There’s something comforting about enjoying a warm cup of tea. What’s even better is choosing green tea and reaping the health benefits that come with it. 

Green tea is made from Camellia sinensis leaves and is widely used for a beverage, which has a stimulant effect due to caffeine. Green tea is made from leaves steamed and dried, while black tea leaves are withered, rolled, fermented and dried. It is often combined with flavor additives such as jasmine flowers, orange peels and tropical fruits.

Green tea boasts of a variety of health benefits in addition to being a delicious and popular drink. Here are just a few of benefits from drinking green tea.

Heart Health – According to a study published in “Current Medicinal Chemistry”, Pon Velayutham and colleagues found flavonoids in green tea can help prevent oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol and reduce blood clotting as well as help lower blood pressure.

Weight Loss – Green tea is thought to aid weight loss by boosting the body’s metabolism to be more efficient. Regularly exercising and eating a healthy diet are highly effective weight loss strategies. Replacing sodas and sugary drinks with a cup of green tea may help increase positive results.

Blood Sugar – Keeping blood sugar at a reasonable level can be difficult. Green tea may help manage glycemic loads and manage blood sugar levels. In a study performed in Japan, people consumed six or more cups a day saw a stunning 33% percent risk reduction of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Pro Tip: Ideal temperature for steeping green tea is between 160-180 F. Boiling the water to hot can damage the tea leaves, causing it to taste bitter. 

Sources:

Duke, James A. “Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze” Handbook of Energy Crops, 1983, https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Camellia_sinensis.html

Pon Velayutham, Anandh Babu, and Dongmin Liu. “Green tea catechins and cardiovascular health: an update.” Current Medicinal Chemistry vol. 15,18 (2008): 1840-50. doi:10.2174/092986708785132979

Kim, Hyun Min, and Jaetaek Kim. “The effects of green tea on obesity and type 2 diabetes.” Diabetes & metabolism journal vol. 37,3 (2013): 173-5. doi:10.4093/dmj.2013.37.3.173 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3689013/

Season Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that cycles with seasonal changes. For most people with this disorder, symptoms begin in late autumn or early winter and subside during the spring and summer.

Short dark days and cold temperatures can make anyone wish for warm sunny days, but seasonal affective disorder is more than just experiencing the winter blues. According to the Mayo Clinic, decline in the amount of daylight during fall and winter months is to blame for SAD.

Symptoms of SAD can include:
• Tiredness and loss of energy
• An increased need to sleep
• Cravings for carbohydrate
• Weight gain
• Social withdrawal
• Slow, sluggish, lethargic movements

In addition to seeking help from a healthcare professional, there are a few lifestyle changes that can improve symptoms and lift your mood.
• Maximize exposure to daylight – make the home brighter, keep blinds and curtains open during the day.
• Engage in activities – spend time with friends and family, go to the mall and other activities you enjoy.
• Practice healthy habits – exercise, get enough sleep, eat a well-balanced diet, spend time outdoors if possible.
• Get plenty of sleep.

Seasonal Affective Disorder can make it hard to feel motivated, but there are plenty of steps to take to help yourself feel better. By adopting healthy habits and scheduling fun and relaxation into the day, you can help lift the SAD cloud for a sunnier day.