The benefits Of green tea
Green tea comes from the tea plant, a shrub native to China and Thailand. The tea plant is kept small, although it can reach several tens of meters in height, to facilitate the collection of its leaves which are the main ingredient of tea.
All teas, regardless of their name or color, come from the same species of tea plant. Black tea, for example, comes from fermented tea leaves. Green tea, on the other hand, has not undergone oxidation, and it is the one with the most therapeutic virtues.
Indeed, green tea seems to contain substances that help eliminate fat, lower cholesterol, prevent certain cancers and reduce hypertension. It is also said to have stimulating and detoxifying effects.
Some of these effects could come from the catechins contained in green tea, others from theine.
History of Green Tea
Tea is a plant known for a long time. It is known that it was already mentioned in some books 800 years before JC. And it is at this time that tea acquires a certain notoriety thanks to the stimulating effects which one allots to him. It ended up being exported to Japan but also to many European countries where tea became very popular.
In England, for example, where people dedicate a break to tea every day. Later, the English discovered the techniques of cultivation of the tea plant and the secrets of its manufacture. They took the opportunity to plant tea bushes in India, in the Darjeeling region, but also in Africa and Sri Lanka.
Today, green tea is widely consumed in many countries. Some people prefer it to coffee for their breaks or waking up, others use it as a slimming ally and still others enjoy it like a great wine.
Composition of Green Tea
Green tea is made up of many substances, more than five hundred of which are active.
Among them, we can distinguish vitamins A, B, C, E and P. Vitamin C is the most present in tea at a rate of 150-300mg for 100g of leaves.
Green tea also contains a substance called theine, which is actually caffeine under another name. 100 grams of dry green tea extract contain about 2.6 grams of caffeine. That's between 30 and 50 milligrams for a 250 milliliter cup of tea.
Green tea also contains minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, as well as fluorine, manganese and nickel.
But this drink also provides certain amino acids. And among them, the most present is theanine whose first studies tend to prove the relaxing effects on the nervous system and the positive influence on the immune system.
Finally, green tea is known to be a source of antioxidants in the form of catechins, which are found in approximately 200 milligrams per cup.
The positive effects of green tea
- ELIMINATION OF FATS
It is thanks to the presence of two components, caffeine and catechins, that green tea seems to have a slimming effect. In any case, this is what a meta-analysis of 2010 seems to show. Other analyses also show that green tea has the power to increase energy expenditure, forcing the body to burn more calories, as well as a positive action on the use of fat reserves.
Green tea is therefore a slimming ally whose effects, although modest, seem to exist unlike many other weight loss supplements.
To take advantage of these effects on slimming, the minimum recommended consumption is about 2 to 3 cups per day. It is also possible to consume green tea supplements in the form of extracts. In this case, it is necessary to consume approximately 600mg of catechin per day for 50 to 100mg of caffeine.
- REDUCTION OF CHOLESTEROL
Studies also show that green tea has beneficial effects on the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing bad cholesterol.
These studies have used dosages including between 500 and 700 mg of catechin per day, for green tea extracts ranging from 1200mg to 2300mg.
- CANCER PREVENTION
Green tea is a hot topic in the scientific community as some studies tend to point to a preventive effect of green tea against cancer. The data are still insufficient to give a definitive conclusion and support a possible effect on all kinds of cancers. But the first results are promising.
In the absence of information, it is recommended to drink at least 3 cups of green tea per day.
- REDUCTION OF HYPERTENSION
Used in Chinese medicine to treat high blood pressure, it is possible that green tea may actually have these positive effects. Some studies seem to point in this direction. But others also show the opposite. It is therefore difficult to establish for the moment whether green tea can be used in this context.
- STIMULATION AND RELAXATION
Containing caffeine (or theine), green tea can have a stimulating effect, just like coffee, although tea does not contain as much of this active substance. Tea is better tolerated by the digestive system than coffee, so it is interesting to use it for its stimulating effects.
However, it is important to avoid consuming too much caffeine. Some people are more sensitive than others, but it is recommended not to exceed 500 milligrams of caffeine per day.
Green tea also contains theanine, which studies seem to show has a positive effect on the relaxation of the nervous system and a positive effect on stress. However, this action can be counterbalanced by the effect of the caffeine in tea.
The side effects of green tea
Green tea is a drink that causes few side effects.
However, it is important to be careful when drinking too much, which can cause nervousness and insomnia. It is therefore important to avoid drinking green tea before going to bed.
Green tea could also counter the assimilation of iron by the body and it is advised not to drink it during meals but rather between meals. Green tea is also not recommended for people suffering from iron deficiency.
People suffering from liver problems should consult their doctor before consuming green tea.
Green tea and bodybuilding
In bodybuilding, green tea is often used during the dry period, to accelerate the loss of fat mass. But don't expect incredible effects, these exist but are moderate. Recent studies have also shown that green tea can reduce damage to muscle fibers in athletes, which could be a plus in terms of recovery. Of course, you can also drink it for its health benefits or if you simply like the taste.