Green Tea Benefits – From Cancer to Weight Loss, 10 Reasons to Drink Green Tea Every Day

The Asians have known for centuries what western scientists are just now proving. Green tea is good. Not only does it taste good but it has a multitude of health benefits. If you are not drinking this elixir every day, maybe the time has come to trade in the java for a healthful cup of “Dragon Well”.

Here are 8 reasons to drink green tea:

It gives you energy- OK we all know that tea has caffeine in it. Did you also know that there is also a compound in tea that moderates and regulates the way the caffeine is released? This results in a smoother energy boost, without the crash that can follow a shot of espresso.
It helps you lose weight- studies have shown that tea may help speed up metabolism. More recently, however, newer studies have also shown that the catechins help reduce tummy fat. These extracts are finding their way into more dietary weight loss supplements because of that, but I would rather drink the brewed leaf for the whole benefit.
It reduces cavities- That’s right… This remarkable beverage has been proven to reduce the bacteria in your mouth, not only fighting off cavities but reducing gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and destroying the bacteria that causes strep throat. Also, the leaf has naturally occurring fluoride for stronger healthier teeth.
It reduces the effects of stress- The compounds found naturally in the brewed leaf have a calming effect, reducing the stress response. Next time your feeling frazzled just put the kettle on!
It helps ward of viruses and sickness- The steep leaves give a brew that is loaded with antioxidants, polyphenols, catechins, and other compounds that are known to boost your immune system and help you stay healthy even when exposed to viruses.
It helps reduce inflammation- Inflammation is the root cause of many diseases including diseases of the heart and arteries. Green tea helps the body maintain a slightly alkaline state which is optimum for reducing inflammation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. No need to reach for the aspirin when you have this delightful drink on hand.
It can reduce cholesterol- Regular consumers of this healthful beverage have demonstrated reduced levels of “bad” cholesterol and increase in “good” cholesterol.
It helps protect against Alzheimer’s disease- Green tea has been shown to reverse mental deterioration and improve memory related learning.
It helps protect against cancer, and may kill existing cancers- Cancer… the big “C”… It’s the word everyone is afraid of. There have been hundreds of thousands of studies showing that cancers don’t like green tea. Studies with breast, prostate, esophagus, prostate, brain, stomach cancers and more show overwhelmingly that drinking 4-8 cups daily can be of huge benefit when dealing with these diseases.
Oh and don’t forget NUMBER 10:

It tastes good! The number one reason I drink green tea every day is because I love it.

If you can, choose a high quality loose leaf tea, rather than tea bags. You will get more benefit and less caffeine this way plus you will be able to re-use the leaves to make up to 3-6 cups. Loose leaves may seem more expensive until you realize this one fact.

So there it is. If you want to stay healthy, ward off infections and cancers, maintain a healthy weight and get lots of highly potent anti-oxidants all in a hot relaxing cup, reach for the leaf. There’s absolutely nothing like a cup of green tea.

Shelley Penney is a retired registered nurse with a continued, insatiable thirst for health and wellness information. Although Shelley hails from traditional medical training, she is always searching for ways in which the natural world of healing herbs, foods and supplements can intersect with traditional medicine and benefit us all.