Healthy or Hype? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Healthy or Hype?

Green Tea Health Benefits

24
Healthy or Hype?
Fitness & Health Advisor

Miracle drink or funny tasting water? With the newest health fad sweeping the nation, what is really up with green tea?

Green tea is considered healthy for many reasons. The first is because it is rich in catechins, also called antioxidants. Green tea is not processed very much, which allows the tea leaves themselves to retain more of the catechins to help the body. Theanine is also present in the leaves, which helps to elicit a calming feeling when and after drinking it.

Though there is no such thing as a miracle drink that melts off fat, green tea has shown to increase metabolic rate as well as energy expenditure and fat oxidation. Consistently drinking green tea has shown to increase blood flow, help prevent heart-related issues including congestive heart failure and to have greater activity in their working memory.

A study in 2006 published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) concluded that green tea consumption is associated with reduced mortality rates due to all causes, including cardiovascular disease. In 2011, another study concluded that consuming green tea, either as a beverage or a capsule, was linked to moderately significant deductions in total LDL or "bad cholesterol".

Green tea has been proven to have numerous beneficial effects on the brain. Drinking green tea or even black coffee have been associated with a reduced risk of strokes, and as mentioned earlier, green tea helps to increase our working memory by enhancing our brain's cognitive functions. There is also research being conducted currently about the effects of green tea on dementia and Alzheimer's disease. A study published by the University of Central Missouri in 2015 showed that a component of green tea, CAGTE, hindered the progress of Alzheimer's in mice, and therefore may hold a lot of promise for the brains of humans.

Because green tea helps with the regeneration of cells all over the body, scientists are looking at hopefully applying it to help human inflammatory diseases. These would include psoriasis and dandruff. When applied to areas of dry, red, flaky skin in animal models, the regeneration of the cells were slowed and the gene that regulates life cycles was discovered.

With all the astonishing affects of green tea, it should come as no surprise that there is currently work being done to link green tea with helping to eradicate cancer. The results of these studies have been mixed. In countries where green consumption is higher, there tends to be lower rates of cancer, but there is no way to tell if it is green tea that is preventing the cancer. In a large scale study, tea drinkers were less likely to develop pancreatic cancer. There have also been promising, but inconclusive research being done on breast, bladder, ovarian, colorectal, esophageal, lung, prostate, skin and stomach cancer.

Though green tea won't magically melt the fat off after one cup, drinking it daily comes with many beneficial qualities. Research being done with green tea is highly promising and would be a good thing to watch for as more becomes known about it's properties.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

9540
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

4214
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

3074
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

2780
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments