So maybe you can’t drink from the fountain of youth, but the kettle? That’s a whole different story.
More research is showing the anti-aging effects of green tea, and a new study shows regularly consuming the heralded beverage can add time and health to your life.
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The latest study, published in the European Journal of Preventing Cardiology, shows that green tea drinkers live a little over a year longer than their non-green-tea drinking counterparts. The observational study followed over 100,000 Chinese adults.
They also have a significantly lower risk for heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death. Green tea consumption was also associated with a 15-percent lower risk for all-cause mortality.
Previous research has shown similar results. Lab tests have noted green tea extracts stop inflammation and improve cell function. This is likely due to green tea’s high concentration of flavonoid antioxidants, particularly epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG.
Human studies have also shown the stuff has benefits. Studies on Iranian women have found that those who drank three cups per day or took extract experienced improvements in body weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar, over an eight-week period.
Of course, green tea isn’t a fix-all. Human trials examining the effects of green tea are all observational in nature, and while researchers do their best to control for lifestyle factors like overall diet, activity levels, and existing health conditions, it’s nearly impossible to ensure they are air-tight.
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In any event, drinking green tea is surely not going to harm your health. There is a massive body of research to indicate its health benefits even if most studies are observational in nature.
The minimum amount to drink for benefits seems to be three cups per week, but drinking that much per day won’t cause harm. The only thing to consider is that it is caffeinated, so be careful when you drink it. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, it might be worthwhile to limit consumption to the morning.
Green tea could be a great addition to your anti-aging routine. Its potential effect of cellular health, inflammation, and disease risk may all help you live better for longer.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
