Green tea contains natural antioxidants, called catechins, that prevent cellular damage and reduce blood fat levels. It also has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth, lower cholesterol and stimulate genes that prevent UVB-induced skin cancer.
However, not all green tea is created equal. Look for organic options with USDA or ECOCERT certifications.
1. Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
A cup of green tea contains powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, which help control free radicals in the body. These free radicals are harmful compounds that can alter DNA, increase LDL cholesterol levels and cause other health problems. Antioxidants in tea like epigallocatechin gallate and theaflavins reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, helping prevent cardiovascular disease.
Several studies have shown that people who drink two or more cups of tea daily have a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. However, you should always consult your primary care physician before incorporating new foods into your diet, especially those with caffeine.
Green tea may also lower your blood pressure by reducing inflammation and dilating the blood vessels, according to a 2020 study in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and can damage the arteries over time. If you have a history of high blood pressure, drinking organic green tea may be beneficial to your overall health.
2. Boosts Metabolism
Drinking green tea is a popular way to energize your morning or boost concentration throughout the day. Green tea contains caffeine and compounds that stimulate the nervous system to increase thermogenesis (burning stored energy) and fat oxidation, which can lead to weight loss.
However, studies that link green tea to weight loss have had mixed results. Hursel’s study found that green tea drinking increased resting metabolic rates in people, but it didn’t lead to noticeable weight loss or reduced body fat. Other research has shown that drinking green tea can help you burn more calories during exercise, but the effect is small and not enough to affect overall bodyweight.
Whether you are looking for an extra boost in the morning to wake up your body or a refreshing and healthy post-workout recovery drink, organic green tea is the perfect beverage. We carry a variety of loose leaf and pyramid bag sachets for the ultimate healthy green tea experience. Try our USDA organic and Fair Trade Certified Green Tea, or sample a few of our other delicious and invigorating tea blends such as Lovely Morning or Mint Green.
3. Reduces Risk of Cancer
The antioxidants in green tea can neutralize free radicals, which protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of disease. One of the most powerful antioxidants in green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has been shown to prevent cell mutation and inhibit cancer tumor growth.
Epidemiologic studies have linked tea consumption to a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer. However, results from clinical trials have been inconsistent. This may be due to factors such as how the tea was prepared, individual differences in response to dietary compounds, concomitant use of tobacco or alcohol, and other lifestyle factors.
Researchers believe that a combination of chemicals in tea, including polyphenols and catechins, may help to reduce cancer risk. In a study published in 2021, researchers found that people who drank more than five cups of green tea per day had lower mortality rates from heart disease and cancer. The findings support the claim that drinking organic green tea daily can help you live a longer, healthier life. The best time to drink green tea is in the morning 1-2 hours after breakfast or in the afternoon 1 to 2 hours after lunch.
4. Decreases Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
The antioxidants in green tea help prevent free radicals—damaging compounds that cause cell damage and increase the risk of disease. One of these compounds, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), inhibits the aggregation of beta-amyloid plaques that are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
In a large observational study published in December 2016, researchers found that people who drink two to five cups of green tea daily have a 50% lower risk of dementia. The lower risk is especially true for those with a genetic predisposition to the condition.
Other research has shown that green tea polyphenols can reduce the occurrence of esophageal cancer in humans. However, further studies are needed.
If you are interested in drinking more green tea, be sure to choose organic green tea. Organic tea is made without synthetic chemicals, herbicides and fertilizers that can damage the environment. Public Goods offers organic green tea that is delicious, affordable and sustainably grown. And if you join their membership program, they plant a tree for every new member! To learn more, visit their website. They also offer other healthy, ethical brands of organic products to make it easier for you to live a healthier lifestyle.
5. Promotes Weight Loss
The caffeine and polyphenols in green tea can help boost your metabolism to support healthy weight loss. One small lab study found that participants burned an extra 63.5 to 200 calories a day after drinking two green tea extract supplements, but more research is needed on this.
Green tea is also a natural diuretic, so it can help you lose excess water weight. It can also reduce fluid retention and prevent fluid build-up in the joints, tissues, and other areas of your body.
One large study in Japan followed 40,000 participants over 11 years and found that those who drank five or more cups of green tea daily had lower cardiovascular disease risk, especially in the elderly.
But, remember that a high intake of caffeine can have negative effects on your health, so limit your intake to no more than two cups per day. And always choose organic green tea, which is grown without the use of synthetic chemicals, herbicides and fertilizers. That’s why we recommend choosing Choice Organics USDA Certified Organic Green Tea.
