Please read on for more details.
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In today’s world of fabulous sushi restaurants and abundant Chinese food restaurants, most of us have had at least one cup of green tea. Furthermore, many of us have heard that drinking green tea was, in fact, good for our health! Well, if you’ve ever wondered why…here’s the scoop…
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1. It is high in Anti-oxidants
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Green tea is rich in health-promoting anti-oxidants called flavonoids. These flavonoids include a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (or EGCG for short). In fact, catechins have been found to be more potent free radical scavengers than some of the other antioxidants including, Vitamin E and C. EGCG itself, is thought to play an important role in green tea’s anticancer and antioxidant effects.
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2. Green tea protects against Coronary Artery disease
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In various Japanese studies, the consumption of green tea has been found to be a predictor for coronary artery disease risk. In one study, those drinking five or more cups of green tea were found to be 16% less likely to suffer from coronary artery disease. Research is showing that this decrease in risk is the result of green tea’s catechins which inhibit the enzymes involved in the production of free radicals in the endothelial lining of the arteries where plaque can form.
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3. Protects against Cancer
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Because green tea’s cancer-preventive effects have been so widely supported by many studies, the Chemoprevention Branch of the National Cancer Institute has initiated a plan for developing tea compounds as cancer-chemopreventative agents in human trials.
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4. Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetes
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Studies suggest that the consumption of green tea may help prevent type 2 diabetes due to green teas ability to improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. In fact, in one study, laboratory animals that received green tea for 12 weeks had lower fasting blood levels of glucose, insulin, triglycerides and free fatty acids than controls.
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5. Prevents Osteoporosis and Periodontal Disease
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Green tea has been shown to support healthy bones and teeth by protecting osteoblasts (the cells responsible for building bone) from destruction by free radicals and by inhibiting the formation of osteoclasts (the cells that break down bone).
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So go on and enjoy that cup of delicious green tea and know that you are not only treating your taste buds but also your body!
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