Recently, scientists have developed a cream that prevents the development of skin cancer Skin cancer: causes and prevention . Magic ingredient in it is a green tea, is well known for its anti-cancer properties. Natural antioxidants in the composition of this tea, called polyphenols help block the growth of cancer cells. But green tea is also a number of other useful features.

Green tea helps burn fat

It speeds up your metabolism because its antioxidative properties help the liver work more efficiently.

One recent study found that men who are overweight without changing the rest of your diet and exercise program, using green tea three times a day, every day to burn 200 extra calories. Those who drank green tea, also found that the level of energy has increased significantly.

Green tea protects against heart disease

It has been found that it reduces the LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) because of its antioxidative properties inhibit oxidation of cholesterol Cholesterin   LDL cholesterol in the arteries.

The formation of blood clots - the main cause of heart attacks and strokes. Studies have shown that green tea inhibits thrombus formation as efficiently as aspirin.

Green tea may reduce the pressure

The main cause of hypertension (high blood pressure) - is an enzyme produced by the kidney, called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE).

Popular drugs against hypertension act as inhibitors of ACE by blocking the action of ACE blood pressure decreases. Green tea is a natural ACE inhibitor, and many medical studies have shown that in animals and humans, which give green tea extracts, the pressure is reduced.

Green tea is useful for the prevention of diabetes

When used starch amylase enzyme cleaves it into simple sugars, which can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

The polyphenols in green tea composition inhibit amylase, and thus help reduce the level of blood sugar. High levels of glucose and insulin in the blood makes people prone to diabetes.

Green tea can prevent food poisoning

Because green tea kills the bacteria, if you drink it during meals, it can reduce the risk of bacterial food poisoning.

It inhibits the growth of dangerous intestinal bacterial strains such as E. coli and Clostridia, and promotes the growth of beneficial bifidobacteria.

Green tea is a refreshing breath

Drinking green tea with food, which is a natural antibacterial agent, it helps kill bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay and bad breath.

Green tea protects against hepatitis B

Viral hepatitis is often due to the high level of iron in the blood. Green tea reduces the level of iron in the body that can exert a direct antiviral effect on certain strains of hepatitis.

Green tea may protect against cancer

There is increasing evidence to suggest that green tea contains certain components which are struggling with cancer. This tea contains compound called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which helps to inhibit the growth of blood vessels.

Green tea helps prevent the development of arthritis

One recent study found that antioxidants in green tea composition can prevent or reduce the severity of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Antioxidants in the composition of this tea inhibit Cox-2 gene, which causes inflammation, acting much like anti-inflammatory drugs.

Green tea boosts immunity

Gargling with green tea increases resistance to colds and flu, according to a Japanese study.

Harvard University Research also indicates that the ingredients of green tea stimulates gamma-delta T cells, which increase the resistance to bacteria and viruses.

Green tea may protect against Alzheimer's disease

A recent two-year study of people aged 80 and older found that 96% of those who drank ten cups of green tea a day showed no signs of cognitive impairment, compared with 12% who did not drink green tea.

Green tea helps in the fight against allergies

Japanese researchers have identified a component of green tea, which, according to the results of laboratory tests, blocks a major cellular receptor involved in the formation of allergic reactions.

This component methylated epigallocatechin gallate, acts by blocking the production of histamine and IgE, two compounds in the body, which mainly cause and maintain an allergic reaction.

How much you should drink green tea

On this question there are as many answers as to conduct research useful properties of green tea. For example, one Japanese Studies argues that men who drank 10 cups of green tea a day, do not develop cancer for three years longer than men who drank three cups of green tea a day (in three cups of green tea contains 240 -320 mg of polyphenols). At the same time, another study concluded that drinking four or more cups of green tea a day may prevent rheumatoid arthritis, or reduce symptoms in those who already suffer from this disease. Another study in Japan found that women who consumed five or more cups of green tea daily were less likely recurrence of breast cancer Breast Cancer: Myths and Facts And the disease spread slowly.

University of California researchers who have studied the role of green tea in the prevention of cancer concluded that you could probably maintain an optimal level of polyphenols by drinking just two cups a day. On the other hand, one of the companies that sell green tea extract, insists that for maximum benefit should drink ten cups a day.

How can we understand such contradictory statements? Given all of the above is probably safe to drink four to five cups of green tea a day. If you - a real fan of green tea, of course, drink more. But you will get more benefit - the researchers have yet to discover.

How to brew green tea

Prepare the perfect cup of green tea - a tricky process. If you do not execute it properly, those same polyphenols that are so beneficial to health, can ruin the flavor, making the tea "grassy". It is important not to overdo it with brewing. Although it is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions for each particular type of tea, there are a few general rules:

• Use one tea bag, or 2-4 grams of tea leaves (one or two teaspoons, depending on grade of tea) per cup.
• Fill the kettle with cold water and bring it to a boil.
• Turning off the kettle, let it stand for three minutes.
• Pour hot water tea bag or tea leaves and let it brew for up to three minutes. If you use a tea bag, remove it.
• Allow the tea to cool for three minutes or longer.

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