Green Tea – an elixir of health or happiness?

Green tea is hailed as magical beverage that vows a healthy lifestyle.

Recent research has shown that green tea may not only promote a healthier, longer life but it can also make you happier.

Scientifically, there are bioactives in green tea that keep the mind focused yet serene, as per brain health nutrition experts.

So, the question is what makes green tea so popular in the world of wellness?

Green tea, which is made from Camellia sinensis leaves, have caffeine, theanine, arginine and EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) – it is considered as the most active ingredient in this beverage.

Boost mental health

One of the health benefits of green tea is the ability to boost mental health.

The drink, which is popular across many parts of Asia and around the world, is connected to prevent long-term mental health imbalances.

According to a 2018 study published in the Journal Nutrients, individual who drink at least three cups of green tea per week has “a 21 per cent less likelihood of developing depression than others who don’t”.

Interestingly, flavonoids in green tea promote healthy brain function, while helping you to stay calm, cool and collected.

Good for cardiac health

Another benefit of green tea is it’s good for cardiac health as well.

Dietitians suggest that the drink is high in flavanols – a type of antioxidant – which are linked to reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and hence, lower the risk of heart disease.

In the Journal Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases, experts found out that drinking green tea could play a role in lowering the risk factors of heart disease, including weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose.

Improve mood

Moreover, green tea can help you to improve mood and remain calm.

Brain nutrition experts point out that culturally, green tea is often tied to quiet moments of calm.

Green tea’s “excitatory caffeine and relaxing L-theanine work together to produce a calm yet alert mind”. 

A 2017 research paper published in Journal of Phytomedicine discovered that green tea “contributes to its abilities to reduce anxiety, boost memory and attention, and positively influence brain function”.

Aid in weight loss

It is pertinent to mention that green tea may also help in speeding up the metabolism, thanks to its antioxidants, which aid in weight loss.

However, experts reveal that green tea preparations for losing weight are “extracts of green tea that contain a higher concentration of catechins and caffeine than the typical green tea” prepared from a tea bag and boiling water.

Therefore, people can enjoy green tea on daily basis but be sure to keep tabs on overall caffeine intake, tolerance and timing as well.

Meanwhile, health experts consider that no single food or beverage can be “an elixir of happiness”.

It can act as one of the factors to boost brain health but it’s important to keep healthy lifestyle practices that includes regular movement, quality sleep and stress management.