If there is one beverage to be dubbed the healthiest on earth, it would have to be Japanese Green Tea because it is loaded with antioxidants that have many benefits in matters of skincare, health, and fitness.
Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves, making it one of the less processed types of tea. That being said, this hydrating beverage therefore contains the most antioxidants and other beneficial polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects.
A cup of tea contains varying levels of caffeine, depending on the length of infusing time and the amount of tea infused. While coffee and black tea have approximately 95 and 50 milligrams of caffeine, respectively, green tea only has 20–40 milligrams per 8-ounce cup. This is the reason why people can drink Japanese Green Tea even after dinner and still not have any trouble getting a good night's sleep.
Difference of Japanese green tea and matcha
A lot of people still think that Japanese green tea and matcha are the same, but they are actually not. Both of them are derived from plants, though, so it is still a great option for people who are in pursuit of fitness and health. Green tea, however, usually comes in a tea bag or loose leaf, while matcha is in powder form (click here for more detail). The latter is actually 100% green tea leaves, but they have been ground into a fine powder and have a much richer and more buttery flavor.
Known fitness benefits
If you are wondering what the effects of Japanese green tea are on women’s health, you have come to the right place. Here, we have rounded up six reasons why women should find time to make and drink tea in order to enjoy its several benefits.
1. Lower cancer risks
Oxidative damage in the body can lead to chronic inflammation and uncontrolled growth, which, when left untreated, can cause carcinoma. To combat this, it is imperative to have powerful antioxidants in the body. Thankfully, we have Japanese green tea as an excellent source of them. Drinking it regularly can significantly lower the risk of carcinoma, such as breast cancer, which is common in women.
2. Make weight loss possible
Knowing that Japanese green tea can boost one’s metabolic rate in the short term, it only makes sense why more and more women have been drinking it to get rid of stubborn fats in the body, especially in their belly. By regularly drinking it, you can have a significant decrease in your waist circumference, body fat percentage, and body weight. The caffeine in this green tea may also improve physical performance by mobilizing the fatty acids found in the fat tissues, thereby making them available for use as energy that one’s body needs.
3. Prevent type 2 diabetes
In recent years, the rate of type 2 diabetes has exponentially increased, and the number just grows each day. This can be linked to too much carbohydrate and sugar consumption, not to mention the sedentary lifestyles of many women. The elevated blood sugar levels that can make the body resist insulin and not be able to naturally produce it can be countered. With the help of green tea, the body's insulin sensitivity can be improved. It also helps the body detox after binge-eating, thereby helping to lower blood sugar levels.
4. Keep cardiovascular diseases at bay
More and more people worldwide die due to cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. Studies show that Japanese green tea can help counter some of the factors that contribute to such diseases. Including this in your healthy diet can increase the antioxidant capacity of the blood, keeping the bad cholesterol particles in the bloodstream from causing harm therefore preventing any cardiovascular disease.
5. Repair and regrow muscles
If you look at the ingredients for any fat-burning and muscle-building supplements, like the BCAAs for women, chances are Japanese green tea will be on the label. Aside from caffeine, Japanese green tea also contains vitamin C, which not only improves immunity but also helps the body recover from fatigue. Aside from that, it also provides the body with catechins that prolong endurance, especially when working out. During physical activity, your muscles have a huge tendency to be stressed and get sore. So the catechins come in to produce lactic acids when working out, thereby reducing inflammation in muscles after undergoing oxidative stress. Catechins also lower the lactate level in the blood and muscles. In return, not only will the muscles be repaired, but the body will also get sustained endurance for fitness training.
6. Enable oxygen uptake
In any form of physical activity, be it working out or playing a sport, oxygen plays a vital role in the body's ability to sustain such a rigorous phase. In fact, a higher supply of this element is needed by the body for the muscles to function and endure stress. For this purpose, Japanese green tea is best drunk at least 30 minutes before engaging in any of these activities.
7. Enhance carbohydrates absorption
Carbohydrate depletion is common for women working out. Which is why there is a need to have a pre-workout meal, and it should include a cup of Japanese green tea. Here is why: The body’s ability to absorb and use carbohydrates differs from one person to another. However, more often than not, such a process is slow for many people due to certain mechanisms and circumstances in the intestines. The good news is that the caffeine in this tea helps reduce the risk of fatigue and prolongs exercise as it improves the use of carbohydrates. By efficiently using the extra carbohydrates, the body is less likely to consume endogenous energy stores, or glycogen.
Drink your Japanese green tea regularly
Japanese green tea has a wide range of possible benefits relating to beauty, fitness, and health. But of course, just like the rest, it must be coupled with regular exercise and a balanced diet for it to yield astonishing results. Various Japanese green teas are available on the market nowadays, especially online. So it is really a smart move to first compare brands and types to choose the most suitable one for you.
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About the author
Kei Nishida
Author, CEO Dream of Japan
Certification: PMP, BS in Computer Science
Education: Western Washington University
Kei Nishida is a Japanese green tea enthusiast, a writer, and the founder and CEO of Japanese Green Tea Co., a Dream of Japan Company. His passion for introducing America to the tea of his homeland was the catalyst for creating the only company that brings high-quality tea from Arahataen Green Tea Farms to the rest of the world. Learn more about Kei