Regulating the functions of organs, improving oral health, improving cognitive function and fat burning capacity are the benefits of green tea. It prevents the growth of cancer cells because it is a rich source of polyphenols. Those who regularly drink green tea have a lower risk of developing heart disease. The antioxidant content of green tea also provides benefits to the skin and hair. High in flavonoids, green tea has the best-known antioxidative and anticarcinogenic properties.
It is an alternative for coffee and tea lovers who react to caffeine due to its low caffeine content.
Scientists have identified six different catechins in green tea. Catechins are a type of antioxidant. One of the catechins found in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The EGCG in green tea speeds up the metabolism. Therefore, it helps to lose weight. While green tea protects the body from fat and bloating, it detoxifies the body and suppresses the untimely appetite. By having diuretic properties, it also removes excess water from the body. Therefore, drinking green tea daily has many benefits as well as helping weight loss.
Benefits of Green Tea
Benefits of green tea
to weaken It helps: The EGCG in green tea weakens by reducing body fat and shrinking the waist area. Caffeine and catechins in green tea speed up metabolism.
Fights some types of cancer: Uncontrolled cell division causes cancer. The powerful antioxidants in green tea fight cancer by scavenging harmful free radicals that cause oxidative damage to cells and DNA.
Lowers cholesterol: Green tea contains tannins that naturally lower cholesterol.TanninsIt lowers the LDL (bad) cholesterol level in the body.
Breaks insulin resistance and reduces the risk of diabetes: People with diabetes have high blood sugar levels due to insufficient production of insulin (type 1 diabetes) or insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes). Epigallocatechin gallate improves insulin sensitivity and regulates blood sugar levels. Drinking three cups of green tea a day reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by 42%.
It is beneficial for the heart: to heart diseases High LDL cholesterol and serum triglycerides cause obesity and high blood pressure. Green tea protects heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
Improves brain function: found in green tea EGCG and l-theanine help protect the brain and improve brain function, mood, and attention. It also strengthens memory.
Reduces the risk of PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) It is a hormonal disorder seen in women. Green tea reduces the risk of developing PCOS by preventing hormonal imbalance.
Lowers high blood pressure: One of the benefits of green tea is that it lowers high blood pressure and relaxes smooth muscles.
Helps heal arthritis: Drinking green tea has helped reduce swollen joints and inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis. EGCG blocks proinflammatory molecules and inflammatory signaling pathways that lead to inflammation and arthritis.
Fights bacteria, fungi and viruses: EGCG is a natural antibiotic. Researchers found that the EGCG in green tea may help protect from bacterial infections in the lungs. The antimicrobial property of green tea is resistant to oral bacteria, caused by cold.urinary tract infection effective against.
Decreases platelet aggregation: The antioxidant flavonoids in green tea are known to prevent platelet aggregation (a determining factor in cardiovascular diseases). Therefore, drinking green tea is beneficial for patients affected by coronary heart disease.
Treats external genital warts: Topical application of green tea extract effectively treats external genital and perianal warts.
Reduces depression and anxiety: green tea catechinsdepression veanxiety reduces symptoms.
Strengthens immunity: Drinking green tea helps strengthen immunity and reduce functional disability in the elderly.
Beneficial to the liver: Since green tea accelerates the metabolism, it prevents the movement of glucose in the fat cells and thus reduces the pressure on the liver.
Prevents osteoporosis: Green tea helps keep bones strong. Like this osteoporosis reduces the likelihood of problems such as
Prevents stomach ailments: The ability of green tea to destroy bacteria provides the prevention of stomach ailments such as food poisoning, stomach infection.
Prevents neurological diseases: The polyphenols in green tea help protect parts of the brain that regulate learning and memory. reduced in the brainacetylcholine slows down the process and prevents cell damage. Regular use of green tea helps prevent degenerative and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Protects oral health: The anti-inflammatory property of green tea reduces inflammation and the risk of periodontal diseases and tooth decay. Green tea polyphenols improve dental health and reduce the risk of oral cancer.
Prevents bad breath: Bad breathcan be caused by a number of reasons. Here, too, green tea comes into play. One of the benefits of green tea is its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses that cause dental disease. It also helps slow the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath.
