Green tea is one of the most popular drinks available — and it’s been around for a long time. Used by the ancient Chinese as an all-around tonic, this simple drink is bursting with health-promoting properties that are now supported by scientific evidence. If you’re a fan of this medicinal drink, then here’s another reason to keep your daily tea habit: According to the latest research, drinking green tea helps keep your heart healthy by lowering your blood pressure.

Like black tea, green tea is produced from the leaves and buds of the tea tree, Camellia sinensis. However, the state of the leaves used to make both teas differ in terms of processing. While black tea leaves are oxidized until they’re brown, green tea leaves are merely withered then heated to prevent oxidation and preserve their freshness. This also leaves green tea with less caffeine than black tea. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Sometimes, it can even trigger heart arrhythmia.

Another benefit of green tea is it contains more antioxidants than black tea. These are compounds that fight free radicals in your body and reduce the levels of oxidative stress which can damage your cells. Studies suggest that high levels of oxidative stress can increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease.

One antioxidant found in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is noted for its ability to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis — the most common cause of heart attacks. Atherosclerosis is a condition wherein plaque builds up in the arteries, stifling the flow of blood and depriving the heart of oxygen and nutrients. According to studies, EGCG prevents atherosclerosis by decreasing the production of molecules that trigger inflammation and by lowering total cholesterol and LDL levels. LDL or low-density lipoprotein is also known as bad cholesterol.

Besides atherosclerosis, EGCG-rich green tea also helps with hypertension or high blood pressure. In a recent study which appeared in the Journal of Hypertension, Brazilian researchers found that green tea can improve cardiovascular function in hypertensive rats. They also observed that it reduced oxidative stress, which, at high levels, can cause an increase in blood pressure. The researchers believe that the anti-hypertensive properties of green tea are due to its antioxidant content.

Other health benefits of drinking green tea

The health benefits of green tea are not limited to just improving heart health. Here are some other benefits of drinking green tea:

• It improves brain function – The caffeine in green tea helps keep your brain alert and ready to face challenges. In small doses, it is known to improve mood, memory and reaction time. Green tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can cross the blood-brain barrier. L-theanine enhances the function of the neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine. Together, these two neurotransmitters help suppress feelings of depression.
• It lowers the risk of cancer – Free radicals are linked to cancer development and progression. But because green tea is full of antioxidants, drinking it can help neutralize these harmful molecules and lower the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
• It helps prevent neurodegenerative diseases – The brain is vulnerable to oxidative stress, which is also linked to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The antioxidants in green tea can help protect your brain from the damaging effects of oxidative stress and make you less likely to develop these conditions.
• It has antibacterial properties – Green tea contains compounds called catechins. Some studies suggest that these compounds could inhibit viruses, such as the influenza virus. Catechins are also effective against Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium linked to dental problems. This makes drinking green tea a good way to fight bad breath.
• It lowers the risk of Type 2 diabetes – Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body does not respond to insulin, which is produced by your pancreas. This results in abnormally high blood glucose levels. According to studies, green tea can increase insulin sensitivity and improve blood sugar control.

Sources:

Journals.LWW.com

EverydayHealth.com

FrontiersIn.org

Healthline.com