Green Tea Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits

We are knowing this fact for years that green tea is one of the healthiest beverages. Green tea is loaded with many antioxidants that leave a lasting health benefit on the body. It contains many healthy bioactive compounds in it. Green tea health benefits leaves a hydrating effect on the body as it is a hydrating beverage. Many healthy compounds are present in green tea. Polyphenols are present in green tea which are natural compounds. Polyphenols have the ability to fight against inflammation and cancer. Epigallocatechin 3 galette is present in green tea. This catechin is a natural antioxidant that helps in the prevention of cell damage. Free radical damage is inhibited by the presence of Epigallocatechin 3 galette.

Green tea is often opted for by people who want to achieve weight loss. It is a beverage or dietary supplement which is used to relieve various disorders. Green tea is made from the Camellia Sinesis plant. It has vitamin B2 along with folic acid and Beta carotene. The amino acid composition is even great. Here are different aspects of green tea that we would discuss today. Read also: 12 Super foods to Add Your Diet To Stay Healthy

Green tea vs matcha

Green tea is one form of tea from the camellia sinesis plant. The manufacturers of green tea harvest the tea leaves and quickly heat them. This helps the leaves to become oxidized and they become brown.

The leaves are produced by different processes such as sun drying, steaming, pan-frying, etc. finally they are rolled and dried to create the final form. When leaves are steeped in hot water tea is created. The taste of green tea is earthy, grassy like vegetables. On brewing the leaves leave a clear yellow-green to light brown liquid. It’s slightly astringent in taste. When leaves are brewed for long bitter tastes develop.

Matcha is a type of green tea. Specialized growing and processing techniques turn Camellia Sinesis into matcha. The leaves are grown in shade in the last weeks of harvest. The protection from sunlight slows the growth of these leaves with different characteristics. When the powder is dissolved in hot water it creates the tea. Matcha has vibrant green color. It may be slightly foamy on top. If anyone finds it too strong milk or sweetener can be added to adjust the flavor.

The main difference between green tea and matcha is in the production process. Matcha is basically the concentrated form of green tea. The caffeine in green tea is about 11 to 25 mg per gram while matcha has 19 to 44 mg per gram of caffeine.

Green tea calories

Almost Green tea is a caloric-free beverage. The caloric content is less than 3 calories per cup. Brewed green tea is water-based which means it’s free from macronutrientswhich are found in other foods and drinks. It doesn’t contain any fat, carbohydrates, or protein in it. It has a healthy reputation as it has epicatechin in it.

Green tea making

Green tea preparation is different from those regular tea. Simple steps have to be followed. One thing that should be kept in mind is that leaves should not be soaked in hot water above 90 degrees because leaves will become bitter. Steep in water that’s not too hot. Here are the brewing steps.

• One cup of green tea preparation requires 1 teaspoon of green tea. Take the levees in a strainer and keep them aside.
• Take one pan and add some water to it. The ideal temperature is 80 to 85 degrees, so make sure the water is not boiling enough.
• Now place the sieve over the cup of the mug.
• Now pour hot water and allow the leaves to steep for 3 minutes. If you want to make it too strong and steep for long. If the mild flavor is required then steep for a few seconds.
• Now remove the sieve and if needed a teaspoon of honey can be added. Enjoy.

Is green tea anti-inflammatory

Among all teas, green teas top the class of inflammatory teas. Its made from unoxidized tea leaves which are then dried. This preserves the anti-inflammatory polyphenols in the leaf. The most prominent polyphenol in green tea is EGCG which is epigallocatechin 3 gallate. It suppresses protein expression and other enzymes. In other words it’s immensely a powerful anti-inflammatory.

The anti-inflammatory polyphenols in green tea are known to reduce the symptoms of IBD, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and other chronic conditions.

Green tea good for the skin

• Not only green tea has health benefits but it’s skin-friendly too as it’s used in many beauty products.
• Green tea helps to protect against skin cancer as it has EGCG and ECG in it.
• It helps to fight premature aging signs as antioxidants in it help in skin rejuvenation. It helps in skin repair which makes the skin look younger and green tea much brighter.
• Green tea reduces skin redness and irritation. Application of green tea to the skin can soothe minor cuts, burns, etc.
• It’s great for treating acne as it has antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is great for oily skin.
• Green tea acts as a great skin moisturizer as it has several vitamins including vitamin E which helps in skin hydration.

