The superdrink you need: Green tea improves gut health, cuts obesity risk

WASHINGTON: Green tea may reduce the risk of obesity and a number of inflammatory biomarkers linked with poor health, a study conducted in mice suggests.

Mice fed a diet of two per cent green tea extract fared far better than those that ate a diet without it, according to the study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.

The finding has prompted an upcoming study of green tea’s potential benefits in people at high risk of diabetes and heart disease.

The benefits seen in the study appear to stem from improved gut health, including more beneficial microbes in the intestines of the mice and less permeability in the intestinal wall – a condition typically called “leaky gut” in people.

“This study provides evidence that green tea encourages the growth of good gut bacteria, and that leads to a series of benefits that significantly lower the risk of obesity,” said Richard Bruno, the study’s lead author and a professor at The Ohio State University in the US.

Negative changes in the gut microbiome have been previously linked to obesity, and green tea has been shown to promote healthy bacteria.

Getty Images

Catechins, anti-inflammatory polyphenols found in green tea, have been linked to anti-cancer activity and lower risk of heart and liver disease.

The team wanted to explore whether there was an argument for green tea preventing obesity, inflammation and other factors connected to poor metabolic health, Bruno said in a statement.

The results of studies looking at obesity management so far have been a real mixed bag.

“Some seem to support green tea for weight loss, but a lot of other research has shown no effect, likely due to the complexity of the diet relative to a number of lifestyle factors. Our goal is to figure out how it prevents weight gain,” Bruno said.

“This will lead to better health recommendations,” he added.

Green tea has a rich history in Asian countries and has been increasingly embraced in the West, in part for its potential health benefits.

Catechins, anti-inflammatory polyphenols found in green tea, have been linked to anti-cancer activity and lower risk of heart and liver disease.

Cut Down On Salt, Drink Fluids: Simple Diet Tips To Avoid Chronic Heart Failure

Save Your Heart

Cardiac or heart failure is a clinical condition in which the heart loses the ability to eject blood to meet the requirements of the tissues of the body. Irrespective of the cause, nutritional concerns need to be addressed in this condition in order to prevent morbidity and mortality. Patients with chronic heart failure are at constant risk of losing weight due to the medical condition and also low dietary intake which is due poor appetite, depression or loss of appetite due to consumption of drugs.

Dietary interventions to maintain and restore the nutritional balance are essential part of treatment therapy. These include a suitable change in calorie intake, reduction in sodium and fluid intake, maintenance of potassium and magnesium in the body, and appropriate supplementation with vitamins and minerals.

Here are some simple tips by Dr Ritika Samaddar, Chief Nutritionist at Max Hospital, Saket.

Watch The Calories

Obese patients are encouraged to lose weight to minimize cardiac workload. On the other hand, in the malnourished patients with chronic heart failure, the calorie intake has to be increased to match the requirement.

Cut Down On Salt

In patients with heart failure, a reduction in salt intake brings about a significant improvement. Mostly, the limit is set at 2-3 gm of salt per day. This requires a control on the intake of sodium rich foods, and restricted use of table salt.

Eat More Fruits And Vegetables

Most diuretics increase the excretion of potassium and magnesium leading to depletion of minerals in the body. A diet high in potassium and magnesium-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables is encouraged and also the use of supplements.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

In patients with a severe fluid overload, those requiring high doses of diuretic, or those taken to excessive fluid intake, the total daily water and fluid intake should be limited in the range of 500 to 2000 ml daily.

The researchers devised an experiment that examined green tea’s effects in male mice fed a normal diet and a high-fat diet designed to cause obesity.

Female mice are resistant to diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes, so they were not included.

For eight weeks, half of the animals ate a high-fat diet designed to lead to obesity and half were fed a regular diet. In each of those groups, half ate green tea extract mixed in with their food.

The mice fed a high-fat diet supplemented with green tea gained about 20 per cent less weight and had lower insulin resistance than mice fed an otherwise identical diet without tea.

Those mice also had less inflammation within fat tissue and the intestine.

The green tea appeared to protect against the movement of endotoxin, the toxic bacterial component, out of their guts and into the bloodstream.

The researchers found evidence of stronger — less “leaky” – guts in these mice. Leaky gut is a problem in humans that contributes to widespread low-grade inflammation and has been implicated in a number of health problems.

The researchers also found that the green tea appeared to contribute to a healthier microbial community in the guts of the mice fed a high-fat diet.

Mice fed the normal, or low-fat, diet supplemented with green tea also had benefits including reduced weight gain and lower endotoxin levels and markers of leaky gut, but these were relatively modest compared with the effects seen in mice fed the high-fat diet.

Green tea consumption in the experiment would be equivalent to about 10 cups of green tea throughout the day for a person, Bruno said.

“It might seem like a lot of tea, but it’s not highly unusual in certain parts of the world,” he said.

Bruno is currently working on a human study that will explore the effects of green tea on leaky gut in people with metabolic syndrome – a condition that predisposes people to Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Want To Shine This Festive Season? Include These Healthy Drinks In Your Diet

Kiwi Juice

– Peel kiwi and cut into slices
– Process apple, celery and kiwi fruit slices through the juicer
– Discard the fibrous pulp
– It is good to drink for a healthy, glowing skin

Watermelon Smoothie

– Blend watermelon, mango, sugar and water together in a blender until smooth
– Place ice into glasses and pour the mixture

Apple Halwa

– Peel and cut apples into slices
– Grind them in a food processor till it becomes a homogenous paste
– Add ghee, apple paste and sugar in a heated pan
– Wait for the sugar to melt till the halwa turns smooth
– Garnish with sliced almond and serve

Natural Orange Jelly

– Put water and sugar in a saucepan on low heat
– Stir until the sugar dissolves
– Sprinkle gelatin over the surface of the water, and stir until it dissolves
– Remove from the heat and add the orange juice
– Decorate with blueberries and mint leaves

The superdrink you need: Green tea improves gut health, cuts obesity risk

WASHINGTON: Green tea may reduce the risk of obesity and a number of inflammatory biomarkers linked with poor health, a study conducted in mice suggests.

Mice fed a diet of two per cent green tea extract fared far better than those that ate a diet without it, according to the study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.

The finding has prompted an upcoming study of green tea’s potential benefits in people at high risk of diabetes and heart disease.

The benefits seen in the study appear to stem from improved gut health, including more beneficial microbes in the intestines of the mice and less permeability in the intestinal wall – a condition typically called “leaky gut” in people.