The benefits of green tea are also effective in pregnant women.
Its high level of antioxidants helps the body recover from cell damage.
It regulates blood sugar and insulin levels in pregnant women. It also controls hypertension.
Gestational hypertension and diabetes are common problems encountered in the later stages of pregnancy. The high levels of antioxidants in green tea strengthen the immune system of the pregnant woman. It helps to reduce the probability of facing such problems.
Attention!!!
While it is beneficial to drink green tea during pregnancy, it is important to consider some of the minor risks it poses. Green tea contains a very small amount of caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic and causes the body to excrete more water than usual. Therefore, sometimes dehydration can occur. Drinking plenty of water is essential to maintain hydration during pregnancy, as dehydration can prevent the body from getting essential nutrients.
Benefits of Green Tea for Skin
The antioxidants and polyphenols in green tea obtained from the Camellia sinensis plant protect the skin against external effects. The benefits of green tea for the skin are:
Caused by clogging of pores, hormonal imbalance, excessive sebum production, bacterial infection.acne The problem is alleviated by the topical application of green tea.
Topical application of green tea helps scavenge harmful free radicals produced due to UV exposure.
Harmful UV rays, chemicals and toxins that affect DNA are responsible for skin cancer. EGCG has anti-cancer effects and helps suppress tumor growth.
Green tea prevents aging of the skin and the resulting wrinkles.
The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, UV protective and anti-wrinkle properties of green tea protect the skin around the eyes from pigmentation, wrinkles and sagging.
How to use green tea on the skin?
Drinking green tea:The antioxidants present in this tea help to remove toxins from the body. This supports the glow of the skin from within. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
Applying green tea to the skin: Topical application of green tea helps rejuvenate the skin and protect it from UV rays.
Using green tea bags: Do not throw away green tea bags after drinking. Allow to cool at room temperature. Place it on your eyes. The cooling effect will relieve eye strain caused by excessive screen viewing and sun exposure. regular application,dark circles and under eye bagswill reduce it.
Green Tea Face Mask Recipes
Turmeric and green tea mask
Turmerictreats skin problems. It cleans the dirt and sebum from the skin.
Mix 1 teaspoon of chickpea flour, a quarter teaspoon of turmeric and 2 teaspoons of freshly brewed green tea until you have a smooth mixture.
Apply the mixture on your face.
After waiting for 15-20 minutes, wash with cold water and pat dry your face.
You can apply it 1-2 times a week to see the effect of the mask.
Orange peel and green tea mask
Orange peelIt has an anti-aging effect. Increases collagen and elastin production.
Thoroughly mix 1 tablespoon of green tea, 1 tablespoon of orange peel powder and half a teaspoon of honey.
Apply the mixture on your face by massaging in circular motions.
After waiting for 15 minutes, wash your face with warm water and pat dry.
You can do the application 1-2 times a week.
Mint and green tea mask
Mint oilrelieves itching. Its leaves have the same effect and soothe the skin.
Mix 2 tablespoons of green tea, 2 tablespoons of crushed mint leaves and 1 tablespoon of raw honey until you get a smooth mixture.
Apply the mixture on your face.
After waiting for 15 minutes, wash with cold water and pat dry your face.
Do the application 1-2 times a week to see the effect.
Blend one ripe avocado and two teaspoons of green tea until you get a smooth mixture.
Apply the mixture on your face.
After waiting for 15 minutes, wash with cold water and pat dry your face.
Do the application 1-2 times a week to see the effect.
Pay attention to the following points when using green tea face masks:
Ingredients such as lemon and raw honey cause skin irritation if you are allergic to it.
Do not use raw honey if you are allergic to pollen.
Lemon juice makes the skin photosensitive. Therefore, apply sunscreen when you go out after applying lemon juice. Otherwise, UV rays will damage the skin.
Use the right ingredient for your skin type, otherwise acne may occur.
Do an allergy test before using any material on your skin.
Do not use homemade green tea mask more than 1-2 times a week. Overuse of masks damages the skin's natural barrier.
