There’s so much to love about a hot cup of tea: the way it warms you from the inside out, the soothing ritual, and, of course, all of the health benefits. As it turns out, experts say there’s one type of tea in particular you can drink every day in order to reap a range of benefits: green tea. This popular, ancient beverage is packed with positive effects, from weight loss to digestion. As it turns out, it can even help keep you protected from certain age-related diseases.
To learn more about how this tasty tea can reduce your risk of disease as you age, we spoke to registered dietitian Susan Schachter. She told us that it can do wonders for your heart, brain, and more. Find all of her expert insight below!
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How green tea lowers risk of age-related diseases
Below are just a few of the benefits offered by green tea that can help reduce your risk of age-related diseases, according to Schachter.
Antioxidants
One of the biggest benefits of green tea, especially when it comes to battling age-related diseases, is the fact that it's packed with antioxidants. "Green tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins and polyphenols," Schachter explains. "These compounds help combat oxidative stress and reduce the damage caused by free radicals in the body. By neutralizing harmful molecules, green tea supports healthy cellular function and protects against age-related diseases." Amazing! Antioxidants are also found in numerous foods, including berries and even dark chocolate.
Heart Health
Schachter tells us that sipping on green tea is also a great way to improve your heart health. "The antioxidants present in green tea help lower cholesterol levels, particularly LDL (bad) cholesterol. By reducing LDL cholesterol oxidation and inhibiting the formation of blood clots, green tea supports cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of heart disease," she says. Of course, keeping your heart healthy requires a range of daily habits, but adding antioxidant-rich foods and beverages like green tea to your diet is one great step to take.
Brain Protection
Green tea is also fantastic when it comes to keeping your cognitive health in check and reducing your risk of brain disease. "The potent antioxidants in green tea may also have a protective effect on the brain," Schachter says. "Studies suggest that green tea consumption is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's."
According to her, this is thanks to the fact that "the bioactive compounds in green tea help protect brain cells from oxidative damage and reduce the formation of protein plaques and tangles, which are characteristic of these diseases."
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Inflammation is one major contributor to age related diseases. Luckily, by adding anti-inflammatory foods and beverages to your diet, you can help prevent this. As it turns out, green tea is one fantastic option.
"Green tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body," Schachter says. "By mitigating inflammation, green tea supports overall health and lowers the risk of various diseases, including heart and brain-related conditions." Incredible!
The bottom line
Of course, it's important to remember that sipping on green tea alone isn't going to grant you total protection from disease. "While green tea offers potential health benefits, individual results may vary, and it should not be seen as a standalone solution," Schachter reminds us.
"Adopting a balanced lifestyle, including a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and other healthy habits, is crucial for overall well-being and disease prevention. Incorporating green tea as part of a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle can contribute to a lower risk of age-related diseases and promote longevity," she concludes.
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