As we get into the cooler weather of late fall and approach winter, many of us shift gears from cold drinks to hot drinks to keep our body temperatures in balance. One of the most beneficial beverages, hot or cold, is green tea.
Not only does it warm your insides on a cold day, green tea is loaded with vital nutrients that help the body function more efficiently as well. It contains powerful antioxidants that help maintain a healthy heart and neutralize cell-damaging free radical molecules. Green tea contains theanine, a unique compound that has been shown to provide a sense of relaxation and well-being. Tea also contains approximately 1/3 the caffeine found in coffee, depending on brewing strength.
The benefits of green tea have been known for at least 4,000 years, dating back to the ancient Chinese. In 1994, tracking the results of a study in China, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly 60%. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of many types of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea may lower total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.
Green tea is also believed to be beneficial in combating rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, infection and impaired immune function. It is also believed to be beneficial in promoting healthy teeth and gums. So how much green tea should you consume per day? Three to five cups spread out over the day should do it. However, if you have any of the conditions described above, check with your doctor.
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