Benefits of Green Tea for Hair
Green tea has many benefits for the skin as well as for the hair. Due to its rich antioxidant content, green tea and its extracts are also used for other purposes such as preventing hair loss and improving hair health. The benefits of green tea for hair are as follows;
Green tea prevents hair loss.
It supports hair growth.
It accelerates the blood flow towards the hair follicles.
It provides nourishment to the hair.
It destroys parasites on the scalp.
Catechin content protects the health of the hair.
Since it is rich in polyphenols, it strengthens the hair follicles.
Shampoo: Use shampoo containing green tea extract daily. Gently apply the shampoo to the hair roots and scalp.
Hair conditioner:Apply green tea conditioner or hair mask to the roots and ends of your hair. Wash it off after 3-10 minutes.
Washing hair with green tea: Add 1-2 green tea bags to boiling water and let it steep for 5 minutes. After it cools, apply the liquid to your hair at the end of the shower.
Solution for hair loss with green tea
For green tea: If you drink green tea twice a day, you will see visible results after a few weeks.
Rinse your hair with green tea: Another way to stop hair loss and promote hair regrowth is to use green tea bags as a final wash. This gives relief from some scalp ailments in a short time.
Soak 3 green tea bags in half a liter of water for 10-15 minutes and then remove them.
Shampoo your hair carefully and wash it with water.
Massage your scalp well and leave it for 10 minutes.
Rinse it off with cold water.
For best and fast results, you should repeat this process twice or thrice a week for several months.
This practice stimulates hair follicles and treats scalp conditions like dandruff.
Taking green tea capsules: Green tea capsules available in the market are made using green tea extracts and accelerate hair growth by fighting against hair loss. However, this may be your last option as it is not a natural method.
Using shampoo and conditioner containing green tea extract: There are many herbal hair care products on the market. Instead of using chemically treated shampoos, lotions and conditioners, you can switch to those that contain green tea as the main ingredient. Regular use of these products will prevent hair loss.
How to make a green tea hair mask?
Beat an egg with 2-3 tablespoons of tea and apply directly to the scalp. Let it dry naturally.
Rinse with cold water after half an hour.
This mixture will promote hair growth and make hair stronger and smoother than ever before.
When should green tea be drunk?
You can drink three cups of green tea a day. Do not exceed the four-cup limit. Drink green tea 20-30 minutes before lunch and dinner. You can also have a cup of green tea for breakfast.
Avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Also, don't drink green tea just before going to sleep. Caffeine makes it harder for you to fall asleep. Drink at least 4-5 hours before going to bed.
Amount of Caffeine in Green Tea
Caffeineis a naturally occurring chemical found in the leaves and fruits of more than 60 plants, including the leaves of the tea plant. It is a central nervous system stimulant consumed all over the world to increase alertness and combat fatigue. It works by blocking the effects of a neurotransmitter called adenosine, which is built throughout the day and makes you feel tired. Some people consume caffeine without problems, while others are sensitive to the effects of caffeine. People who consume too much caffeine may experience restlessness, insomnia, or an irregular heartbeat.
How much caffeine is in green tea?
The average amount of caffeine in 230 ml of green tea is around 35 mg. However, this amount can vary. The actual amount is in the range of 230 to 30mg per 50ml serving.
Because the caffeine in green tea occurs naturally, the amount of caffeine it contains varies depending on the variety of the tea plant, growing conditions, processing and brewing. For example, tea made with older leaves usually has less caffeine than tea made with fresher tea leaves.
The amount of caffeine in green tea is also affected by the type of green tea and the way it is prepared. For example, tea bags are more caffeinated than brewed teas. The tea leaves in the tea bag are crushed to extract more caffeine and load into the beverage. In addition, the caffeine content of powdered green teas is higher than both sachet and brewed green tea. The hotter the water in which you brew the tea, the higher the amount of caffeine in green tea. However, the amount of caffeine in green tea is less than other teas and caffeine-containing foods and beverages.
Is the caffeine in green tea a problem?
