Green Tea: A Powerful Antioxidant Benefiting Everyday Wellness

Some people suggest that green tea is one of the healthiest beverages on this planet, serving us well in every sense for centuries.

January 29, 2025

Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, and some suggest that it is one of the healthiest beverages on this planet, serving us well in every sense for centuries. From providing a refreshing start to our day to welcoming us home to promoting relaxation with enchanting flavors and blissful aromas helping us to leave our worries behind, a good cup of green tea can be a delight like no other.

Green tea can be an acquired taste for some, while the availability of green tea varieties makes it an ideal drink for the majority to enjoy, ranging from spicy to savory, herbal to floral, and tangy to toasty, there is a flavor blend that should strike anyone’s fancy.

For centuries green tea has been said to have many health benefits like reducing the risk of dementia, supporting weight management, maintaining skin health, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Recently a study published in npj Science of Food suggests that older people who drink green tea regularly have fewer cerebral white matter lesions which may help to prevent age-related cognitive decline and vascular dementia.

Green tea nutritional facts

While green tea is not considered to be a significant source of nutrients per cup, it does contain significant amounts of potent anti-aging antioxidants and small amounts of 27 minerals such as potassium which helps to keep you hydrated, selenium which supports your immune system and magnesium which helps to control blood sugar. Depending on your daily intake, even these small amounts of trace minerals can add up.

Typically, one eight-ounce cup of brewed green tea contains 2.38 calories, 0 grams of fat, 2.37 mg of sodium, 0 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 0 grams of added sugars, and 0.52 grams of protein.

Additionally, an eight-ounce cup contains 30-50 mg of caffeine. The FDA warns people against drinking over 400 mg of caffeine a day, as too much caffeine may cause side effects like anxiety, jitters, headaches, insomnia, nausea, upset stomach, or rapid heart rate.

Potential health benefits

Antioxidants: Green tea contains antioxidants like catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which may help fight free nitrogen and oxygen radicals as well as some types of cancer
Brain health: Green tea may have neuroprotective properties that help with cognitive functions such as focus, attention, moods, and memory as well as protect against brain aging
Heart health: Green tea may help reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure
Metabolism: Green tea may help boost your metabolism, which could help you burn more calories
Blood sugar: Green tea may help reduce blood sugar, and cholesterol, as well as decrease insulin resistance
Inflammation: The high concentration of polyphenols may help to significantly reduce inflammation and slow the breakdown of cartilage
Skin health: Green tea may help reduce irritation and redness, and improve skin firmness
Bone health: Some evidence suggests the rich concentration of potent antioxidants may help to enhance bone formation and protect against bone mass loss, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Oral health: Studies suggest it is linked to better oral health
Stress and anxiety: L-theanine amino acid compounds may help alleviate anxiety and stress to promote relaxation
Neuroprotection: Green tea may help protect the brain and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s
Weight loss: Green tea may positively influence metabolism to help support weight loss
Digestion: Green tea contains fiber, which can promote healthy digestion
Cancer: Some evidence suggests that it is linked to a reduced chance of developing some types of cancer like breast, gastrointestinal tract, liver, prostate, ovarian, and lung cancer.
Longevity: Protective compounds fight against cancer and heart disease which may help you live longer, in addition, some research suggests that those who are regular tea drinkers have lower chances of dying from all causes by 62%.

As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

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References/Sources/Materials provided by:

TJW at WHN

https://www.borntea.com/blogs/tea/complete-guide-to-green-tea

https://teacultureoftheworld.com/blogs/all/indulge-in-blissful-brews-explore-green-tea-flavours-types

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-022-00571-1

https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171917/nutrients

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7084675/?report=reader

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5572593

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28899506

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7640442