Green tea has been prevalent in our country since time immemorial. Even the ancient relics talk about the benefits of consuming green tea. Despite past roots, not many people incorporated green tea in their day-to-day lifestyle until very recently.
The recent trend of living an organic and healthy lifestyle has created awareness about the numerous health benefits of consuming green tea. In fact, consuming green tea can also be considered synonymous with cutting down fat. I remember being advised by numerous people to consider green tea for quickly getting rid of the extra fat that I had put on. Having a cup of green tea in the morning seemed like the new trend nowadays. Even the new brands that are entering the market with their signature green tea are marketing it in the same manner.
Thus, in my hastiness to shun off my calories, I readily began consuming it twice a day. I even started carrying a vacuum insulated thermos along; just for having green tea conveniently while traveling.
Despite the never-ending health benefits, there are several myths going around concerning green tea which has unnecessarily pushed green tea lovers in panic. Fortunately, having researched quite a bit about green tea, I have listed the common myths and truths about it.
I can happily have my cup of green tea now – keeping in mind both the benefits and the side effects.
The Myths
- Green Tea Alone Helps in Shedding Extra Calories
This is the most common myth. There’s no doubt that consuming green tea helps you lose weight, but you cannot think of defeating your calories without exercising and healthy dieting. Green tea is packed with several antioxidants and chemical compounds like Catechin that aid in weight loss by boosting up your metabolism. So, it’s one of those drinks that speed up the effectiveness of your work out. Having green tea twice a day will help you see rapid results. Also, try to consume it hot as it will speed up your metabolism by a multifold. You can carry a green tea detox bottle for the same.
- Green Tea is Likely to Increase Blood Pressure
Although studies have shown that some people experience increased heart rate and an abnormal rise in blood pressure after consuming green tea, this is true only for people allergic to caffeine. As no research has been able to prove that green tea increases blood pressure, it’s a common myth that scares many.
If your body can metabolize caffeine, you need not worry about it. Moreover, you can also relieve yourself of the apprehension of consuming too much caffeine as the rate of caffeine in green tea is low as compared to black tea and coffee.
In fact, it is beneficial for sustaining the health of your heart and helps to regulate the blood pressure. It prevents unnecessary clotting of blood and ensures proper functioning of heart vessels.
- Green Tea Leads to Cancer
This myth owes its existence to the misconception that like several teas in the market, green tea also promotes cancer cells. In fact, the chances of developing vulnerability to throat cancer (as some might believe) are much less if you consume green tea regularly in moderation.
Drinking it regularly actually prevents the production of cancer cells by averting the secretion of enzymes responsible for the occurrence of cancer. Besides, it detoxifies the body, which in turn assists in the prevention of several other serious ailments.
- Green Tea Affects Oral Health
On the contrary, consuming green tea regularly precludes the unhealthy conditions associated with teeth and mouth. The antioxidants present in green tea are vital for the prevention of serious gum problems like gingivitis and its antimicrobial properties are good for treating bad odor. Also, it helps in preventing tooth decay and the formation of plaque.
The Truths
- Overconsumption of Green Tea induces Side-Effects
As discussed earlier, it is indeed true that consuming green tea in excess leads to numerous imbalances in the body. It can cause insomnia, indigestion, anemia, hypertension and other such adverse health conditions. This is primarily because of the presence of Polyphenols and of course, the caffeine which should be taken in moderation. Thus, it is important to consume green tea in moderation.
- Green Tea Curbs Cholesterol
Catechins and Lipoprotein present in green tea significantly help in controlling cholesterol, thereby preventing cardiovascular diseases. There have been many studies that show how the consumption of green tea drastically reduces LDL cholesterol levels as lipoprotein keeps the arteries clean and prevents atherosclerosis.
- Green Tea Relieves Joint Pain
The ECGC (Epigallocatechin-3-gallate) in green tea reduces joint pain and ultimately prevents Rheumatoid Arthritis. It works with the immune system by controlling the secretion of molecules responsible for causing inflammation and damage in the joints.
- Green Tea is Beneficial for the Eyes
Here also, the role of ECGC comes into play along with other substances present in green tea like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, catechins and flavonoids. Together, they prevent the eyes from developing disorders like glaucoma, cataract, and macular degeneration. They also protect the eyes from damage imposed by harmful UV rays of the sun.
Thus, incorporating green tea in your diet can be beneficial for you. However, it should be consumed in moderation.
Now that you are deeply informed about green tea, I hope that you’ll be able to savor your cup without getting stuck in a dilemma.
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“Note: This article is written as a part of SuperBloggerChallenge2019 conducted by Healthwealthbridge.com, Alla
I have been consuming green tea for the longest time and I can blindly vouch for the benefits of Green tea. Nice post.
Woow there are soo many benefits of green tea! Will be trying it supersoon
Green tea is considered one of the world’s healthiest drinks and contains one of the highest amounts of antioxidants of any tea. No doubt it has become the top consuming hot beverage all over now.
And here is one point that you highlighted very well that overconsumption is a cause of side effects. Very well written post 🙂
Thank you for writing about the myths around green tea habit in detail.
I never heard of these myths before. thanks for the info. Worth sharing
Aah! I never knew that green tea could be beneficial for eyes too. Heading to get my cup of green tea.
Never knew about eyes. That’s new. At times people really rely only on green tea and foolishly complain they never saw results. Little exercise is must to weight management
Green tea prevents cancer and that is the newest fact, I guess. Love this hype of green tea.