“This study provides evidence that green tea encourages the growth of good gut bacteria, and that leads to a series of benefits that significantly lower the risk of obesity,” said Richard Bruno, the study’s lead author and a professor at The Ohio State University in the US.

Negative changes in the gut microbiome have been previously linked to obesity, and green tea has been shown to promote healthy bacteria.

Getty Images

Catechins, anti-inflammatory polyphenols found in green tea, have been linked to anti-cancer activity and lower risk of heart and liver disease.

The team wanted to explore whether there was an argument for green tea preventing obesity, inflammation and other factors connected to poor metabolic health, Bruno said in a statement.

The results of studies looking at obesity management so far have been a real mixed bag.

“Some seem to support green tea for weight loss, but a lot of other research has shown no effect, likely due to the complexity of the diet relative to a number of lifestyle factors. Our goal is to figure out how it prevents weight gain,” Bruno said.

“This will lead to better health recommendations,” he added.

Green tea has a rich history in Asian countries and has been increasingly embraced in the West, in part for its potential health benefits.

Catechins, anti-inflammatory polyphenols found in green tea, have been linked to anti-cancer activity and lower risk of heart and liver disease.

Cut Down On Salt, Drink Fluids: Simple Diet Tips To Avoid Chronic Heart Failure

Save Your Heart

Cardiac or heart failure is a clinical condition in which the heart loses the ability to eject blood to meet the requirements of the tissues of the body. Irrespective of the cause, nutritional concerns need to be addressed in this condition in order to prevent morbidity and mortality. Patients with chronic heart failure are at constant risk of losing weight due to the medical condition and also low dietary intake which is due poor appetite, depression or loss of appetite due to consumption of drugs.

Dietary interventions to maintain and restore the nutritional balance are essential part of treatment therapy. These include a suitable change in calorie intake, reduction in sodium and fluid intake, maintenance of potassium and magnesium in the body, and appropriate supplementation with vitamins and minerals.

Here are some simple tips by Dr Ritika Samaddar, Chief Nutritionist at Max Hospital, Saket.

Watch The Calories

Obese patients are encouraged to lose weight to minimize cardiac workload. On the other hand, in the malnourished patients with chronic heart failure, the calorie intake has to be increased to match the requirement.

Cut Down On Salt

In patients with heart failure, a reduction in salt intake brings about a significant improvement. Mostly, the limit is set at 2-3 gm of salt per day. This requires a control on the intake of sodium rich foods, and restricted use of table salt.

Eat More Fruits And Vegetables

Most diuretics increase the excretion of potassium and magnesium leading to depletion of minerals in the body. A diet high in potassium and magnesium-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables is encouraged and also the use of supplements.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

In patients with a severe fluid overload, those requiring high doses of diuretic, or those taken to excessive fluid intake, the total daily water and fluid intake should be limited in the range of 500 to 2000 ml daily.

The researchers devised an experiment that examined green tea’s effects in male mice fed a normal diet and a high-fat diet designed to cause obesity.

Female mice are resistant to diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes, so they were not included.

For eight weeks, half of the animals ate a high-fat diet designed to lead to obesity and half were fed a regular diet. In each of those groups, half ate green tea extract mixed in with their food.

The mice fed a high-fat diet supplemented with green tea gained about 20 per cent less weight and had lower insulin resistance than mice fed an otherwise identical diet without tea.

Those mice also had less inflammation within fat tissue and the intestine.

The green tea appeared to protect against the movement of endotoxin, the toxic bacterial component, out of their guts and into the bloodstream.

The researchers found evidence of stronger — less “leaky” – guts in these mice. Leaky gut is a problem in humans that contributes to widespread low-grade inflammation and has been implicated in a number of health problems.

The researchers also found that the green tea appeared to contribute to a healthier microbial community in the guts of the mice fed a high-fat diet.

Mice fed the normal, or low-fat, diet supplemented with green tea also had benefits including reduced weight gain and lower endotoxin levels and markers of leaky gut, but these were relatively modest compared with the effects seen in mice fed the high-fat diet.

Green tea consumption in the experiment would be equivalent to about 10 cups of green tea throughout the day for a person, Bruno said.

“It might seem like a lot of tea, but it’s not highly unusual in certain parts of the world,” he said.

Bruno is currently working on a human study that will explore the effects of green tea on leaky gut in people with metabolic syndrome – a condition that predisposes people to Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Want To Shine This Festive Season? Include These Healthy Drinks In Your Diet

Kiwi Juice

– Peel kiwi and cut into slices
– Process apple, celery and kiwi fruit slices through the juicer
– Discard the fibrous pulp
– It is good to drink for a healthy, glowing skin

Watermelon Smoothie

– Blend watermelon, mango, sugar and water together in a blender until smooth
– Place ice into glasses and pour the mixture

Apple Halwa

– Peel and cut apples into slices
– Grind them in a food processor till it becomes a homogenous paste
– Add ghee, apple paste and sugar in a heated pan
– Wait for the sugar to melt till the halwa turns smooth
– Garnish with sliced almond and serve

Natural Orange Jelly

– Put water and sugar in a saucepan on low heat
– Stir until the sugar dissolves
– Sprinkle gelatin over the surface of the water, and stir until it dissolves
– Remove from the heat and add the orange juice
– Decorate with blueberries and mint leaves

5 Side Effects of Green Tea: From Caffeine Overdose to Dehydration and More!

Green tea has long been touted as a ‘weight-loss aid’, a health drink for people struggling to lose weight. Experts vouch for two to three cups of green tea combined with a healthy diet plan in order to lose weight. Known for boosting metabolism and easing the process of digestion, it has been an amazing drink for many. However, as they say, anything in excess is bad, no matter how healthy a food it is. Does this wonder drink have any side effects? Can it cause any reverse effects in the body? How much green tea is enough to suit the daily requirement? Let’s find out.

According to Bangalore-based Nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood, “excess of green tea can dehydrate your body. Hence I wouldn’t recommend more than three cups a day.” Delhi-based Nutritionist Lokendra Tomar agrees, “Drinking excess amount of green tea increases acid in stomach due to high caffeine content. So drinking more than three cups of green tea can cause acidity, bloating, or acid reflux. Consuming excess green tea can also cause mineral deficiency, as it contains tannin that binds minerals like iron and further hinders its absorption in the body.”

Here are some side effects of green tea –

1. Caffeine Overdose

Like any other tea, green tea consists of caffeine and excessive intake of caffeine can lead to health problems that include headache, sleeping disorders, irritability, anxiety and heartburn among others. Therefore, it is imperative to take not more than two or three cups a day.

