There are many anti-oxidants and a small dose of caffeine in green tea. It has been used in Chinese medicine for years to heal and prevent a wide range of ailments. The level of stimulant in this tea is lower than that in coffee. Therefore it can be used throughout the day but should be avoided before bed time. Consuming this beverage will give you doses that are nearly half that of coffee, depending on the brand and how strong you make the tea.

The benefits of this drink can be divided into different categories. It is used for weight loss, improved health, and for its ability to increase energy levels. Though the caffeine is in smaller amounts, it may be just enough to give you a lift in the middle of the day or to give you the boost you need to finish your work.

Does Green Tea Have Caffeine?

The answer is yes, it does. However, it is in much smaller amounts than other beverages, particularly coffee and soft drinks.

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The health benefits of this drink are numerous. It contains a powerful anti-oxidant called EGCG. This is an anti-oxidant in the same category as the anti-oxidant found in red wine. The french drink plenty of red wine with meals and consume diets high in fat. Yet they have less heart disease than in other countries. This is due to the effects of the anti-oxidant and its ability to reduce the effects of a fatty diet and smoking.

THe CGCG is a polyphenol similar to the one in red wine. Consuming it with meals has a similar effect on the heart and in reducing the likelihood of experiencing heart disease. Along with reducing the effects of a fatty diet, EGCG can also lower LDL cholesterol, or the bad cholesterol known for contributing to plaque build up in arteries. At the same time it can increase the level of HDL cholesterol which is the type considered healthy in combating heart disease. Overall, the drink is good for the heart for most people.

The anti-oxidant EGCG is known for combating cancer by killing the cancer cells without hurting healthy tissue. The drink has been researched extensively in Asia and in the United States, resulting in the conclusion that is can help fight against a number of cancers, including cancer of the esophagus.

Another benefit of drinking this herb is that is can reduce or eliminate infection causing bacteria. The properties in the tea leaves fight bacteria effectively. Drinking a cup each day may help prevent infections like strep or tonsillitis if consumed every day, particularly during the Winter months when people tend to come down with more illnesses.

Fighting off bacteria is something everyone wants to be able to do. Taking antibiotics after an infection occurs has more side effects than drinking something that will prevent the infection. For people prone to frequent infections drinking the tea or taking capsules daily can help balance the immune system and help it fight off even the most severe types of bacteria. It can also be taken along with antibiotics without interfering with their action. This is good news for those who want to combat infections and get back to their normal routines as quickly as possible.

Miracle Elixir?

Other illnesses the substance is said to help improve are arthritis due to autoimmune disorder and those that interfere with the normal function of the immune system. The substance works on these types of illnesses by restoring balance and normal function to the immune system.

It is not known exactly how the drink works on other minor health issues but the Chinese have taken this herb for headaches and depression for centuries. Most people take a few ibuprofen or reach for a bottle of Excedrin for headaches. If a person takes them on a regular basis stomach upset and pain can occur. This drink provides a more natural relief for headaches that does not involve pills or prescription medications. Whether the headaches are from stress or some other cause trying some green tea the next time you experience a headache is worth the effort.

Depression can be severe or mild. Many people suffer from the blues occasionally when the weather changes or due to some stress related cause like work or family issues. When depression is not severe drinking a cup or two of this herb may help put you in a better mood and you may find you are better able to handle stress at work or at home.

Green tea caffeine has its benefits for those who want a boost of energy but do not like the shakiness that can occur when drinking coffee. It is also a substance that has been studied for weight loss. Some studies have shown that when combined with exercise and a healthy diet people can lose more weight by drinking the tea.

Need More Reason To Take A Sip?

There are many other benefits of drinking green tea that are often not mentioned. It is inexpensive, even when purchased in a high quality brand of leaves or tea bags. This means that even people on limited budgets can experience the health benefits of the herb. Many grocery stores carry tea bags and bottle products. Health food and natural foods stores may also carry the product as tea leaves. It is less expensive than many other supplements on the market and can be made into a tasty drink to be enjoyed in the morning, during a break, or during the early afternoon when people tend to feel sluggish.

It can be a great way to pick yourself up after a hard workout. Because it is readily available in many different products through different sources it is convenient for many people to drink. Those who want to enjoy a cup of green tea at any time can keep bags at home and carry a few in a hand bag or briefcase. The best way to prepare the tea is to steam it. Avoid boiling so the anti-oxidants within the leaves are not destroyed.

Because it has powerful anti-oxidants, green tea can help you achieve younger and healthier looking skin. Many skin creams and other preparations have anti-oxidants designed to prevent free radicals from causing creases and lines due to aging. Drinking something that works from the inside out can keep skin looking healthy without an extensive daily regimen of creams and lotions. It is much easier to combat aging skin this way as it takes less time and does not require purchasing costly solutions.

Green tea is one of those drinks that can benefit nearly anyone who tries it. For those concerned about health issues like heart disease or high cholesterol it is a better drink to consume than sodas or coffee. For those concerned with immune function drinking the substance may help prevent the typical seasonal illnesses. Those fighting infections from surgical procedures may experience faster healing by drinking the tea while taking antibiotic regiments.

It is a natural supplement that can aid in weight loss and can easily be added along with a healthy meal plan and a weekly exercise regiment. It is inexpensive, easy to find, and simple to prepare for most people who want an excellent natural supplement to improve overall health.

For information on side effects and medical uses of green tea, visit Web M.D. – Green Tea.