Caffeine is a widely used stimulant. It is considered safe when consumed in recommended amounts. For adults over 19, the safe limit is 400mg per day. In general, green tea is low in caffeine compared to other caffeinated beverages. As long as you consume caffeine within the recommended limits, you don't have to worry about the caffeine in green tea.
Is Drinking Green Tea Before Bedtime Healthy?
Green tea contains several beneficial plant compounds. Drinking at night not only improves sleep quality but also provides some health-enhancing properties.
Green tea helps improve sleep quality and duration. Theanine is the main sleep-promoting compound in green tea. It works by reducing stress-related hormones and neuron stimulation in the brain, which allows for relaxation in the brain.
Green tea contains a small amount of caffeine. This natural stimulant reduces feelings of fatigue while promoting a state of arousal, alertness and focus – all of which make it harder to fall asleep.
Drinking any liquid before going to bed increases the need to go to the toilet at night. Getting up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night can disrupt sleep and leave you feeling tired the next day. To avoid this, drink green tea at least two hours before bedtime.
How Is Green Tea Made?
How to make leaf green tea?
When making green tea, the tea will become bitter if the tea leaves are brewed in water above 90°C. Therefore, the water you brew should not be too hot.
If you want to make more than a cup of green tea, use 1 teaspoon of leafy green tea per cup. Like 4 teaspoons of green tea leaves to 4 cups of green tea. Strain the tea leaves and set them aside.
Boil the water in the teapot. The ideal temperature for green tea is 80 ° C to 85 ° C, so be careful with the water to make sure it doesn't boil. If it still starts to boil, turn off the stove and let it cool a little (30-45 seconds, for example).
Now place the strainer over the cup or glass. Next, pour the hot water into the cup and steep the tea for 3 minutes. This is the step where we have to be very careful. Not everyone likes strong tea, so taste it with a spoon every now and then to check the tea.
Remove the strainer and set it aside. You can add 1 teaspoon of honey if you want. Stir the honey and let the drink cool for a few seconds. Your green tea is ready to be served.
How to make shake green tea?
Heat the water in the teapot. Do not come to the boiling point of 100 degrees. The temperature of the water should be around 80-85 degrees. Put the green tea bag in the cup.
Pour the hot water into the cup and cover it with a small lid. Let it brew for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, remove the cap and remove the tea bag.
Stir with a spoon. Your green tea is ready to be served.
How to make powdered green tea?
Heat a glass of water. Make sure it is around 85°C. Turn off the stove when it reaches the boiling point. Now let it cool for a few seconds.
Add the green tea powder to the water. The ideal brewing time for soaking green tea is about 3 minutes. After 3 minutes the color should have turned brown. Pass it through a strainer.
Add honey to tea and pour into cup.
Tips for brewing green tea
The best brewing form is leaf green tea.
After brewing, the leaves should remain green.
Buy leafy green tea instead of a tea bag.
The leaves should turn brown or black after a while after the tea is brewed.
Store green tea in an airtight container and protect from light.
Store leaf green tea in resealable bags. Put these bags in airtight containers.
Harms of Green Tea
While drinking green tea is quite beneficial, it can be harmful if consumed excessively. Let's list the harms of drinking too much green tea as follows:
EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in green tea binds with iron. This reduces the effectiveness of EGCG and inhibits iron absorption.
The caffeine in green tea may interact with some medications.
Scientists have found that the caffeine and tannins in green tea can reduce folic acid levels. In addition, drinking too much green tea increases the risk of premature birth.
Drinking too much green tea lowers potassium levels in the blood. It also increases the risk of seizures.
Drinking excessive green tea can cause liver damage.
May cause headache, dizziness and vomiting.
Although green tea catechins reduce the risk of thyroid cancer, caffeine intake from excessive green tea can impair thyroid function.
Caffeine in tea can cause bone weakness.
The caffeine content of green tea can trigger anxiety and insomnia.
Drinking excessive green tea regularly can cause acid reflux.
Green tea extract, which contains high doses of caffeine, can cause abdominal pain, jaundice and dark urine.
The caffeine in green tea can cause frequent urination. Drinking low doses of green tea helps reduce urinary tract diseases.
Excessive caffeine can damage sperm DNA and negatively affect the male reproductive system.
