While some forms of green tea are definitely an acquired taste, there are many that are as good for the taste buds as they are for your body. Every time we hear green tea mentioned it’s followed with an exclamation how very good it is for your body. The benefits are numerous and the impact that the consumption of green tea has on the body is nothing short of amazing. Here are six great reasons to brew a cup of green tea today!

1. It Tastes Great!

Yes, you heard me right. Commercialism has been a big boon to green tea in that there are now literally hundreds of flavors and mixtures available on the market; if you try one and dislike the taste, there are always many more to choose from. My personal favorite at the moment is the flavor Honey Lemon Ginseng from a company called Celestial Seasonings, available in all major grocery stores in North America.

2. Reduce the Risk of Cancer

Green tea is chalk-full of antioxidants in the form of polyphenols and several kinds of these polyphenols have a direct effect on cells when they threaten to become cancerous, keeping them from gaining the foothold in your body that they need to expand. Countless scientific studies have shown that people who drink green tea regularly drastically reduce their risk of breast, colon, prostate, lung and stomach cancers.

3. Lose Weight

While the effect is minimal, components found in green tea actually help your body to speed up the calorie-burning process. You won’t lose drastic amounts of weight but every little bit counts when you are trying to counteract the effects of unhealthy eating or lack of exercise.

4. Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure

Many of us struggle to keep our blood pressure to a reasonable level, reaching our goal and than finding the number jumping, seemingly at will. The same polyphenols that help to reduce the risk of cancer are at play here, keeping blood vessels from contracting and allowing a healthy amount of blood flow at all times. There are many factors to consider if you have high blood pressure, diet especially, but green tea is a great tool to add to your arsenal!

5. Keep Your Memories

As we age, the risk of free-radical damage being done to our brain nerves increases dramatically, putting us at risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The huge punch of antioxidants that green tea packs has a direct effect on this damage; studies have shown that aging adults who consume two cups or more per day reduce their risk by up to 50%!

6. Save Your Leftovers!

Green tea is at its best when it is inside you but it has amazing effects on the outside too! When applied to cuts and scrapes green tea acts as an antiseptic, helping to relieve swelling and itching and encouraging faster healing. Studies have also shown that green tea has a direct effect on the negative effects of sunlight on our skin, reducing the risk of burn when applied to the skin and sun-induced cancer of the skin when consumed.

In summation: drink green tea. Even if you don’t love your first cup, you have to admit to yourself that it is simply too cheap and easy a way to stay healthy to pass up. Explore flavors, find one you like, and live longer – just like that!

photo by mat.teo

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