Green tea has been in use for its health benefits for many centuries. Its consumption has been proved to have positive effects on skin, weight loss, and cardiovascular health.

All types of tea, except herbal, are made from dried Camellia sinensis leaves. The type of tea is determined by the degree of oxidation of the tea leaves.

Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves of tea. It is also one of the least processed types of tea. Hence, high in antioxidants and beneficial phytophenols. Green tea is packed with health benefits- find some of the most important ones listed below-

1. Green tea boosts brain function-

Green tea contains caffeine as one of its main ingredients. Caffeine can inhibit a chemical messenger called adenosine in the brain, which controls whether you feel awake or sleepy. Caffeine can block adenosine, which can cause drowsiness. This is why many people use it to stay awake and sharp mentally.

Cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's have been linked to an excess production of adenosine. Regular intake of caffeine could, therefore, reduce your risk of developing these conditions.

L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that can help you feel calm and relaxed. The combination of caffeine with L-theanine has been shown to improve brain function, strengthen working memory and attention, as well as reduce anxiety.

2. Green tea improves heart health-

It has been shown that green tea can help improve heart health by decreasing the major risk factors for heart diseases. High blood pressure is one the most prevalent risk factors. The good news is, green tea consumption is associated with a significant drop in blood pressure.

Green tea may also reduce your risk of developing heart disease by keeping the levels of lipids and blood pressure maintained.

3. Your cholesterollevels stay maintained-

Catechin is a key component in green tea. Catechins, which are natural antioxidants, have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. They reduce cholesterol levels by lowering the body's absorption of cholesterol.

Research studieshave shown that green tea and green tea extracts can reduce LDL cholesterol andincrease HDL cholesterol. Another theory says that epigallocatechin galate (ECGC), a compound found in green tea, may impact the flow of bile acids which regulates cholesterol. The bottom line is, with the regular consumption of green tea, you can keep your cholesterol levels in check.

4. Improved bone health-

Green tea can also help keep your bones strong and healthy. It may be able to treat or prevent osteoporosis (a condition that weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures).

Tea leaves contain fluoride which could slow osteoporosis. They also have other beneficial compounds like flavonoids or phytoestrogens. Flavonoids and phytoestrogenscan help strengthen bone formation and prevent bone tissue from gettingdamaged.

5. Anti-aging properties of green tea-

Green tea is not just a beverage, it can also be applied topically.

Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a micronutrient that may help with skin repair. Research has shown that green tea is rich in antioxidants which boost overall health of the skin and prevent sunburn. It also helps to prevent wrinkle formation by increasing skin hydration and moisture retention.

When applied topically, Catechin, which is a green tea polyphenol, can also soothe inflamed skin.