_{Green tea consists of caffeine and excessive intake of caffeine can lead tosleeping disorders, irritability, anxiety.}

2. Can Upset Stomach

Drinking green tea on an empty stomach can cause an upset stomach. Green tea has polyphenols known as tannins that increase stomach acid, which further leads to stomachache, nauseous feeling, burning sensation or even constipation. You must drink green tea in between meals or after a meal.

_{Drinking green tea on an empty stomach can cause stomachache.}

3. Reduces the Iron Content in the Body

Green tea has catechins that are known to boost metabolism and help reduce weight; however, its excessive consumption can cause reduced iron absorption in the body. It can be worse for those who already have an iron deficiency. You can reduce this effect by squeezing some lemon into the tea.

_{You can reduce this effect by squeezing some lemon into the tea.}

4. Causes Dehydration

Green tea is a natural diuretic, which causes the body to lose water, therefore drinking excessive green tea can cause excessive urination leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Dehydration further can cause problems like headaches, lethargy and fatigue.

_{Dehydration further can cause problems like headaches, lethargy and fatigue.}

5. Can Affect Those on Medications

While it is safe for healthy people to have at least two-three cups of green tea daily, it may not be deemed as safe for those on medications. Combining green tea with antibiotics, stimulants, asthma medications or any other drug can pose a risk of liver damage. It is recommended to refer to a doctor before turning to green tea during medications.

_{Combining green tea with antibiotics or any other drug can pose a risk of liver damage}

Green tea sure is a great aid to help you lose weight; however, moderation is the key here. In case of any doubts and confusions, it is always good to refer to a doctor and then take the recommended dose of green tea to avoid health problems in the long run.

Seven-day Green Tea Supplementation Revamps Gut Microbiome and Caecum/Skin Metabolome in Mice from Stress

Based on previous studies, we used an animal model to examine whether supplementation with GTE or its components EGCG, caffeine, and theanine modulate the intestinal microbiota and endogenous metabolome in mice. We focused on the effects of short-term (7-day) supplementation on modulating the caecum microbiota and caecum/skin endogenous metabolome, their relationships, and skin erythema-preventing effects. Green tea has a complex chemical composition containing proteins (15–20%), carbohydrates (including cellulose and pectins, 7–25%), amino acids (including theanine, 1–4%), minerals (5%), flavonoids (including catechins, 25–35%), xanthic bases (including caffeine, 3.5%), pigments (0.5–2%), and phenolic acids (including chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid)^18,19. Therefore, in this study, we used GTEs with very high catechin contents (50% total catechin) to minimize the effects of these minor components. In addition, single components were supplemented at higher levels to mice than those present in the green tea extracts such as 50% EGCG, 10% caffeine, and 2% theanine. When we designed the animal experiment, we expected clear effects of each component treatment. For these, we choose higher concentrations than actual concentrations in green tea. The amount of EGCG was selected based on the same amount as the total catechin content. The amount of caffeine and theanine was increased by a similar ratio to that of EGCG. However, several studies reported antioxidant activities of green tea minor components such as trace elements, phenolic acids, and pigments^18,20,21. Thus, the effect of the green tea extract in vivo might be due to the synergistic effect of the major components in green tea, or might be due to the combined effect of the minor and the major components.

Highly diverse bacteria comprise the intestinal microbiota and produce various microbial metabolites with important roles in modulating the microbiome modulation. These modulations are highly affected by environmental conditions in the intestine and influence the host metabolome and health²². We observed that UV stress without prior supplementation notably altered the caecum microbial community, as shown by the significant increase in C. butyricum and decrease in Bacteriodetes, Bacteroides, Prevotella, Bifidobacteria, and Desulfovibrio spp. (Fig. 2). Cutaneous UV exposure disturbs the immune system of the skin through UV-induced inflammation and damages the skin, skin-associated cells, and tissues²³. Additionally, UV exposure affects bacterial cells. A previous study showed that the viability of Lactobacillus spp. decreased immediately upon UV exposure, but was restored over time and enhanced cholesterol removal ability²⁴. We previously showed that prolonged UVB exposure induced marked changes in the microbiota of the large intestine¹⁵. Thus, UV stress appears to influence the intestinal bacteria. In our study, C. butyricum was significantly increased in the UV group. Few studies have examined the relationship between UV stress and C. butyricum levels. C. butyricum is a gram-positive, spore-forming, butyric acid-producing, and obligate anaerobic species found in faeces²⁵. Indigenous spore-forming bacteria have various cell morphologies in the intestine such as resting spores, germinated spores, vegetative cells, and endotrophic cells²⁵. Bacterial spores are even more resistant to chemicals, heat, and irradiation than their respective vegetative cells²⁶. In addition, studies have shown that C. butyricum is resistant to various antibiotics and UV rays²⁷. Particularly, Clostridium spp. show higher d-values, representing the decimal reduction time required at a given condition to kill 90% of the exposed microorganisms, than gram-negative bacteria²⁸. Among the bacterial groups we analysed, Bacteroidetes, Bacteroides, Prevotella, Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli, and Desulfovibrio spp. are gram-negative. Among gram-positive bacteria, Clostridium spp. are the only spore-forming bacteria. Thus, C. butyricum might be relatively more resistant to single UVB irradiation than other bacteria, which leads to relatively high bacterial counts. Some studies also showed that C. butyricum has various uses as an antibacterial agent, in gut epithelial cell proliferation, and in ulcerative colitis therapy^29,30,31. Unlike in the UV group, short-term supplementation with GTE showed different caecum microbiota modulation patterns including significantly decreased Clostridium cluster IV and Desulfovibrio spp. According to the PCA biplot, the most influential bacteria distinguishing the GU group from the CON group were Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacteria (Fig. 2). In agreement with previous studies, we observed increased levels of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. in human faecal samples upon green tea consumption^1,2. Additionally, oral administration of probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species was previously shown to have photo-protective effects on UV-exposed skin^32,33,34,35. Furthermore, profound correlations were observed between other skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and intestinal probiotics^36,37. Particularly, colonization of probiotics in the intestine was associated with a decrease in the disease state^36,38. The PCA biplot of the CU and CON groups also showed clear discriminant patterns; levels of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacteria were considerably lower in the CU group than levels in the CON group. Overall, these results and results of previous studies suggest that 7-day supplementation with GTE modulates sustained changes in the caecum microbial community, particularly Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacteria, and that these changes might prevented UV stress-induced modulation of the microbial community.

