THE RISE AND RISE OF GREEN TEA!
Based on continued research, Green Tea has increasingly been given the ‘green light’.
To be totally honest, Green Tea does not work miracles. It will not make you ten years younger, lose two stone or help you to run the next London Marathon. But, dig beneath the media hype and you will discover that there really is some truth in the good news about this everyday beverage. Although Green Tea will not cure all your ills, based on recent evidence you may consider adding it as a weapon in your arsenal of fitness techniques, fat loss and healthy living choices.
GREEN TEA BENEFITS
What are some of these promising, positive results? The list is long! Some sound and tested literature claims that it lowers the risk of heart disease and improves resistance to some cancers. It is also believed to help in fat-burning.
IMPROVED GLUCOSE TOLERANCE
In March 2008, the University of Birmingham claimed that ingesting an acute dose of Green Tea extract can lead to improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in healthy young men. Glucose tolerance reflects how quickly and effectively your body clears sugars, and a glucose tolerance test is routinely used to check for diabetes and insulin resistance.
A HEALTHY SMILE
Studies in Japan and New York have shown that Green Tea may provide benefits in fighting tooth decay and cavities. As you may know oral problems are closely linked to heart disease.
A BELLY FAT BLASTER
A recent article in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that Green Tea catechin – (an antioxidant) – consumption enhances exercise-induced changes in abdominal fat and fasting serum triglycerides – in other words, it has fat-blasting benefits.
IMPROVED BLOOD FLOW
Green Tea can help in sports performance and training by improving blood flow to working muscles. This would also help the clearance of by-products from training and improved recovery. As a post workout beverage, Green Tea would certainly assist in helping prevent catabolism.
A SUMMARY OF THE BENEFITS OF GREEN TEA
The source of the magic of Green Tea seems to come from the content of catechins. Catechins are antioxidants that are thought to fight heart disease, cancer, stroke diabetes and numerous other health problems.
HEART DISEASE
Green Tea has been shown to reverse endothelial dysfunction. A recent study showed that just thirty minutes after drinking at least two cups, the endothelia cells that line your circulatory system dilate. This relaxes your veins and arteries which allows blood and nutrients to flow through properly.
FOCUS
Theanine, the amino acid found in Green Tea, has been shownto increase alertness, just like caffine, but without the jitters! Theanine can also increase the levels of dopamine and serotonin-neurotramsmitters in the brain that help to keep the mind focused. Try replacing the odd black coffee with a cup of Green Tea.
STRONGER BONES
The caffine, fluroride and phytoestrogen found in Green Tea help to increase bone mineral density in regular drinkers.
IMPROVED INSULIN CONTROL
Improving your glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. A cup if Green Tea with at least three days of activity has been shown to help stabilize high blood sugar levels. This also helps to keep you lean because your body uses energy more efficiently.
LESS BODYFAT
Three days of exercise combined with at least three cups of Green Tea per day can reduce abdominal fat! This was shown to be the case in a study in the Journal of Nutrition after only three months.
In conclusion, it seems that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain from making this powerful herb part of your daily ritual.
