To enjoy the full benefits of green tea, always opt for the brewed loose leaf version especially Gyokuro or Matcha. According to the American Chemical Society, bottled tea contains less antioxidants than brewed tea.
Healthline.com says:
Green Tea Contains Bioactive Compounds That Improve Health Green tea is loaded with polyphenol antioxidants, including a catechin called EGCG. These antioxidants can have various beneficial effects on health. Polyphenols in green tea have effects like reducing inflammation and helping to fight cancer. Catechins are natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and provide other benefits. These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage. These free radicals are known to play a role in aging and all sorts of diseases.
Compounds in Green Tea Can Improve Brain Function and Make You Smarter Green tea does more than just keep you awake, it can also make you smarter. The key active ingredient is caffeine, which is a known stimulant. Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, but enough to produce an effect. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which can work synergistically with caffeine to improve brain function.
Green Tea Increases Fat Burning and Improves Physical Performance Green tea has been shown to boost the metabolic rate and increase fat burning in the short term, although not all studies agree.
Antioxidants in Green Tea May Lower Your Risk of Some Types of Cancer Green tea has powerful antioxidants that may protect against cancer. Multiple studies show that green tea drinkers have a lower risk of various types of cancer.
Green Tea May Protect Your Brain in Old Age, Lowering Your Risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's The bioactive compounds in green tea can have various protective effects on the brain. They may reduce the risk of both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, the two most common neurodegenerative disorders.
Green Tea Can Kill Bacteria, Which Improves Dental Health and Lowers Your Risk of Infection The catechins in green tea may inhibit the growth of bacteria and some viruses. This can lower the risk of infections and lead to improvements in dental health, a lower risk of caries and reduced bad breath. Streptococcus mutans is the primary harmful bacteria in the mouth. It causes plaque formation and is a leading contributor to cavities and tooth decay.
Green Tea May Lower Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes This disease involves having elevated blood sugar levels in the context of insulin resistance or an inability to produce insulin. Some controlled trials show that green tea can cause mild reductions in blood sugar levels. It may also lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Green Tea May Reduce Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Green tea has been shown to lower total and LDL cholesterol, as well as protect the LDL particles from oxidation. Observational studies show that green tea drinkers have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Green Tea Can Help You Lose Weight and Lower Your Risk of Obesity Given that green tea can boost the metabolic rate in the short term, it makes sense that it could help you lose weight. Some studies show that green tea leads to increased weight loss. It may be particularly effective at reducing the dangerous abdominal fat.
In order to feel better, lose weight and lower your risk of chronic diseases, then you might want to consider making green tea a regular part of your life.