Japanese green tea is gaining popularity around the world because of the known health benefits and its green image.
Green tea is considered one of the healthiest drinks in the world! It is the least processed form of tea, containing antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols which give those positive effects on the body and the mind.
You may even be able to pronounce the word “polyphenol” without stumbling!
1. Boosts Memory and Concentration
Caffeine included in tea improves mental alertness and thinking. It won’t make you recite Shakespeare, or multiply five-digit numbers in your head, but will likely result in a slightly improved version of your, already awesome, self. And unlike coffee, several cups of green tea won’t result in caffeine overdose!
Green tea also contains the relaxing chemical L-theanine, which combined with caffeine produces synergy effect, and boost the brain function.
Recommended drink before a game of Sudoku!
2. Helps Losing Weight
Green tea is rich in a powerful antioxidant called Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG speeds up the metabolism and helps to burn calories. It is particularly effective on abdominal fat.
When your friends ask you how you got your new fabulous figure, you can reply - “Drinking!”.
Unsweetened green tea is a zero calorie beverage. If you replace soft drinks with green tea, you can cut a substantial amount of sugars and calories intake. Quality Japanese green tea has natural sweetness and doesn’t need sugar.
And we know you won’t be convinced without a “science-y” looking chart below, so here you go. Zero calories, zero sugar, slimmer you!
3. Potentially Prevent Malignancy
Malignancy rates tend to be lower in the areas where people drink a lot of green tea1. Kakegawa-city, which is right next to our tea farms in Shizuoka, records the lowest death rates from malignancies in Japan, and medical costs for elderly are 20% lower than the national average.
It hasn’t quite been proven to be the elixir of immortality yet, but we’re hopeful and are conducting our own experiment on that!
Researchers believe Catechins in green tea help to kill malignant cells and reduce the risk of malignancies in general. EGCG is one of the most effective antioxidants in terms of fighting malignant cells.
4. Lowers Bad Cholesterol & Fend Off Heart Disease
Green tea drinkers have a lower risk of heart disease2. Catechins in green tea help reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol while keeping good (HDL) cholesterol.
Bad cholesterol can cause clots in arteries, reduce blood flow and increase the risks of strokes and heart diseases. Green tea helps relax blood vessels, make the blood flow smoother and prevent the cause of heart disease.
5. Can Help Avert Cavities and Bad Breath
Catechins in green tea kill bacteria & viruses in the mouth, preventing plaque formation, tooth decay and bad breath. Fluorine in green tea strengthens your tooth enamel and helps protect your teeth from cavities. Green tea works like a natural (and drinkable!) mouth wash.
Compared to black tea and coffee, green tea is much lighter, and stains your teeth less. Hey, you may get to visit your dental hygienist less often!
6. May Contribute to Preventing Diabetes
Study found that people who drank 6 or more cups of green tea a day were 33% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people who drank less than a cup of green tea a week3. Catechins in Green tea help regulate glucose levels and lower blood sugar levels.
In other words - drink more green tea!
7. Can Add to Improving the Immune System and Prevent Colds
Catechins have anti-bacterial & anti-inflammatory effect on the immune system. Catechins fight against viruses inside of your body.
In addition, green tea is rich in Vitamin C. Three cups of green tea contain as much Vitamin C as an apple! Vitamin C helps prevent cold and reduce the severity and duration of cold.
Want to try something new? Gargle with green tea to prevent cold & flu. This is a traditional Japanese remedy, and is surprisingly effective4. In the olden days, green tea was used as a medicine in China and Japan.
8. Relaxation
Green tea's refreshing aroma makes you feel relaxed. Green tea contains the amino acid L-Theanine, which stimulates the formation of alpha waves in your brain, reducing stress and producing calming effect.
Tune out the world, and find your own personal Zen in a cup!
9. Skincare
Green tea antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are also beneficial for your skin. Green tea can reduce sun damage and acne on the skin, keeping it clear and clean. Abundant Vitamin C helps reducing dark spots. There are many cosmetic products made from green tea extracts.
But don’t rub our green tea on yourself, drink it instead! It works just as well.
10. ...And more
Here’s a new lifehack for you - green tea is effective as a cure for hangover. Caffeine and Vitamin C in green tea help the liver break down acetaldehyde which is the main cause of hangover. So take a bottle to your next office party!
Catechins in green tea are also known to have positive effects in delaying the deterioration caused by Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease5.
Green tea is not only good for your health, but is also delicious and addictive. If you love eating Sushi or other Japanese food, you should try Japanese green tea during or after the meal. The taste of green tea goes with the food perfectly.
Not all teas are equal - choose quality!
Remember, it is important to choose high quality, genuine Japanese green tea. Pure green tea contains far more quantities of polyphenols, antioxidants and vitamins (aka “the good stuff”) than flavoured green tea or cheaper supermarket brands.
Disclaimer: These claims of health related benefits described here are generally acknowledged by studies and come from reputable sources. Just Green Tea does not guarantee these benefits.
