The color green implies
natural, healthy, and also calm. It’s why green is the firm favorite for natural
health company branding… and mental hospital cell walls (so I’ve heard). There
is definitely something about green that makes a person feel safe, and green
products are among the most popular on the market, if the booming wellness
industry is anything to go by.
That green tea is a wonder
product is not news; still, its impressive range of benefits (both anecdotal
and scientifically proven) could not yet be classed as common knowledge. It’s
probably another of those products that you’ve heard is good for you, but you
can’t quite remember why. Let me enlighten you.
Green
tea is processed differently to black tea; i.e. it is less processed and not
allowed to ferment, so it can retain its health-inducing flavonoid antioxidants,
its polyphenols and its high number of catechins (antibacterial and antiviral
agents). Green tea is an Energy Gum,
meaning that it can enhance your mental functions, leading to better attention,
alertness and memory. As I mentioned,
some of the benefits are anecdotal but there is scientific data to back up many of green tea’s benefits.
Green tea is old news…
China (and Asia in general)
has been in on the green tea secret for thousands of years. Asia knows well that
green tea is a kitchen cupboard staple; it’s not just a refreshing drink, but a
medicine in its own right. Green tea contains a unique amino acid, L-theanine. L-theanine
positively impacts some of the health conditions mentioned below, but also
increases your state of mental alertness significantly.
In Asia it’s accepted that
green tea has anti-cancer properties, which is no small thing. It is considered
to be an effectivecure for hypertension (high blood pressure), a preventative
measure against diabetes, and an aid to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s sufferers.
But that’s not all:
1.
Green tea boosts your metabolism and burns fat
Green
tea has acquired a veritable reputation among aspiring fat burners. This is down
to the polyphenols, which promote a higher metabolic rate and the oxidization
of that pesky excess fat. Because green tea can also regulate glucose levels,
your blood sugar is less likely to rise after you’ve eaten, meaning less
insulin spikes and ultimately less diabetes!
This
is not an excuse to let the devil on your shoulder win… step away from the
Krispy Kreme if you want green tea to stand a chance at proving itself. Althletes
(who wouldn’t dream of a Krispy Kreme-fest) apparently appreciate a spot of
green tea too; they love
it for its regenerative qualities, as well as its ability to rehydrate. Green
tea boosts physical performance as well as mental performance.
2.
Green tea prevents heart problems
Green tea has a reputation
for preventing heart disease, due to its ability to both relax and strengthen
your blood vessels; so in the event that your blood pressure spikes, they can
handle that pressure. It also works to keep your blood pressure low, and it is said
that green tea can prevent blood clots from forming. What’s more, green tea lowers bad
cholesterol in your blood, while boosting good cholesterol levels.
I doubt you’d argue that
it’s not wise to mess around with your heart in any sense. In short, green tea
is your ally; it wards off an early visit from the Grim Reaper.
3.
Green tea prevents chronic diseases
A
carcinogen is a cancer-causing agent; something you’ll want to steer well clear
of. Green tea has been shown to destroy cancer cells while causing no damage to
surrounding tissues; it is said to reduce the risk of esophageal cancer in
particular. There is also evidence to suggest that green tea makes cancer drugs more effective.
Alzheimer’s
and Parkinson’s may be held at bay thanks to green tea’s ability to restore
brain cells that are passed their use-by date. No mean feat! It also fortifies
the healthy brain cells, making them less likely to succumb to disease or
death.
4. Green tea boosts your
mental health
If
you’re planning to avoid those green cell walls, green tea is your friend. It
can literally regulate your brain function. This is down to the L-theanine
content, which blocks
the binding of L-glutamic acid to glutamate receptors in the brain. This
reduces your stress response and
(as demonstrated in EEG test study results)
increases activity within the alpha frequency band, meaning you’ll feel both
alert and relaxed at the same time. The alpha state is associated with
improvedfaculties, such as attention span.
This is why green
tea’s buzz has a reputation as being less ‘manic’ than coffee’s can be for
some; coffee lacks the L-theanine. Essentially, green tea prevents
anxiety by relaxing you – it feels like a tranquilizer. It might be time to bin
the Valium and stick the kettle on!
5. Green tea is great for
your skin and teeth
The
catechins in green tea kill bacteria and viruses, so green tea can be
considered an immune-booster. It’s also anti-inflammatory, which is a mega benefit
in itself.As it washes over your teeth and down your throat, it puts paid to
any insidious invaders waiting to assault your immune system. Instances of
tooth decay, colds and flu are said to be less amongst regular green tea
drinkers.
Thanks
to its antioxidant content, this green wonder drink is considered to be
anti-aging. It’s a worthy addition to your armory if you’ve embarked on that
inevitable war on wrinkles. Another thing that will win green tea your vote is
its capacity to negate the effects of sun damage. You need to smear it on your
skin for this to work, but time it well… rubbing tea bags on your face in the
office may not be the smartest social move.
6. Green tea isn’t only present
in a tea bag
As with any other drink, guzzling
green tea all day long could get boring, or time consuming. Fortunately there
are other ways to get the benefits of green tea - even better, you can get the
benefits of other nootropic substances like caffeine while you’re at it. The
combination of the L-theanine and caffeine is thought to improve cognitive
performance substantially; you get the caffeine’s ‘alert’ and the L-theanine’s
‘calm’… win-win. In case you didn’t know it, chewing a gum from best nootropic stack which is
made from natural ingredients is a quick-fix way to get your perfectly-measured
L-theanine and caffeine buzz.
So to sum it all up: green
tea is an anti-cancerous, immunity-boosting, anti-ageing, anti-depressant,
fat-burning, heart-protecting, Nootropic wonder product… and you can get all that in a tiny piece of gum.
NeuroGum
NeuroGum