1. Green Tea Can Kill Bacteria, Which
Improves Dental Health and Lowers
Your Risk of Infection
The catechins in green tea have other biological effects as well. Some studies show that they can kill bacteria and
inhibit viruses like the influenza virus, potentially lowering your risk of infections.
Streptococcus mutans is the primary harmful bacteria in the mouth. It causes plaque formation and is a leading contributor to cavities and tooth
decay.
Studies show that the catechins in green tea can inhibit the growth of streptococcus mutans. Green
tea consumption is associated with improved dental health and a lower risk of caries.
Another awesome benefit of green tea… multiple studies show that it can reduce bad breath.
2. Green Tea May Lower Your Risk of
Type II Diabetes
Type II diabetes is a disease that has reached epidemic proportions in the
past few decades and now afflicts about 300 million people worldwide.
This disease involves having elevated blood sugar levels in the context of insulin resistance or an inability to produce insulin. Studies show that green tea can improve insulin
sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels.
One study in Japanese individuals found that those who drank the most green tea had a 42% lower risk of developing type II diabetes.
According to a review of 7 studies with a total of 286,701 individuals, green tea drinkers had an 18% lower risk of becoming diabetic.
3. Green Tea May Reduce Your Risk
of Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are the biggest
causes of death in the world.
Studies show that green tea can improve some of the main risk factors for these diseases.
This includes total cholesterol , LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Green tea also dramatically increases the antioxidant capability of the blood, which protects the LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation, which is one part of the pathway towards heart
disease.
Given the beneficial effects on risk factors, it is not surprising to see that green tea drinkers have up to a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
4. Green Tea Can Help You Lose
Weight and Lower Your Risk of
Becoming Obese
Given that green tea can boost the metabolic rate in the short term, it makes sense that it could help
you lose weight. Several studies show that green tea leads to decreases in body fat, especially in the abdominal
area.
One of these studies was a randomized controlled trial in 240 men and women that went on for 12 weeks. In this study, the green tea group had significant decreases in body fat percentage, body
weight, waist circumference and abdominal fat.
However, some studies don’t show a statistically significant increases in weight loss with green tea, so this needs to be taken with a grain of salt.
5. Green Tea May Decrease Your Risk of Dying and Help You Live Longer
Of course, we all have to die eventually. That is inevitable. However, given that green tea drinkers are at a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, it
makes sense that it could help you live longer.
In order to feel better, lose weight and lower your risk of chronic diseases, then you might want to consider making green tea a regular part of your life.