In metabolomics studies, sample preparation is extremely important because the metabolome composition could be affected by numerous factors, such as time, method of sampling, environment, and how the sample is stored. Before metabolite extraction, accurate sampling and quenching procedures are required to provide a snapshot of the metabolome and determine the repeatability of the experiment³⁹. To provide exact metabolomics data, samples must be accurately prepared. We observed diverse skin metabolome changes following exposure to UV stress. In the GU group, the opposite metabolic change patterns were observed from those in the UV group, particularly for histidine, tyrosine, trans-urocanic acid, histamine, adenosine, oleic acid, stearic acid, heptadecanoic acid, arachidonic acid, cholesterol, lysoPE(20:0), lysoPE(16:0), lysoPC(20:2), lysoPE(18:2), lysoPC(20:4), lysoPC(18:2), and monoolein (Fig. 5C). These amino acids, urocanic acid, fatty acids, and lipids are closely related to skin barrier functions. Urocanic acid, which is found in the stratum corneum of the epidermis, plays an important role in protecting the epidermis from UVB-induced damage⁴⁰. Free fatty acids are very actively synthesized in the epidermis, but are decreased by acute UV irradiation accompanied by decreased expression of lipid synthesis-related genes^41,42. Cholesterol synthesis is also highly related to the recovery of the permeability barrier function of the skin⁴². Lysophospholipids are among the most important factors in skin barrier function, skin hydration, and skin inflammation^43,44. We also observed significant preventive effects on erythema formation in only the GTE-supplemented group (Fig. 4). These differences in preventing erythema formation may be related to the intake level or characteristics of the supplements. According to other reports, both oral administration and topical application of green tea can reduce UVB irradiation-induced erythema in skin i.e., consuming green tea polyphenols of human (1402 mg/day, 6 weeks), oral administration of green tea extracts in mice (250 mg/kg. day, 12 weeks), treatment of green tea extracts on human skin (10 mg, 30 min before UV irradiation), and topical application of dermal gels containing green tea extracts (3 g/100 g gel)^45,46,47,48. However, it remains controversial whether erythema formation is inhibited by EGCG administration. Jeon et al.⁴⁹ reported that oral EGCG supplementation for 8 weeks significantly increased minimal erythema dose and attenuated UVB-induced skin damage, whereas Chow et al.⁵⁰ found that administering a high daily bolus dose of EGCG for 4 weeks did not protect against UV-induced erythema. These differences may be related to the different conditions of the experiments such as supplementation amount and period. Reports substantiating the relationship between caffeine or theanine administration and anti-erythema forming effects are lacking. Instead, caffeine was shown to inhibit UV-induced carcinogenesis^8,51, while theanine showed various bioactivities such as neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, and improved immunity⁵². Thus, our results showed that 7-day prior supplementation of GTE, rather than single compounds (EGCG, caffeine, or theanine), significantly modulated various skin metabolites related to skin barrier function. This modulation inhibited skin metabolome changes according to UV stress, and the effects may help prevent skin erythema formation. On the other hand, no significant differences in MDA and TNF-α levels were observed among groups. MDA is a product of lipid peroxidation which is used as an oxidative stress indicator and TNF-α facilitates the migration of inflammatory cells. According to other animal studies that used similar experimental conditions as those used in our study, similar phenomena were observed in MDA and TNF-α measurements. Svobodova et al.⁵³ measured MDA levels in hairless mice skin homogenates after exposure to a single dose of UVB (200 or 800 mJ/cm²) at a 45-cm distance. At both 4 h and 24 h after UVB (200 mJ/cm²) exposure, no significant differences in MDA levels were found compared to non-irradiated controls, but significantly decreased 24 h afterward with a higher UVB dose (800 mJ/cm²). Sharma et al.⁵⁴ measured TNF-α mRNA levels in mice irradiated with UVB (100 mJ/cm² day) for 5 days. At 3 h after the last UVB irradiation, levels of TNF-α mRNA significantly decreased, whereas no difference from non-irradiated controls was observed after 20 h. However, the MDA levels of mice skin that were exposed to a single dose of UVB (240 mJ/cm²) at a 7-cm distance showed significant increase⁵³. Overall, results of our study and previous studies showed that the levels of MDA and TNF-α in mouse skin were induced by UVB irradiation, but results were highly influenced by irradiation conditions such as dose, distance from device, and the amount of time passed after exposure.

The relationship between the gut and skin was previously not well-understood. Microbial compounds including cell wall fragments, dead cells, and microbial metabolites may induce immune responses that improve skin health⁵⁵. Endogenous caecum metabolite profiling was performed to evaluate the relationship between the caecum microbiota and endogenous skin metabolites. According to the heatmap of the caecum metabolome, a few metabolites were significantly altered by UV stress. However, short-term supplementation with GTE, EGCG, caffeine, or theanine induced more diverse metabolite modulations in the caecum (Fig. 3C). This may be because diet is a crucial factor affecting the composition of the intestinal microbiota, and thus each compound influenced the host in a different manner⁵⁶. According to the heat map, bile acid levels were much higher in all treatment groups than in the CON group. Bile acids are well-known gut bacteria metabolites with various biological functions including absorbing lipid-soluble vitamins; facilitating lipid absorption; maintaining intestinal barrier function; and regulating triglyceride, cholesterol, glucose, and energy homeostasis⁵⁷. Bacteria including Bacteroides, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterobacter, and Eubacterium are associated with bile acid metabolism²². These highly increased bile acids levels may be related to UV stress. In the GU group, levels of several metabolites such as glutamine, 5-oxoproline, myo-inositol, glucose, glycerol, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid were altered. These metabolites showed a high correlation with the caecum probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacteria. Thus, modulation of the Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacteria populations and the effects of GTE supplementation on mice intestine appear to be closely related. These relationships may affect erythema formation in the skin.

In conclusion, we conducted comprehensive metabolome analysis to elucidate the effects of short-term (7-day) supplementation of dietary components on modulating the gut and endogenous metabolomes. Among the supplements examined, including GTE, EGCG, caffeine, and theanine, only short-term supplementation with GTE remarkably modulated the microbiome-metabolome accompanied with significant prevention of UV stress in mice. Particularly, probiotics including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus spp. were highly associated with GTE supplementation and bacteria levels were highly correlated with skin barrier function-related metabolites. Overall, 7-day supplementation of GTE effectively modulated the caecum microbiota and endogenous caecum/skin metabolome in mice; these modulations may act as indirect prebiotics and showed positive effects on preventing external UV stress.

