It’s no secret that green tea is ridiculously good for you. It’s been hailed as a health elixir for centuries, offering numerous benefits ranging from cancer prevention to insulin control. And if you eat healthily, you probably already include it in your routine. But did you know that this said to be the second most popular beverage worldwide after water, may also be a helpful fast-food antidote?
Now, we all have our moments of weakness when the temptation of a juicy burger or a heaping pile of French fries gets the better of us. But don’t punish yourself after giving into your cravings. Instead, reach for a cup of green tea to help counteract the damage.
Study Shows Green Tea Counters Unhealthy Diet Effects
Scientists from Northwest A&F University in China have discovered that green tea can counteract insulin resistance, as well as cognitive impairments caused by consuming foods laden with unhealthy fats and high-fructose corn syrup. So the next time you finish that cheat meal, follow it up with a steaming cup of green tea.
Their research involved feeding mice one of three diets: a standard diet, an unhealthy diet, or an unhealthy diet combined with the green tea extract EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate). After 16 weeks, the mice that consumed the unhealthy diet plus EGCG were found to be significantly less overweight and had improved memory and cognitive abilities compared to those on the unhealthy diet alone.
Scientists concluded that the introduction of ECGC combatted brain inflammation and altered insulin production in the mice, effectively countering unhealthy eating’s primary side effects: insulin resistance and brain fog.
Green Tea Benefits for Your Health
The study suggests that the mice who consumed green tea, in addition to an unhealthy diet, significantly improved their health. But would it work the same way for you?
Human studies also show green tea’s effectiveness in controlling blood sugar and insulin levels. Furthermore, several studies have demonstrated the beverage’s ability to prevent cognitive decline in people.
So, if you find yourself indulging in an unhealthy snack, chase it down with a cup of green tea to help mitigate the damage.
When brewing, it’s essential to use water that hasn’t quite reached boiling point (160-170 degrees). Overheating water reduces the amount of beneficial compounds in the tea. Alternatively, microwaving it may offer surprising health benefits.
Additional Health Benefits of Green Tea
- Cancer prevention: The abundance of antioxidants in green tea may help neutralize cancer-causing free radicals, potentially lowering the risk of various forms of cancer.
- Heart health: Studies have found that drinking green tea can improve blood flow, lower cholesterol levels, and normalize blood pressure.
- Weight loss: Green tea is known to boost your metabolism, which may help in managing weight.
- Diabetes management: Green tea may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels, making it a valuable tool for diabetes control.
How to Choose the Right Green Tea
When choosing a green tea, look for high-quality organic varieties, which have lower chances of pesticide contamination. Also, avoid adding sugar, honey, or artificial sweeteners to keep sugar content low.
In conclusion, green tea offers a simple and natural way to maintain your health while enjoying your guilty pleasures. So the next time you indulge in fast food, don’t forget to finish your meal with a cup of this wonder elixir.