Tea Time: Green Tea and Its Benefits

Originating in China, green tea offers many health benefits. It has been used in Japan and China for several thousand years. The popularity of green tea has increased in the West, however, due to its healthy components.

What Can It Do?

(1) Improved Brain Function – Theanine (an amino acid) helps prevent memory decline and helps with attention and complex problem-solving. May promote relaxation.

(2) Cancer Treatment and Prevention – Reduction in breast and ovarian cancer. Polyphenols in green tea decrease the spread of tumor cells. Decreases tumor growth. EGCG, a powerful catechin in green tea, is anti-angiogenic (helps prevent the growth of blood vessels that feed tumor growth).

(3) Decreases Mental Decline – Reduces risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Improved performance on working memory tasks. Polyphenols of green tea inhibit triggers for Parkinson’s disease and may be useful in its prevention and treatment.

(4) Improved Periodontal Health – Decreases inflammation and limits growth of dental disease-causing bacteria. Temporarily treats bad breath with its deodorizing ability.

(5) Improved Metabolism – Lipid and glucose metabolism is improved. Prevents blood sugar spikes. Decreases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

(6) Heart Health – Relaxes arteries which allows for better blood flow. There is a lowered risk of stroke and heart disease with consistent use of green tea every day.

For additional healthy benefits from green tea, refer to this LINK.

Freshly brewed tea will provide the highest amount of health-promoting components (EGCG, polyphenols, flavonoids, etc.) without the added sugars or artificial sweeteners that may be in commercially bottled teas. Organic is always best. Adding a little lemon can provide vitamin C which will increase the absorbability of catechins in green tea. Avoid adding milk products as they may neutralize the antioxidants.

Healing in the Leaves

Green tea comes from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. In Revelation, we are told of the Tree of Life which will grow leaves that will be for the healing of the nations:

“In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:2 / KJV)

The Earth has been under sin’s curse since the Fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. We experience disease and ill health at times. But God has provided leaves, herbs, fruits, and vegetables that contain healing and life-sustaining constituents.

If you enjoy green tea, what health improvements have you noticed that may be a result of drinking this beverage?