Will Drinking Green Tea Help You Get a Flat Stomach? | Healthy Eating

By Sylvie Tremblay Updated November 27, 2018

When you’re trying to shed pounds, most of what you drink should be plain water. Not only is water naturally calorie-free, it’s also the best way to hydrate. Green tea, however, would be a close second in terms of its benefits for weight loss. While green tea won’t burn up all your belly fat, and it’s not the miracle weight loss cure it’s sometimes portrayed as, it does have a place in a weight loss diet and might help you shed pounds overall.

Diet-Friendly and Calorie-Free

One reason green tea is so good for weight loss is that it’s naturally free of calories. That’s beneficial for weight loss, especially if you drink green tea in place of caloric beverages, like juice, since you’ll be able to limit your calorie intake more easily each day.

For the best weight loss results, serve your green tea plain. Adding milk, sugar or honey all adds to the calorie count. Honey, for example, has 20 calories per teaspoon, which can add up over time. Even an extra 100 calories per day — the equivalent of 5 cups of tea each sweetened with a teaspoon of honey — adds up to enough extra calories to gain 10 pounds over the course of a year. So stick to the plain tea to slim down your waistline.

Benefits for Weight Loss

Green tea has a strong reputation as a fat-burning beverage, but that reputation may not be entirely deserved. While you’ve likely come across plenty of reports purporting that green tea can raise your metabolism to torch fat, this effect is modest at best, reports a study published in the “Canadian Pharmacists Journal” in 2014.

In that study, the researchers looked at the results of previous studies on green tea and weight loss. They found that while some earlier studies found green tea helped people lose about half a pound to 8 pounds more than those who didn’t drink green tea, most of studies found no significant difference in weight loss. So while green tea deserves a place in your weight loss diet, simply drinking the tea won’t burn fat.

The Myth of Spot Reduction and How to Lose Belly Fat

Another reason green tea won’t melt away your belly fat? Because losing fat from a specific part of your body — called “spot reduction” — unfortunately does not exist. When you take in fewer calories than you burn, you burn fat from all over your body. And if you’re predisposed to storing fat in your midsection, you might see differences in your arms, legs and hips before you lose a large amount of body fat.

That doesn’t mean you can’t slim down your stomach, though. Follow a balanced and calorie-controlled diet to lose fat all over your body consistently, and you’ll burn fat in your midsection, too. Include strength training to hold onto metabolism-boosting muscle, and use exercises like planks and side planks to cinch your abdominal muscles and give the appearance of a leaner stomach.

This Anti-Inflammatory Tea May Treat Leaky Gut

Green tea, a well-loved tea and staple in traditional Chinese medicine, has now become popular all over the world for its many health benefits. What are those benefits, exactly? For starters, green tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds that protect against damage to the cells; studies have also linked green tea consumption to better heart health and weight loss. And now, there’s a reason to love it even more.

A new study, published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, found that green tea consumption improved gut health by populating healthy bacteria in the intestines and reducing leaky gut.

Initially, the researchers from Ohio State were interested in how green tea consumption affected weight gain. To study this, they had one group of mice eat a regular diet and the other a high-fat diet for eight weeks. In both of those groups, half had green tea extract added to their food, and the other did not. They found that the group fed the high-fat diet and given green tea extract gained 20 percent less weight and had decreased insulin resistance than the mice that did not have green tea added to their food.

So what does this have to do with leaky gut and intestinal bacteria? The researchers also noted that the mice in the high-fat, green tea group and the regular diet, green tea group had decreased leaky gut symptoms and healthier bacteria in their GI tract. “This study provides evidence that green tea encourages the growth of good gut bacteria, and that leads to a series of benefits that significantly lower the risk of obesity,” said Richard Bruno, a professor of human nutrition at the Ohio State University and the study’s lead author, in a statement.

Bruno points out that further research on humans is needed to determine how much tea a person would need to drink to gain these benefits but that consuming green tea throughout the day with food would be an excellent place to start.

If you’re looking to get in on these benefits, you’ll want to consider some of these green-tea drinking tips:

Drinking Green Tea On An Empty Stomach: Yay or Nay?

Green tea has been used in China and Japan for hundreds of years. In the last two decades, it reached global popularity. There are numerous testimonials of people who used green tea to heal and improve their health and many scientific studies confirmed the positive medicinal properties of regular tea consumption. This are just some of the things that made Japanese green tea so popular. Green tea contains salubrious polyphenols, carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, chromium, zinc, selenium and different phytochemical substances. All these substances make drinking green tea a good idea.

People are now looking to improve their tea drinking rituals and started wondering what the best way to consume green tea is. More specifically, they want to know, if drinking green tea on an empty stomach is a good idea.

Assessing the positive and negative sides of drinking green tea on an empty stomach

Even though science has not yet determined whether it’s effective to drink green tea on an empty stomach or not, there are many trials and testimonials from people who practice this routine. It turns out that for most people, drinking tea before eating (usually in the morning) is a good thing. But, before we analyze the positive effects, let’s look at some possible problems green tea can cause on an empty stomach.

Stomach issues and increased stomach acidity

Green tea is packed with tannins and these compounds can increase acidity in the stomach which can eventually lead to stomach pain, constipation, nausea, and in worst case scenario, vomiting. If you notice any of this problems after drinking green tea on an empty stomach, you should stop this practice and drink it between meals or right after your main meals.

Anxiety and sleep problems correlated with excessive caffeine consumption

Just like many other teas, green tea comes with a certain amount of caffeine in it. If you drink tea on an empty stomach, it is possible that the adverse effects of caffeine will be more intense. In some people, these effects may lead to sleep problems and anxiety. Obviously, if you drink green tea in the morning you don’t have to worry about sleep problems, but you should definitely cut the intake if you are experiencing anxiety or nervousness. Simply drink green tea on a full stomach or at least in-between meals.

Diminished iron absorption in people suffering from anemia

Green tea can lower our body’s ability to absorb iron naturally. The reason is simple – the presence of catechins in green tea. It is highly recommended to avoid green tea if you are dealing with anemia. This is especially true if you drink tea on an empty stomach. However, you can consult your doctor and try to find a solution for this problem. For instance, you can eat foods rich in iron throughout the day and they will definitely eliminate the negative effects of green tea in cases like this.

So, drinking green tea on an empty stomach is generally safe, but if it causes stomach problems, or if you are dealing with anemia, anxiety, sleep problems or iron deficiency you should postpone your green tea for after you’ve eaten something.

