For its varied health benefits, green tea has been celebrated in traditions and cultures.
It has attracted special attention from health enthusiasts as an alternative to coffee & Indian Masala chai.
While India is the 2nd largest producer of tea in the world, Indians prefer their favorite masala chai.
When it comes to improving heart health, green tea has emerged as one of nature's most celebrated remedies.
Nutritional Breakdown of Green Tea
Whether it is Green tea, black tea, or matcha powder, they are made from the same plant Camellia sinensis.
Brewed Green Tea is free from fats, carbohydrates, protein, or calories (if unsweetened).
One cup of Unsweetened Brewed Green tea contains:
Green tea contains abundant antioxidants and is practically calorie-free, making it one of the best choices for a morning beverage.
Green tea contains relatively lesser amounts of caffeine compared to coffee and Indian masala chai.
Organic green tea is free from harmful chemicals and rich in natural antioxidants, making it a healthier, eco-friendly choice for overall well-being.
Let’s understand the varied Green tea benefits for your heart health.
Green tea contains anti-inflammatory properties
Green tea is celebrated for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, primarily due to its high content of polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
Inflammation is one of the primary causes of many chronic diseases like diabetes, arthritis, and even cancer. Reducing inflammation can help you avoid health risks.
Research indicates that EGCG from Green tea can suppress the expression of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, thereby reducing inflammation in the body.
Green tea can help you combat oxidative stress, reducing cell damage and letting your immune system function well.
Green tea helps in Weight Loss
People with excess weight or obesity have the highest chances of having high blood sugar and bad cholesterol. Obesity is also linked to chronic inflammation.
Losing weight can help you lower the extra strain on your heart, decrease LDL and triglycerides, and maintain a healthy blood sugar balance.
Green tea is often touted as the “weight-loss friendly “ beverage for various reasons.
A 2022 study showed that Green tea positively influences our metabolism by enhancing the fat-burning process during exercise.
The antioxidant compounds in green tea may promote weight loss by increasing the number of calories you burn and boosting fat oxidation.
Please note that green tea alone will not lead to weight loss, it should be paired with calorie deficit and regular exercises.
Green tea helps manage blood sugar levels
Imbalanced blood sugar levels can buildup in your arteries, impacting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Green tea contains catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which may reduce the spike in blood sugar after consuming starchy foods.
This effect can help stabilize blood sugar levels post-meal, which is crucial for individuals with diabetes, particulary type 2 diabetes.
American Heart Foundation has also found that drinking large amounts of green tea can reduce your risk of stroke.
Green tea has also shown positive effects in reducing your total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in people.
Insulin resistance or insulin sensitivity is one of the significant issue of people with type 2 diabetes, when your muscles, liver cells, and fat doesn’t react to insulin as they should.
Insulin sensitvity increases your blood sugar levels, as glucose is not able to enter the cells and build up in the arteries.
Green tea can help reduce insulin resistance and provide a better glucose metabolism, particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
Summing up
Green tea, with its powerful antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress, while being a zero-calorie beverage.
With its anti-inflammatory properties, the risks of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease can be reduced.
Green tea is a great addition to “weight-loss diet” and people finding an alternative to their milk tea or chai.
However, pairing green tea with a protein rich diet and regular exercise is important to support heart health and overall well-being.
This article is written for informative purposes only. This is not equivalent to a medical advice. Consult a healthcare professioanl before making any significant chanages to your diet.
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January 30th, 2025
