SHOULD I DRINK GREEN TEA?
Green tea is one of the most frequently used beverages in the weight loss process and frequently recommended in various social media and friend environments. In fact, green tea is obtained from the same plant as “Camellia Sinensis”, which is commonly consumed in our country and known as black tea. When Camellia Sinensis, that is, tea plant, is exposed to oxidation after being collected and dried slowly, black tea emerges, and green tea appears when it is not exposed to oxidation and dried quickly.
There are some differences between black tea and green tea due to the chemical reactions in the oxidation process. Both teas are a rich source of polyphenols. So what is this polyphenol? polyphenol; It is a name given to chemicals found naturally in plants and are very important micronutrients for human health. Polyphenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Green tea contains 30% polyphenols by weight, and “Catechin – epigallocatechin-3-gallate” (EGCG) is the strongest polyphenol in its content, while black tea is a rich source of theaflavin.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is an important substance in the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and metabolic diseases.
Due to the antioxidant effect of the polyphenols in the content of Green Tea, it is especially protective against oxidative stress in cells and the resulting cellular damage. Green tea has a significant risk-reducing effect, especially against breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer.
Studies have shown that the risk of developing breast cancer in women consuming green tea is reduced by 20-30%, the formation of prostate cancer and the spread of cancer cells in men can be prevented, and the risk of colon cancer can be reduced by about 42%.
In addition to the effect of green tea on cancer, it also has positive effects on cardiovascular diseases and blood lipids. Green Tea consumption leads to a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL levels, known as bad cholesterol. In addition, an 11-year study of 40,000 people in Japan showed that green tea reduced the death rate from cardiovascular disease.
The use of green tea can increase fat burning and metabolic rate. It also has an appetite suppressing effect. In a study conducted in Japan, it was observed that the catechin in green tea increased fat burning during both exercise and rest. It has been stated that the use of green tea also reduces fasting blood sugar and increases insulin sensitivity, helping insulin to be used more effectively.
A number of studies show that green tea lowers fasting blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity. In a study conducted on approximately 18,000 people over 5 years in Japan, it is stated that those who consume green tea reduce their risk of developing diabetes by 42%.
Instead of the epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) found in green tea, black tea contains theaflavin and is a group of polyphenols unique to black tea. Theaflavin is formed during the oxidation process of the tea plant and constitutes 3-6% of all polyphenols in black tea.
Theaflavin in black tea, like the polyphenols in green tea, supports the body’s natural antioxidant production, and is effective in protecting fat cells from damage by free radicals, and protecting heart and blood vessel health. With its anti-inflammatory effect, it reduces the risk of plaque formation in blood vessels by reducing inflammation and increasing the availability of nitric oxide, which helps dilate your blood vessels. Theaflavins also aid weight loss by significantly reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Green tea also shows beneficial effects for our brain health with its caffeine and L-Theanine content. Although the amount of caffeine varies according to the leaf type, size, harvesting season and brewing methods of the tea plant, in general, green tea contains less caffeine than black tea.
As fatigue increases during the day, adenosine accumulates in the brain and binds to receptors that make brain activity work slower. As adenosine increases, we begin to feel more tired. Caffeine in green tea, on the other hand, passes to the brain and prevents adenosine from exerting the effect of fatigue in the brain and causes us to feel more energetic and alert. L-Theanine, on the other hand, has effects such as increasing dopamine release, increasing sleep quality, reducing stress and mental well-being, and L-Theanine balances the negative effects of caffeine.
As a result, although both teas are obtained from the Camellia Sinensis plant and have similar benefits in general, they can show different effects according to the polyphenol differences they contain.
If you are asking which tea to drink, my preference is black tea, which stands out with its smell, taste and conversation 😊
We are waiting for you to have a tea at our bioresonance center in Bursa Beşevler 😊
Dr. Mesut Ersoy