If you take a closer look at the content of green tea (just like any other tea) about 95% of it is water. This means that teas are good for hydrating your body. As we said before, green tea includes some useful compounds like l-theanine and antioxidants which make this drink very healthy. So, when you are drinking green tea in the morning, you are actually drinking a cup of water that is enriched with some useful ingredients. In any case, drinking green tea on an empty stomach is much better than drinking coffee or carbonated drinks packed with artificial colors, flavors, and additives.

Now let’s take a look at the potential benefits that drinking green tea on an empty stomach brings.

Weight loss by boosting our natural digestive system

Green tea helps the digestive system. When our stomach is empty, the processes inside the digestive system are stable and green tea naturally boost these processes. One of the main reasons why green tea is effective for weight loss is the presence of polyphenols. It works similarly to keto rapid max burn. Polyphenols can increase fat oxidation levels and eventually lead to weight loss.

Lower cholesterol levels without using statins

One of the simplest ways to get rid of bad cholesterol is to drink a cup of green tea early in the morning on an empty stomach. Many people who had problems with bad cholesterol claim that this practice helped them. Due to its specific content, green tea can reduce the levels of bad cholesterol while increasing the level of good cholesterol.

Feeling more energetic and combating fatigue

As previously mentioned, green tea is rich in magnesium, zinc, and chromium and each of these substances is good for the blood flow. It is very important to feel energetic in the morning and this is exactly what green tea provides. In addition, many people in Asia use green tea to combat fatigue. It turns out that drinking it on an empty stomach additionally enhances this process.

Natural disease prevention and immune system boost

Green tea has powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties. Thanks to this unique side of green tea, you will be able to protect yourself from a wide range of diseases. In addition, you can use tea to stop the progress of existing diseases.

Naturally enhanced blood flow that helps stabilize blood pressure

I case you are dealing with hypertension you probably know how difficult your mornings can be. Consumption of green tea on an empty stomach may be the most efficient and cheapest way of lowering blood pressure. If you turn this practice into a routine, it is very likely that you will be able to stabilize your blood pressure.

According to some sources, green tea is among the five most popular beverages in the world. Drinking green tea on an empty stomach might help people with different aspects of their health. In a small number of cases, it can cause side effects, so people should be careful and monitor these changes. But you shouldn’t worry too much about them and you should simply enjoy your morning dose of green tea.

Kei Nishida

Kei Nishida, PMP is a writer, a Japanese Green Tea enthusiast, and the founder and CEO of JapaneseGreenTeaIn.com. With two books behind him and more on the way, this entertaining author brings his passion for Green Tea wherever he goes.

 

His two books “I Will Teach YOU How to be healthy by Using Japanese Green Tea!: Surprising Facts and Tips for How You can Take Best Advantage of This Amazing Plant” and “Green Tea Mania : 250+ Green Tea Facts, Cooking and Brewing Tips & Trivia You (Probably) Didn’t Know” are available in print and Kindle Book on Amazon.

The book and his blog Japanese Green Tea and Health provides health related tips and research findings focusing on green tea and its health benefit in variety of ways.

Kei’s love of Green Tea and passion for writing has helped make him a feature author on sites and Magazines such as Yoga Digest Magazine, T-Ching, Sexy Fit Vegan, and Woman’s Daily Magazine.

His enthusiasm for health and tea pushed him to developing his company, JapaneseGreenTeaIn.com, where he brings the very best in Japanese Green Tea to customers all over the world.

Kei grew up in Japan and moved to USA at the age of 14, now living in Portland, Oregon. In his earlier carrier, he was Software Engineer at Hewlett Packard Inc. Kei takes advantage of being bi-lingual in Japanese and English, as well as his science background for his research and writing. Information you find in his books and blogs are a combination of the best content and research from Japan and all around the world.

90,000 Scientists have found out what products green tea is best not to combine with

Green tea is known all over the world as a drink with beneficial properties. It owes this to the antioxidants it contains.

Meanwhile, a new study has shown in which cases the benefits of green tea may be diminished. It turns out that this happens when this drink is combined with foods rich in iron, writes Medical Daily.

About the results of the study, scientists from the University of Pennsylvania told in an article published in The American Journal of Pathology.

“The benefits of green tea depend on the bioavailability of its active ingredients,” says one of the study authors, Beng San Yeoh. …

Scientists have studied the relationship between tea and iron in foods using the example of experiments with laboratory mice suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.

This condition is associated with chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and typically leads to diarrhea, pain, fatigue, weight loss and other symptoms, including iron deficiency.It is for this reason that iron supplements are prescribed for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Experiments in mice have shown that when green tea is consumed with iron supplements or foods rich in iron (red meat, olives, kale), the main tea antioxidant, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), binds to iron.

Green tea is beneficial for patients with bowel disease because EGCG inhibits the activity of myeloperoxidase, a pro-inflammatory enzyme released by white blood cells in response to stimuli.However, the almost simultaneous consumption of EGCG and iron leads to the fact that the iron-bound EGCG molecules lose their ability to inhibit myeloperoxidase, which means that the effectiveness of green tea is reduced.

“Patients with inflammatory bowel disease who are taking iron supplements and drinking green tea should know how one nutrient affects another,” said lead researcher Matam Vijay-Kumar. Although the study was carried out in rodents, nevertheless, the scientist believes, its results are quite applicable to humans.

As a reminder, earlier researchers came to the conclusion that excessive consumption of tea can negatively affect fertility.

Nutritionist told who it is harmful to drink tea

Tea is a tonic drink, it must be remembered that, depending on the genetic characteristics of the organism, it can have different effects on health.

In winter, when it’s freezing outside, we are used to warming ourselves with a mug of tea.However, nutritionist, MD Mikhail Ginzburg warns that those suffering from gastric problems and hypertensive patients should be treated with caution in tea.

– For people who have stomach pain, tea is undesirable, because it increases the secretion of gastric juice. The disease can worsen, – he said.

The specialist clarified that sometimes it is black tea that is poorly tolerated, while green, on the contrary, is well absorbed.Black tea has a clear tonic effect, while green tea is anti-inflammatory. However, in case of severe inflammation of the stomach, both drinks can lead to negative consequences.

Sometimes tea causes heartburn and irritates the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, therefore, people with a stomach ulcer, which is in the acute stage, and with high acidity, should limit the consumption of the drink.

In addition, tea contains caffeine, which can provoke headaches and nervous system disorders.Strong tea can cause heart palpitations and strong gastric secretion. Therefore, the drink should not be consumed by those who suffer from hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Due to the frequent consumption of green tea, stones can form in the kidneys, since it contains a large amount of oxalates – salts of oxalic acid.

