Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the W.T. Rawleigh. Assumptions made within the article are not reflective of the position of W.T. Rawleigh. Green Tea Hailed as the healthiest drink by many, research has shown Green Tea has wide and varied benefits. Green Tea contains high levels of catechins, which are antioxidants that fight cell damage caused by free radicals, thereby, improving your overall health. Green Tea is also rich in polyophenols which helps to reduce inflammation. Research has shown Green Tea to be beneficial in a wide range of health concerns. Two major areas of health where Green Tea has been found to be especially beneficial are the heart and brain. Cardiovascular Health: Green Tea has shown to improve some of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. It helps by lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It has shown to dramatically increase the antioxidant capacity of the blood, which helps protect LDL particles from further oxidation. Plus, it has shown to improve blood flow and lower cholesterol, thereby preventing many heart diseases such as congestive heart failure or strokes. Research has shown regular Green Tea drinkers are at 31% lower risk of cardiovascular diseases* Indicated by elevated blood sugar levels in terms of insulin resistance, and the inability to produce insulin, Type 2 Diabetes has afflicted approximately 400 million people worldwide. Green tea has shown to have a positive effect on type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar levels. According to a Japanese study, Green Tea drinkers are at an 18% lower risk of becoming diabetic* Brain Health: Caffeine, an active ingredient of Green Tea is known as a stimulant. Caffeine blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter called adenosine. It also increases the firing of neurons and certain concentration of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepineophrine. This causes the brain to be much more active and alert. Caffeine has shown to improve brain function, mood, vigilance, and memory. Green Tea also contains amino acid L-theanine, which increases the activity of inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and increases dopamine production of alpha waves. The increase in the activity of GABA has shown to produce anti-anxiety effects. Sources: Mukhtar, H. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2000. American Heart Association: "Green Tea, Coffee, May Help Lower Stroke Risk." Christopher N. Ochner, PhD, nutrition scientist; director of research training and development, Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, Icahn Beth Reardon, RD, LDN, integrative nutritionist in private practice, Boston; former head of nutrition, Duke Integrative Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021915099002397 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23780706 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23803878 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16618952 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27640739 Disclaimer: The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.