Great news: Drinking green tea is good for you! Read our guide to learn about healthy green tea benefits, from boosting brain health to aiding weight loss.
There’s nothing quite like a frothy matcha latte. If you’re a fan, here’s good news: green tea is both delicious and incredibly nutritious!
Many tea lovers drink green tea as a low-caffeine alternative to coffee, but is green tea really healthy in any other way?
The answer is a resounding yes! And it turns out we’ve known about the health benefits of tea for eons.
Green tea was first enjoyed in China during the reign of Emperor Shennong around 2737 BC. According to legend, tea leaves accidentally fell into boiling water he was drinking, and he found the infusion refreshing.
For thousands of years, people in China, Japan, and Korea have understood the many healing properties of tea. With mounting empirical research in the modern era, we now know for certain that green tea health benefits are real and profound!
For everything you need to know about green tea, check out our infographic below:
What is Green Tea?
Depending on where you are in the world, a cup of green tea could be common as water. Those who enjoy green tea may love its refreshing taste, but there are health benefits to drinking it as well.
Made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant green tea is renowned for its numerous health benefits and properties. Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) is one of the most powerful compounds in green tea.
Rich in Bioactive Compounds
When you consume green tea, you ingest polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins that function as powerful antioxidants. These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage.
I-CARE Protocol
As of December 2023, FLCCC added green tea to the I-CARE protocol for early treatment of COVID-19. We discovered that there is a mechanism in green tea that interferes with the COVID spike protein, blocking it from infecting cells in the body.
Here’s how it works:
500-1000 mg daily blocks infection by interfering with the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the viral spikes to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor of the host cells. Omicron subvariants were effectively inactivated by green tea Matcha and black tea.
Antioxidant Properties
Green Tea has been shown to protect against oxidative stress. Plus, it has been shown to reduce the risk of various types of cancer (like breast prostate and colorectal cancer) although more research is needed for conclusive evidence.
9 Benefits of Green Tea for Health
Now let’s get into these nine health benefits of green tea:
- Cardiovascular Heart Health
- Brain Health
- Fat Burning and Physical Performance
- Weight Loss
- Diabetes Prevention and Management
- Dental Health
- Antimicrobial & Antiviral Properties
- Skin Health
- Longevity
1. Cardiovascular Heart Health
Research is now showing that green tea improves some of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases including improving total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Increases the antioxidant capability of the blood which protects the LDL particles from oxidation.
2. Brain Health
Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee and improves brain function by blocking an inhibitory neurotransmitter called adenosine. This will thereby increase the firing of neurons and the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.
The amino Acid L-Theanine (found in green tea) increases the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA which has anti-anxiety effects. It also increases dopamine and the production of alpha waves in the brain leading to improved brain function.
3. Fat Burning and Physical Performance
Green tea has been shown to increase fat burning and boost metabolic rate in human controlled trials although the effect may vary with individuals. May improve physical performance by mobilizing fatty acids from fat tissue and making them available for use as energy.
4. Weight Loss
Studies suggest that green tea can help with weight loss. Reduces harmful abdominal fat.
5. Diabetes Prevention and Management
Those with Type II diabetes take note! Green tea can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels.
6. Dental Health
Catechins in green tea also have biological effects on the teeth and gums. Some studies show that they can kill bacteria and inhibit viruses like the influenza virus and COVID-19 potentially lowering your risk of infections and improving dental health.
7. Antimicrobial & Antiviral Properties
Green tea has been found to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. This is beneficial for overall health.
8. Skin Health
Topical application and oral consumption of green tea may contribute to skin health. Reduces sun damage and improves hydration, elasticity, and skin thickness.
9. Longevity
Green tea has been show to reduce high blood pressure, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack, and has anti-cancer properties. In other words, it increases lifespan!
👉 Learn more:
Matcha vs Green Tea
Green Tea
Preparation and Form: The leaves are steamed or pan-fired to prevent oxidation, giving green tea its characteristic color and flavor.
Matcha
Preparation and Form: Matcha is a type of powdered green tea. The plants are grown in shade for several weeks before harvest which increases chlorophyll levels and boosts amino acid content. The leaves are then ground into a fine powder.
Key Differences
- Form and Consumption: Regular green tea is consumed as a brewed beverage and matcha as a dissolved powder.
- Concentration of Compounds: Matcha is a more concentrated source of green tea’s active ingredients compared to the brewed tea.
- Caffeine Content: Matcha generally has more caffeine than regular green tea.
- Health Impact: While both can offer health benefits due to antioxidants, the concentration is higher in matcha.
- Experience and Flavor: The experience of drinking green tea vs matcha differs significantly in terms of preparation, taste, and cultural practices… try both!
L-Theanine vs Green Tea Supplements
L-theanine is an amino acid that is naturally found in tea leaves, including green tea. It is known for its calming effects on the brain, promoting relaxation without drowsiness.
The presence of L-theanine alongside caffeine and other bioactive compounds in green tea is part of what gives it its reputation for providing health benefits and a more balanced energy lift.
The reason we make this distinction is that L-Theanine is often sold as a supplement all by itself. It’s important to be aware of the differences in green tea supplements and L-Theanine so you can decide what’s best to take.
L-Theanine
Here are the primary benefits of L-Theanine:
- Mental Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Promotes relaxation without drowsiness. It’s commonly used for stress and anxiety relief.
- Improves Focus and Brain Function: When combined with caffeine (as found naturally in tea) L-theanine can improve focus and attention.
- Sleep Quality Improvement: It may help in improving the quality of sleep not by acting as a sedative but by lowering anxiety and promoting relaxation.
- Potential Neuroprotective Effects: Some studies suggest it may have neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing capabilities.
- Dosage and Consumption: L-theanine supplements are usually taken in pill or capsule form. The dosage can vary but typically ranges from 100 to 400 mg per day depending on the intended use.
L-theanine compared to Green Tea
Active Ingredients: L-theanine supplements focus solely on the amino acid L-theanine while green tea supplements offer a range of compounds including catechins, EGCG, and caffeine.
Effects: L-theanine is primarily known for its relaxing and mood-enhancing effects whereas green tea supplements are sought for their antioxidant properties, metabolic benefits, and stimulant effects due to caffeine.
Safety and Side Effects: L-theanine is generally considered safe and does not have the stimulating effects of caffeine. Green tea supplements however can cause side effects related to their caffeine content like jitteriness, rapid heartbeat or sleep disturbances and in high doses may impact liver health.
Usage Goals: The choice between the two depends on individual health goals: L-theanine for relaxation and mental focus, green tea supplements for antioxidant benefits and metabolic enhancement.