What drinks can be substituted for tea?

Rosehip infusion. It can be drunk daily.It strengthens the immune system and gives strength.

Drink recipe

A tablespoon of dry fruits is poured with two glasses of boiling water, after which it should be insisted in a thermos for a day. You can add honey or sugar to taste.

Linden . Brewed linden blossom tea can help treat colds. It acts as an antipyretic and diaphoretic. Possesses bactericidal properties, fights inflammation of the oral cavity, stomach, has a mild sedative effect.

Mint . Mint tea has medicinal properties. Mint contains an essential oil that relaxes the smooth muscles in the digestive tract. Indeed, it is with the activity of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract that indigestion is observed, as well as irritable bowel syndrome.

Thyme . Relieves inflammation, irritation, pain relieves and heals the gastric mucosa, preventing peptic ulcer disease.

Recipe for infusion

1 tbsp.l. Pour dry thyme herb with 1 glass of water, place the vessel with the infusion in a saucepan with boiling water and keep on fire for 15-20 minutes. Remove the infusion from heat, strain and take 1 tbsp. l. 4 times a day.

If you experience stomach pains while drinking tea or herbal drinks, see your doctor immediately.

Which tea is healthier? – Zira.uz

Let’s talk about useful and not very properties of a noble drink.

There has been a lot of debate about which tea is healthier.Tea is produced in different countries of the world: Japan, Vietnam, Kenya, Nepal, but most of all tea is grown in India and China.

Black, green, red, white tea in most cases is collected from one tree. Types and varieties differ from each other in the technique of assembling and processing leaves. This determines not only what grade the tea will eventually be attributed to, but also the beneficial properties of the drink.

Speaking in simple terms about the technology of tea production, at the first stage, the tea leaves are harvested – whether manually or by machine, respectively, affects the final marking of the tea leaves.

At the next stage, the leaves are dried. White, black or green it will eventually be solved during the drying or fermentation stage. After withering, future green tea is partially dried, then rolled and dried again. Making black tea looks like this: the leaf is rolled immediately after withering, then it undergoes full fermentation.

Tea caffeine

Tea has long been considered a noble drink; records left by our ancestors tell about its beneficial properties.Looking at tea under a microscope, scientists say that it contains an interesting substance – theine, which has an invigorating effect comparable to that of caffeine.

However, “tea caffeine” affects the body in a different way. Vivacity, a burst of energy and concentration will not follow as quickly as from a cup of coffee, but it will last much longer. If the coffee charges for half an hour, then a cup of tea will retain its effect two to three times longer and its effect on the body will be much milder.

Green tea contains less caffeine than black tea.In green – about 35 mg per 230 ml, in black – 30-100 mg for the same volume.

Green tea

Depending on how the leaves were manipulated, one can judge about its health benefits. fermentation and drying processes have a different effect on the preservation of the beneficial substances of the drink.

We talked about a substance – theine, the content of which determines the healing effect of tea. In green tea, it is found in greater quantities than in black. In the latter, a significant part of theine is lost due to prolonged fermentation.Therefore, green tea invigorates more than black. At the same time, it also has a sedative effect.

According to experts, if green tea is infused for two minutes, the tea will have tonic properties. And if five minutes – soothing. It is not necessary to brew green tea for a longer time – then it loses all its benefits.

One of the most beneficial elements found in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate. This substance has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

It is green tea that has the reputation of being a drink of long-livers. Thus, a large-scale study by Japanese scientists, which involved 40,000 people, showed that five cups of green tea a day reduces the risk of premature death: by 12% in men and 23% in women.

This noble drink, due to the large amount of antioxidants, slows down the aging process and speeds up the metabolism of bioactive substances in the composition.

It is not for nothing that green tea is brewed in our hot region, a slightly brewed drink quenches thirst well.

Black tea

Black tea takes much longer to ferment. Does not require complicated brewing manipulations, tones well. People with low blood pressure are advised to drink black tea because of its cumulative effect.

According to scientists, the use of black tea will have a positive effect on cholesterol levels and the prevention of stroke.

The beneficial properties of tea do not end there. Scientists at Ohio State University have found that the enzymes found in high amounts in black tea not only help keep bad cholesterol in check, but affect the absorption of fats in the body.That is, they prevent the appearance of extra pounds and the formation of adipose tissue on the liver.

Black tea also has a positive effect on vascular tone.

Remember:

• Do not drink black tea on an empty stomach.
• Do not brew the same infusion more than three times.
• Do not use infuser that costs more than five hours.

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90,000 Green tea for gastritis, benefit or harm

Many say better than coffee nothing invigorates, it is a charge of energy. There are varieties of tea that contain more caffeine, the substances that make up the composition increase efficiency better.

Contraindications exist for everything. The most common stomach disease in our time is gastritis, which also dictates its own conditions. Green tea is one of the most widespread in the world, like black tea, and the question of its use for this ailment torments many.It should be said right away that doctors recommend giving up any type of tea products during a relapse. A further exacerbation may simply occur. At such a time, it is better to turn your gaze to medicinal herbs and then consult a doctor. Green tea during gastritis should be consumed exclusively in remission. It will allow you to prevent the exacerbation of the disease. This is just a way to reduce the chance of relapse, you need treatment, a strict diet. And these are not measures for a couple of days, but a way of life until recovery.If you have pork kebab with hot chili sauce, no infusion will help you. You will simply be taken to the hospital, regardless of the medication you are taking. Green tea reduces inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Forms of gastritis are different, with high acidity in no case should you make a strong infusion, this can cause severe pain and complications. This applies to any tea drink, without exception. If you drink a cup of green tea during a meal, it will help the food to be absorbed, and also, prevents bloating, that is, the formation of gas.The main effect of green in gastritis is to restore the gastric mucosa. This is especially true for recovery. The infusion should not be hot, cold, irritate the walls of the stomach. An instant reaction to food entering the digestive system, followed by discomfort, sometimes wild pain. Lastly, buy a quality product that can only be beneficial if used correctly, harm is unacceptable.

90,000 Doctors have assessed the ability of tea to contain the spread of coronavirus

Japanese doctors have found that strong tea significantly reduces the spread of the virus in the mouth and reduces its infectiousness.Nevertheless, drinking tea in liters and counting on its miraculous properties is not worth it, say Russian doctors, since the antiviral effect of tea leaves is short-term and cannot rid the entire body of infection.

