More and more, guys everywhere are discovering the great benefits of drinking green tea, and it’s being used by everyone from businessmen to bodybuilders.
Made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis shrub, people have been enjoying this mild beverage for hundreds of years. However, it’s only recently that science has learned what others have known for centuries – this stuff is really good for you.
Here are a few of the top health benefits from drinking green tea on a regular basis.
Lowers Blood Pressure
According to a Chinese study which appeared in Archives of Internal Medicine, drinking green tea on a regular basis significantly reduces the risk for hypertension. Those participants who consumed as little as 4 oz. or more per day for at least a year showed a 46% reduction in the risk for high blood pressure, while those consuming 20 oz. or more showed a 65% reduction in risk.
Reduces Cholesterol Levels
One study which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition linked drinking green tea to a substantial lowering of total blood cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, both of which are linked with an increased risk for heart disease. However, green tea did not lower the amount of “good” (HDL) cholesterol in the body.
Lowers the Risk for Heart Attack
There was a study in the April 2014 issue of Angiology that showed a correlation between drinking green tea and a lowered risk for heart attack. Those participants who drank green tea on the regular had a much smaller risk for heart attack compared to those who didn’t.
And it also appears that the level of protection that green tea delivers is directly proportional to the amount that’s consumed – so the more you drink, the less your risk for cardiac arrest becomes.
Cancer Protection
There have been several studies sited by the University of Maryland Medical Center that demonstrate that green tea consumption has a protective effect against cancer.
Studies based on overall population show that in countries where green tea consumption is high (for example, Japan) cancer rates are lower as a whole. Although researchers aren’t completely sure what causes the cancer-fighting properties in green tea, many scientists believe the polyphenols that it contains may kill off cancer cells and/or prevent them from increasing.
Additional studies that were sited showed a correlation between green tea consumption and specific types of cancer.
Research has shown that green tea may decrease the risk for bladder cancer. One study showed that people who already had bladder cancer and consumed green tea had a better survival rate than those who didn’t drink it, particularly men.
Other research suggests that green tea may help protect against other types of cancers as well.
There’s evidence that points to a reduced risk for pancreatic, colo-rectal and skin cancer associated with drinking green tea. Current lab research indicates that green tea can halt the growth of several types of cancers and work is being done to uncover the potential of helping those with stomach, esophageal, lung and prostate cancer.
Weight Loss
There is a great deal of evidence which shows how consistently drinking green tea can stimulate weight loss.
It’s believed that the catechins contained in green tea encourage the body to burn fat. By blending green tea and caffeine, the fat-burning effects of green tea are even further intensified.
Conclusion
By having just one cup of green tea every day you’ll be able to enjoy all the amazing benefits that this great little plant has to offer. If you can drink more, then so much the better.
Making this one small change could have a drastically positive impact on your health.
Mark McIntyre is the founder of MaleHealthReview.com and acts as it’s chief contributor. He is a fitness trainer and avid mountain biker who also enjoys camping, hiking and fishing. Besides managing Male Health Review, Mark is also a guest columnist for several blogs related to men’s health. More about this author…
