What Are The Benefits of Green Tea? 5 Important Ways Green Tea Supports Your Health

You probably know that green tea is the #1 drink in Japan—and for good reason. It’s supposed to help you live longer, ease stress, burn calories, support your heart and those are just a few of the claims associated with this popular herb.
 
But what does the science really say? We discuss five proven benefits of green tea, as noted in the latest research.  Learn these, and you’ll see why consuming green tea should be an important part of everyone’s health regimen!

5 Proven Benefits of Green Tea

It seems that Kermit the Frog was right when he said, “it’s good to be green.”
 
Green tea contains an army of hardworking nutrients and antioxidants that provide incredible health benefits – from relieving anxiety and improving brain health supporting healthy aging and promoting a healthy immune system.
 

The reason? Green tea is rich in polyphenols and catechins, which are natural micronutrients that can act as antioxidants. Green tea’s health-boosting powers are mostly due to two specific compounds: L-Theanine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
 
Read on to discover five reasons why your next drink should be green!

1. Supports Healthy Cell Growth

In a nutshell, a healthy body is characterized by cell death and regrowth. Specialized cells, called stem cells, produce new cells to replace those that die. However, when this balance is off kilter, dysfunctional cells are produced.¹

Scientists have discovered that the antioxidants in green tea extract, notably ECGC, can help regulate healthy cell growth and survival. One study followed patients at risk of developing prostate issues. Researchers found that the patients consuming green tea had only a 3% likelihood of unhealthy cell growth compared to 30% for the control.² Other studies have shown that green tea also supports healthy cell growth in the breast and colon, too.
 

2. Promotes Brain Health

Together the EGCG and L-theanine in green tea work to support both brain function and health.

A natural stress-buster, L-theanine has anti-anxiety effects and acts as a gentle tranquilizer without causing drowsiness. Meanwhile, EGCG can reduce fatigue, relaxing and refreshing your frazzled mind.
 
What’s more, the antioxidants in green tea help to protect brain cells from oxidative stress that can lead to brain and memory problems. Importantly, a University of Michigan study ³ revealed that the ECGG may help to reduce the buildup of plagues that lead to age-related cognitive decline.
 

3. Immunity Booster

A clinical trial with human volunteers revealed that a green tea helps improve immunity and reduce cold and flu symptoms.⁴ That stands to reason as the antioxidants in green tea are beneficial in generally bolstering the entire immune system.

By defending against damage from free radicals in the body, green tea helps keep the immune system strong. Healthy immune systems are better at handling infections from bacteria, parasites and viruses. Additionally, green tea helps to protect against oxidative stress that can damage cells.
 

4. Heart Helper

Could simply sipping a cup of green tea benefit your ticker and more? Studies say yes, as it can improve some of the top risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Research shows that green tea can help lower total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides.⁵ Additionally, it’s been shown to help protect the LDL particles from damaging oxidation. Given these factors, green tea drinkers may have up to 31% lower risk of cardiovascular problems.
 

5. Links to Longevity

Not surprisingly, when you add up reasons #1 through #4, the result is decidedly positive. Extensive studies show that green tea drinkers live longer than their non-tea drinking peers.

In a Japanese study⁶ of 40,530 adults, those who sipped the most tea (5 or more cups daily) were notably less likely to die during an 11-year period.