It is possible to delay the spread of SARS-CoV-2 with the help of tea – for this it is enough to take a sip of the drink and hold it in your mouth for about 10 seconds, according to Japanese scientists from the Kyoto Medical University. The research results are published on the bioRxiv preprint site.

The main component that contributes to the destruction of the virus in human saliva turned out to be antioxidants catechins, which form biologically active compounds. They differ depending on the type of tea, but remain invariably beneficial for the body, killing not only viruses, but also reducing inflammation in the oral cavity and upper gastrointestinal tract.

In order to prove the antiviral properties of tea, scientists first mixed it with a virus in a test tube.The results showed that in a minute, black tea was able to reduce the content of covid pathogens in a test tube so much that they could not be detected. Less quality, but matcha green tea, roasted green tea and oolong tea also quickly dealt with this.

The second phase of the study involved mixing the saliva of five people infected with COVID-19 with green and black tea in a test tube for 10 seconds. It turned out that black tea again lowered the virus levels to undetectable levels. Green tea, in turn, reduced the titer several times compared to the control tube.Both samples were used to infect other cells, but the tea-treated coronavirus was not transmitted at all or was transmitted in small quantities.

“These results strongly suggest that SARS-CoV-2 treated with tea replicates at a significantly lower rate, if any,” the scientists concluded.

However, in order to enter widespread use in the fight against coronavirus in practice, tea will have to prove the duration of its antiviral properties.According to scientists, chlorhexidine is capable of killing virus particles in saliva for an hour, and dental mouth rinses for two or more.

“It is possible to reduce the amount of the virus by holding the tea in your mouth, but some kind of dental rinse is more likely to help. In any case, the effect will be short-term and will not make much sense. This method of disinfecting yourself can only be used before kissing, ”he told Gazeta.Ru ”Alexander Chepurnov, a leading researcher at the Institute of Clinical Immunology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences.

In general, the beneficial properties of tea are tied to the content of a large amount of biologically active substances.

Some of them, in particular tannin, can directly affect coronavirus particles, destroying viral proteins. The greatest effect can be achieved by brewing a very strong tea, but it will not help to rid the whole body of infection, warns the immunologist Vladimir Bolibok.

“For the treatment of coronavirus, rinsing the mouth with tea will definitely not help – if the virus appears in saliva, then the person has already become infected and must resort to more serious methods of treatment. And so it turns out that the mouth will be disinfected, but the respiratory tract and nasal mucosa will remain in the same state. This means that the likelihood of infecting someone is still high. You will not rinse the whole body with tea, ”the doctor explained to Gazeta.Ru.

She does not advise expecting any miraculous properties from tea, and pulmonologist Marina Kazakova: “You should not pour liters of tea into yourself in the hope of a miraculous antiviral effect after one small study.Yes, drinking plenty of tea, like any other liquid, for colds is the basis of treatment, but with the coronavirus, things are different. ”

In general, tea should be considered only as an auxiliary method of fighting the disease, which will bring pleasure to the patient. “It’s much easier to use other personal protective equipment to prevent covid replication — carrying a cup of tea with you is still not very convenient. However, in the event that tea drinking brings you pleasure, it will definitely not be able to harm you.On the contrary, tannin and other antioxidants are useful in case of any intoxication of the body, “Alexander Chepurnov is sure.

90,000 Health drink. How is green tea good for you?

Green tea is an excellent tonic, it helps cleanse the body and can even replace coffee. Let’s figure out why you should love this drink.

High vitamin content

Green tea leaves contain four times more vitamin P than citrus fruits, and a large amount of vitamin C.It is known that these vitamins mutually enhance the healing qualities of each other. They help to increase immunity and protect cells from destruction. In addition, green tea contains six times more provitamin A (carotene) than carrots. And carotene, as you know, enhances the elimination of free radicals and is beneficial for vision.

Youth drink

Green tea extract is actively used in cosmetology, as it has the ability to keep the skin young and healthy, improve the complexion and, being a powerful antioxidant, generally slow down the aging of the body, including visible, aesthetic.Green tea is a real drink of youth and beauty. By the way, studies have shown that people who regularly consume green tea are more likely to live to old age. That is why there are so many centenarians among the population of China and Japan.

Benefits for digestion

Green tea is recommended for dysbacteriosis and food poisoning as an excellent means of detoxification. The tannin in green tea leaves contributes to the normal digestion of food, so it is advisable to drink it after every meal.If you have an upset stomach, it is also recommended to drink strong brewed green tea, it will destroy disease-causing microbes.

Slimming aid

Green tea can be used for weight loss, as it enhances metabolic processes and accelerates the elimination of fat from the body. Tea regulates the level of norepinephrine, which plays an important role in the formation of fat. When you drink this drink, you imperceptibly get rid of fat in the hips, waist and buttocks.

Heart Benefits

Green tea will help make blood vessels more elastic, strengthen their walls, preventing the risk of internal hemorrhages. Green tea polyphenols prevent blood clots. And also the well-known benefits of green tea as a cholesterol lowering product. It is an excellent remedy for the prevention of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease.

Photo: @tsaiga

90,000 Tea time!

Did you know that black and green tea are the same plant? The final flavor, color and properties of the brewed leaves depend on the processing. So, green tea is dried and processed immediately after harvest, stopping the fermentation process. And black tea takes much longer to ferment, making it much easier to brew properly.What are the other specialties of these drinks?

Green tea

Green tea contains more theine, an analogue of caffeine (this substance is gradually destroyed during the fermentation process). Therefore, properly brewed green tea has a more pronounced invigorating effect than black tea. However, green tea can be soothing, depending on how long you brew it. Green tea, brewed for two minutes, tones up perfectly.With a longer brew – up to five minutes – theine loses its invigorating properties, and the tea gains a calming effect.

However, due to the high content of theine, it is better not to drink green tea in the evening – especially if you are prone to insomnia.

Thanks to its fast processing, green tea contains more vitamins and antioxidants than black tea. Potassium in its composition is good for the cardiovascular system, and iodine for the thyroid gland. And the epigallocatechin gallate contained in green tea can be useful in the prevention of cardiovascular and oncological diseases.That is why green tea is called “the drink of longevity”.

Green tea also has a beneficial effect on metabolism and aids in weight loss. It perfectly quenches thirst, and thanks to its mild diuretic effect, it eliminates excess fluid and toxins.

Black tea

Contains less theine than green tea, but also perfectly tones, but the invigorating effect of black tea lasts less than green tea.

Black tea contains vitamins B and PP, which increase vascular tone.