“Come let us have some tea and continue to talk about happy things”- Chaim Potok
It is true that slowing down and taking the time to talk about the pleasant happenings over a hot cup of tea, will reduce your stress levels and replenish you with fresh energy.
This is what the ancient Zen monks did but in a different way. They celebrated a tea ceremony that centers on the preparation, serving, and drinking of matcha tea.
They took the time to destress and rejuvenate themselves for the long hours of meditation ahead. So that they can boost their power of concentration.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
Boosts Brain Power
Studies say that green tea extract enhances cognitive function, especially working memory. Scientists found that green tea extract increases the brain’s effective connectivity which increases cognitive performance.
Prevents chronic diseases
Green tea and apples contain high amounts of polyphenols which could block a signaling molecule called VEGF. This molecule can trigger atherosclerosis. The scientists found that EGCG which is present in green tea stopped a crucial signaling function of VEGF thus reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
Do you know? Matcha tea contains approximately 3 times more EGCG than regular brewed tea, according to a study published in the Journal of Chromatography in 2003.
Helps in weight loss
Researchers say that green tea may slow down weight gain and may fight against obesity. Wow! That’s something to feel happy about.
Scientists fed a high-fat diet to two groups of mice. One group was fed a high-fat diet along with EGCG which is present in green tea. The results were amazing.
They found that mice that were fed EGCG along with the high-fat diet gained weight 45% more slowly than the control group. In addition, they showed a 30% increase in fecal lipids suggesting that EGCG was limiting fat absorption. Interesting is it not?
Boosts eye health
Studies say that the helpful substances found in green tea which is famous for their powerful antioxidant and disease-fighting properties penetrate into the tissues of the eye such as the lens, retina, and other eye tissues, and boost eye health.
These wonderful substances protect the eyes against glaucoma and other eye diseases.
Fountain of youth
Dr. Stephen Hsu a cell biologist has found that polyphenols in green tea eliminate free radicals which can cause skin cancer by altering DNA. The polyphenols safeguard healthy cells while ushering cancer cells to their doom.
The scientists pooled human skin cells and studied the normal growth of cells, in relation to the growth of cells when exposed to EGCG. To their surprise, they found EGCG reactivated dying skin cells and acted as the fountain of youth by increasing cell energy and cell division.
The catechins present in green tea can make the skin more resistant to the effects of UV rays and thus prevents premature aging.
Green tea helps you to get clear and blemish-free skin. Turns out that green tea can make your skin produce less sebum, boost your immune system and reduce inflammation levels. Green tea has plenty of antioxidants which enhance skin health.