Myths and facts about green tea

Green tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Its use begins thousands of years ago in China, and gradually, thanks to its health benefits, it spread throughout the world. Slimming, cardiovascular benefits, cancer prevention and much more are heard around green tea. Which of these are myths and how can we exploit its distinctive qualities?

Green tea helps to slim.

Fact. If there is a false impression that green tea helps fat burning, as a lipolytic agent. Green tea, thanks to its rich composition in catechin can activate metabolism, increasing daily energy expenditure and leading to a change in fat distribution. This leads to a transient increase in basic metabolism mainly through the increase of thermogenesis and thus indirectly leads to weight loss and better burning of fat.

Green tea is bad for teeth and the oral cavity.

Myth. According to studies, green tea has significant oral health benefits as it has substances with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. In particular, it prevents the formation of dental plaque, protects the gums from inflammatory conditions (eg. gingivitis), prevents oral cancer and improves breathing as it suppresses mouth germs responsible for bad odor.

Green tea offers benefits to the heart and vessels.

Fact. Rich in catechins, a class of flavonoids belonging to the family of polyphenols, green tea is associated with decreased cardiovascular risk. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, green tea reduces levels and the rate of oxidation of total and LDL cholesterol, platelet aggregation as well as blood pressure. Combined with a balanced diet, green tea can be an ally for your heart.

Green tea can lead to cancer.

Myth. Green tea is a rich source of catechins, antioxidant compounds that prevent the oxidative damage of cells, In addition, it inhibits the action of certain enzymes involved in carcinogenesis. Studies suggest that regular consumption of green tea helps prevent cancer. However, caution is needed in overconsumption as it may lead to an increase in the incidence of throat cancer.

The consumption of green tea should not be unlimited.

Fact. If it harbors many benefits, drinking green tea can lead to some undesirable conditions such as trembling, hypertension and indigestion. The reason is that green tea contains caffeine and polyphenols, where in cases of overconsumption they have undesirable effects. Moderate caffeine consumption is not considered harmful, so it is recommended to consume no more than 6 cups of green tea a day.