How Green Tea Helps In Weight Loss

• The better the brand of Green tea the higher the quality of nutrients in it. The lower-quality green tea contains an excess fluoride in it.
• Green tea health benefits helps to boost the metabolism of the body. The compound which speeds up the metabolism of the body is a type of flavonoid called catechin.
• When we look at the label of fat-burning supplements we can clearly see green tea as an active ingredient. This states that green tea helps in weight loss by stimulating fat burn production. In one study where men took green tea extracts before working out, their fat burned up to the level of 17%. This fat burn was without taking any kind of supplements.
• Another health benefit of green tea in weight loss is by making us consume a lesser amount of calories. The main primary role of green tea is to increase the amount of calories expenditure. This burning of more calories can result in burning more fat from the body.
• Weight loss cannot be achieved by only having fat-burn supplements or beverages. It has to be carried along with the diet. There should be a balance of low-calorie diet along with beverages or fat-burning supplements in order to lose weight.
• Green tea contains zero calories in it. The concentration of vitamins and minerals is present in higher amounts. This concentration of nutrients along with low-calorie content aids in a faster weight loss process.
• Green tea has many health benefits and also contains an active ingredient named theanine. It is a type of amino acid that helps in calming up mental stress without any sedatives. This is also a way green tea aids in weight loss.

Green tea or Black tea

Both green and black tea is made from leaves of Camellia Sinesis. The difference is in black tea leaves are oxidized whereas green tea leaves are not. Green tea contains antioxidants and EGCG whereas Black tea contains beneficial theaflavins which are a group of polyphenols. They have antioxidant effects which may help in improving blood vessel function and supports fat loss. Research indicates that green tea has more antioxidants than black tea. Read also: Kale Nutritional Facts & Weight Loss

Green tea with honey benefits

• Green tea give amazing health benefits when taken along with honey helps to keep the heart healthy. It keeps healthy by managing a proper blood flow in the heart.
• It also has benefits in managing cholesterol that can lead to fatal heart diseases. Green tea with honey helps to keep bad cholesterol in check too.
• Apart from keeping the body healthy green tea with honey helps to fight off bad breath. The polyphenols in it keep the mouth fresh and clean.
• It’s even great for bone health too as regular consumption of green tea with honey strengthens bones and muscles.
• Healthy skin can be achieved as it helps to eliminate toxins from the body and gives a young and fresher look. It even helps to fight off breakouts.
• Helps to improve brain functions and even boosts brain activity.
• Hair fall is an issue faced by everyone. Green tea with honey helps to arrest hair fall and green tea suppresses the activity of dihydrotestosterone which causes hair fall.

Green tea VS Black tea for weight loss

There are many pieces of evidence that prove that both beverages are beneficial for weight loss. But when overall health is discussed green tea is more beneficial than black. It’s rich in antioxidants and has numerous health benefits.

The weight loss journey cannot be simply achieved by drinking any kind of tea. Lifestyle modifications involve a good diet and proper workout which help to make the weight loss process much easier.

Other Benefits Of Green Tea

• Green tea helps in boosting brain functions as well. Caffeine is present as an active ingredient that acts as a stimulant. The caffeine amount in green tea is not that of coffee. Apart from caffeine amino acid named l- theanine is also present which can cross the blood-brain barrier.
• According to the research green tea can helps increase fat-burning activity and also boost the metabolic rate. The role of caffeine is also to move the fatty acids from fat tissue and make them used for energy purposes.
• Green tea is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants. Green tea reduces the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, etc. Nongreen tea drinkers are more likely to develop the risk of cancer diseases.
• Green tea can also help in protecting from brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
• Green tea also helps in the reduction of visceral fat( it refers to the fat that is deposited under the skin). If visceral fats are present in higher amounts then it could lead to type 2 diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions