like the taste can purchase garlic supplements.

Menthol

Blocked sinuses and congested airways are common symptoms of a cold, which menthol can help relieve. Menthol comes from many types of mint plant. It has antibacterial and pain-relieving effects and is an ingredient in many vapor rubs. People can also add menthol to hot water for a steam inhalation.

Research found that vapor rub containing menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor significantly improved sleep in children and adults with cold symptoms.

Warm baths

Sometimes we can reduce child’s fever by giving them a warm sponge bath. Warm baths can also reduce cold and flu symptoms in adults. Adding salt and baking soda to the water can reduce body aches. Adding a few drops of essential oil, such as tea tree, juniper, rosemary, thyme, orange, lavender, or eucalyptus, may also have a soothing effect.

Humidity

Influenza thrives and spreads more easily in dry environments. Creating more humidity in our home may reduce our exposure to this flu-causing virus. Increased humidity may also reduce nasal inflammation, making it easier to breathe when we’re sick. Temporarily adding a cool mist humidifier to our bedroom may help us feel more comfortable. This is especially true in winter, when dry indoor heat can exacerbate our symptoms. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil might also stimulate our breathing.

Remember, the water used in humidifiers needs to be changed daily to stop mold and other fungi from growing. For the same effect without a humidifier, take a long shower or linger in a steamy bathroom.

Reduce Stress &Sleep Well

Stress or poor sleep may increase the risk of getting a cold or the flu. One study suggests that lowering stress levels through mindfulness meditation practices or exercise reduces the risk of getting one of these illnesses. People who participated in a mindfulness meditation or exercise program lost fewer work days due to illness than people in the control group. A small study in 2015 also found that people who slept for fewer hours were more susceptible to colds.

Steam

Breathing in steam from a hot shower may decrease nasal congestion and sinus pressure, at least temporarily. An alternative to a hot shower is filling a pot with boiling water, placing a towel over the head and breathing in the steam.

Steam soothes the tissues of the nose and throat and to make steam inhalation even more effective, people can consider adding eucalyptus, which is an essential oil. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy suggest adding 3 to 7 drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water and inhaling the steam through the nose.

Mixture of Lemon, Cinnamon and Honey
Another effective home remedy for common cold and cough is a mixture of lemon, cinnamon and honey. This syrup effectively cures cold and cough.
How to make the syrup: In half spoon of honey, add a few drop of lemon and a pinch of cinnamon. Have this syrup twice a day to cure common cold and cough.

Milk withTurmeric
An essential ingredient found in almost all Indian kitchens, turmeric has a strong antioxidant which helps in treating many health problems. Turmeric mixed in warm milk is a popular and effective way to fight against cold and cough. Drinking a glass of warm turmeric milk before sleeping helps in faster recovery from cold and cough.

Spiced Tea
Add tulsi, ginger and black pepper while peparing tea and this spiced tea is great for our health. These three ingredients play an important role in fighting a common cold and cough.

Ginger-Tulsi Mixture
Extract the ginger juice and add crush tulsi leaves to it and add honey. Consume it to get relief from a cough.

Ginger &Salt
Cut ginger into small pieces and add salt to it. Chew these ginger pieces to fight cold, cough and a sore throat.

Carrot Juice

This uncommon home remedy is great to fight common cold and cough. It may sound strange but this interesting drink helps in relieving common cold and cough!

Black Pepper – Jaggery Mixture

Powder of black pepper (kali mirch) half tea spoon (2.5 ml.) mixed with little jaggery (guda) two times a day.

Gargle with Turmeric

Gargle with turmeric powder in warm water 2-3 times a day to relieve sore throat.

Neem - Honey Gargle

Neem, which has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, is a good remedy to kill the bacterias that have caused the symptoms of cold and cough in the body. Honey is also a recommended product while suffering from cold and cough. Boil 3-4 leaves of neem in water for 8-10 minutes. Strain this mixture and add some honey to it. Let it cool a little and then gargle.

Green Tea

Green tea has a good store of antioxidants in it which helps in recovering from the symptoms of a cold. Let the green tea bag sit in a glass of hot water for 3-5 minutes. Add one tablespoon of honey and some lemon juice to the green tea. Drink it 2-3 times a day for better results.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an ideal remedy to take when suffering from cold. It helps in restoring the pH levels in your body and kills the viruses causing cold. Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of cold water and drink this solution immediately.

Day 1: Drink it 6 times a day at an interval of 2 hours.

Day 2: Drink it 4 times a day at an interval of 3 hours.

Day 3: Drink it 2 times in a day, one in the morning and one in the evening.

Day 4 onwards: Drink it once in the morning.

Cinnamon Tea or Cinnamon - Honey Mixture
Cinnamon is a highly flavorful spice that is widely used in Asian and Mediterranean cooking and was considered of great value in Ancient Egypt. The anti-bacterial and natural warming property of cinnamon helps in treating sore throat, colds and cough and a nice warm cup of cinnamon tea can heal throat irritation, itching and can prevent the approach of an impending cold effectively. It also acts as a natural cure for bloating and gas, arthritis and reduces the symptoms of PMS. The best way to use cinnamon for treating cold and sore throat is to mix one table spoon of honey with 1/2 table spoon of freshly ground cinnamon and take it 2-3 times a day for 3 days.

Red Chilli - Honey Mixture:
Red chilli or red hot cayenne pepper salsa are not only the perfect dip of chips and crackers it is also a great way of clearing nasal congestion and respiratory passages, sinuses and stimulating sweating to lower high body temperatures and fever. The source of this fiery heat lies in the compound “Capsaicin” found in majority of peppers. In addition, it is also an effective ingredient for natural weight loss, helps in lowering high blood pressure and reducing cholesterol in blood. The best way to use red chilli for treating colds and fever is to mix it in tea with a table spoon of honey. Pour boiling water in a cup and dip a tea bag into it, mix a table spoon of honey and 1/2 tea spoon of red chilli powder and sip slowly.

Raisins
Raisins are yummy and healthy snacks indeed but it can also be used to effectively treat colds and fevers. The phytonutrients present raisins have powerful antibiotic and antioxidant properties that help in treating viral fevers, soothing cough and sore throat. Raisins also helps in relieving constipation, improve bone and oral health and is an effective natural remedy for weight gain in a healthy way. The best way to use raisins for colds is to grind up a handful of raisins, add 2 tea spoons of sugar and water to it and heat the mixture till it forms a thick paste, consume 1 tea spoon of this paste before going to bed.