Benefits of drinking green tea before bedtime

Green tea

The tea is made from Camellia sinensis leaves, the second largest drink in the world after water, as it precedes coffee, soft drinks and other consuming beverages. Three types of tea are prepared from the leaves of this plant, namely green tea, The drying and evaporation of fresh tea leaves without oxidation of poly phenol compounds by inhibiting the activity of oxidized oxidized enzyme, Oolong tea prepared by partial fermentation of tea leaves before drying, and black and red tea, which are brought by brewing tea leaves Mira fully dried before evaporating , Green tea is considered the most beneficial to human health among these three species . Green tea is produced in China and Japan , Where about 2.5 million tons of green tea are produced annually , Which is equivalent to about 20-22% of the tea produced in the world, is consumed in Asian countries significantly, while the countries of Europe and America rely more on black tea.

Green tea has been considered a source of many health benefits since then. Scientific studies began to take care of it for three decades. It has been found to play an important role in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. It has been considered a functional food, Essential nutrients .

Benefits of drinking green tea before bedtime

The many benefits of green tea can be found at any time of the day, and there is no scientific evidence of a preference for taking it at a certain time, but many may prefer to take it before bed, as it is a time of rest and relaxation, which gives the person a pleasure and relaxation The larger the intake , And although drinking green tea increases mental activity, but unlike coffee does not cause insomnia due to its non-high content of caffeine .
Many people believe that drinking green tea before sleep specifically helps to increase metabolism, weight loss and detoxification. But although there is nothing to prevent before bedtime, these benefits can be obtained at all times. .
Drinking green tea with non-heme iron sources also reduces its absorption , So it can help eat before bedtime away from the time of eating meals to avoid this effect.

Benefits of green tea

Green tea was used in ancient Chinese medicine to treat headaches, body aches, digestive problems, depression and detoxification, as a stimulant and as a prescription for prolonging life. The health benefits of green tea are specifically attributed to caffeine, theophylline and volatile oils, especially polyphenols. Caffeine in the central nervous system stimulates alertness, coherence of thoughts and fighting fatigue. Theophylline contributes to some caffeine roles, and increases mental activity and increases the strength of heart contractions And the relaxation of blood vessels, and works on the production of urine more than caffeine, in addition to its role in the relaxation of the bronchial muscle and stimulate breathing.

As for the volatile oils found in green tea, it is advisable not to prolong the period of soaking tea so as not to lose this oil, Green tea has gained a great health attention because of its content of polyphenols and its role in the body as strong antioxidants, Green tea in preventing genetic changes, fighting diabetes, resistant bacteria, inflammation and cholesterol. It has also found benefits for oral health such as; protection from tooth decay, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. Catechins and galic acid play a key role in the following health benefits from green tea .

Antioxidant activity

Green tea is a rich dietary source of antioxidants. It contains polyphenols, specifically catechins and galic acid, and contains carotenoids, tocopherols (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), minerals such as chromium, manganese, selenium, Phytochemicals. Several studies have shown an increase in the level of antioxidants in blood plasma after the average intake of green tea, and found that the high capacity oxidation resistance in blood caused by green tea reduces the oxidative damage in DNA and lipids (fat), and found many studies ability Green tea reduces oxidative stress in the body, slowing down the aging of cells .

The ability to resist genetic changes and cancer

The efficacy of catechins to fight oxidation was significantly higher than that of vitamin E. Green tea reduced the toxicity of genes caused by cigarette smoking and increased the activity of enzymes that rid the body of carcinogenic chemicals . Studies have found a link between human consumption of green tea and the prevention of many cancers, such as lung cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, oral cancer, stomach cancer, small intestine cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer and lactoblastoma.

Several studies on experimental animals have also found the ability of green tea to prevent the formation of skin cancer, lung cancer, oral cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer and other organs. Tea is used as a cancer prevention agent based on many studies and scientific research. Tea extracts are also manufactured as a flax protection material for use in human experiments.

Green tea plays a role because of this And its ability to stimulate the number of enzymes that remove the toxicity of carcinogens, and its role in regulating the growth and death of natural cells, and its ability to stimulate the growth of bacteria living in the digestive system, and works in the green tea catechins to fight the products of the process of active inflammation and Increases the risk of cancer. Studies in animals have found the ability of green tea to prevent the interaction between carcinogens and genes, which prevents the transitions of genetic changes causing cancer. Some catechins in green tea act directly to prevent the growth of cancer cells .

breast cancer

Several studies have shown the ability of catechins in green tea to reduce the growth and division of breast cancer cells. There was also an inverse relationship between green tea consumption and breast cancer rates. In vitro studies also found that the combination of ibigallocatechin- Epigallocatechin (one of the catechins found in green tea) with tamoxifen (a drug used to prevent and treat breast cancer) promotes their naming of breast cancer cells. In other studies on this catechin, it has been shown to stimulate the death of breast cancer cells .

Cancer of the uterus and prostate

It was found that the consumption of green tea constantly reduces the risk of cancer of the uterus, and has been found to play a role in the prevention of prostate cancer, and found that Apigalloatikin-3-gelat (one of the catechins found in green tea) prevents the growth of prostate cancer cells and stimulate death, Poly phenols to chemotherapy and radiation to stimulate their efficiency in the death of cancer cells and maintain the health of healthy cells .

Cancer of the stomach, colon and rectum

Some studies have found a role for green tea in preventing gastritis and reducing the risk of cancer. In contrast, some researchers have not found a correlation between green tea consumption and stomach cancer prevention. One researcher also failed to find a link between green tea and the risk of colorectal cancer , But it must be borne in mind that Factors that raise the risk of colorectal cancer Including chronic family history of colorectal cancer, persistent exposure to analgesics (NSAIDs), some methods of cooking meat, smoking, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity, high consumption of red meat and alcohol, and correlation between green tea consumption and prevention of rectal cancer Greater than what was found for colon cancer, taking into account the presence of many factors that may have affected the results of this research .

Reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease

Since ancient times, green tea has been used in Chinese medicine to lower high blood pressure. In recent studies, results have been mixed. Some studies have found that green tea can reduce high blood pressure because of its antioxidant content. Some epidemiological studies Green tea had low blood pressure. In one study, the average consumption of green tea or oolong tea (120 ml / day) per day reduced the risk of high blood pressure in the Chinese people. Long-term consumption was also found to improve the pressure Blood in a study conducted on For older women, but as we mentioned earlier, some studies have failed to find a relationship between green tea and lower blood pressure.

Many studies have found an adverse relationship between the consumption of green tea and the incidence of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease and exacerbation. Although the mechanisms in which this decrease in the risk of infection and development of these diseases are not quite clear, but believes that the protection of LDL cholesterol from oxidation and subsequent It may also play an important role. Green tea cysts also reduce blood cholesterol and reduce absorption. Some studies have found that polyphenols found in green tea raise HDL cholesterol, thus reducing green tea risk of death. Cardiovascular disease, and a reduction in the mortality rate of cardiovascular disease in green tea consumers compared to those who do not consume it. Studies have found that catechins in green tea improve the relaxation of vessel walls caused by blood flow .

Improve oral health and prevent tooth decay and fall and periodontal disease

Oral diseases such as tooth decay, gum disease, and gum disease affect overall health. Many studies have found that eating non-sugar-based green tea reduces the risk of tooth decay. It has also been found to reduce tooth decay even with sugar in the diet. Experimental animals have similar results.

Some studies suggest the ability of green tea catechins to reduce the risk of gum disease. Studies have shown the role of these catechins in inhibiting the action of amylase digestion of carbohydrates in saliva, which reduces the effect of slow starchy foods on caries. In addition, Fluoride, which works in part on the link and interaction with oral tissues affecting the process of caries and tooth decay and oral cancer, in addition to the role of poly phenol compounds as antioxidants protective of oral cancer and caries and fight many types of bacteria Which causes decay, so green tea has become a functional food for oral health, and is introduced into the toothpaste industries .

Prevention of ultraviolet rays

Ultraviolet rays are considered carcinogens, as exposure to the skin constantly causes many skin diseases, such as skin cancers. The external use of ibigallocatechin-3-galate (one of the catechins found in green tea) and other catechins is protective for many types of radiation , And many animal studies have found that the external use of polyphenols found in green tea or taken reduces the risk of skin cancer caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation .

Control body weight and fight obesity

Many researchers suggest a role for catechins in controlling body weight. In a study on mice, researchers found that caffeine and thiamine improve the effects of poly phenols on body weight and fat accumulation, and that green tea can reduce digestion and absorption of fat. Polyphenols work to raise the hormone noradrenaline, which increases the energy consumed from the body (burning calories and fat) , And a study found that giving a drink containing green tea catechins, caffeine and calcium increases the daily energy burning by 4.6%, but this study did not clarify the role of each of these components on a single .

Eating green tea leaves, oolong tea and black tea for test rats reduced body weight, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. Some studies found a relationship between human intake of green tea and increased body burn rate and weight reduction . In contrast, some human studies did not find the effect of green tea on weight. A study of the inverse relationship between green tea consumption and body weight in people who regularly drank green tea for 10 years and more showed that the benefit of drinking was justified by encouraging its use .

Improve glucose tolerance and improve insulin effectiveness and body sensitivity

Several studies have found a role for green tea in improving glucose tolerance and improving insulin function in the body. One study found that green tea increases insulin activity due to the action of epigallocatechin-3-galate (one of the catechins found in green tea) , , Adding that the addition of lemon to green tea did not change this effect, while the addition of 50 g of milk to each cup of green tea to reduce slightly, and in a study on rats found that green tea works to reduce blood plasma levels of glucose , Insulin, triglyceride, and free fatty acids. Multiphenol compounds have also increased the level of glucose input to fat cells. Some studies have shown that epigallocatechin-3-gelat not only regulates the level of glucose in the blood but helps to repair beta cells (Cells that produce insulin In the pancreas) .

It was found that the poly phenol compounds extracted from green tea reduced the level of liver and kidney enzymes high in diabetes in experimental animals, and was found to reduce the oxidation of lipids (fat), which rises in diabetes, and studies found in experimental animals the ability of catechins to reduce fat Triglycerides in diabetes, as well as insulin-like activities and improved insulin function .

Other benefits

Resistance to bacteria and viruses, such as salmonella, clostridium and basilas , Known in ancient Chinese medicine as a treatment for diarrhea and typhoid. One study has shown its role in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori, which causes ulcers , , While it does not affect the bacteria that live in the digestive system, and found the role of green tea in the fight against influenza virus, especially in the early stages, and in the fight against herpes simplex virus (Herpes simplex), adenovirus, which causes glandular fever .
Resistance to some fungus , .
Improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures, especially pelvic fractures , .
Prevention of palpitations, such as cirrhosis of the liver, skin and arteries .
Strengthening the immune system because of its role in protection against oxidizing substances and free radicals .
Some suggest adding green tea to medicines to prevent kidney rejection after renal transplantation .
Some recent studies suggest a role for green tea in the prevention of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases .
Useful in insect stings because of its resistance to inflammation and its role in stopping bleeding .
Some studies suggest an inverse relationship between green tea intake and kidney stones .
In animal studies, green tea was found to reduce cataracts in cataract (white water or cataract) .
Some suggest beneficial effects of green tea in cases of alcohol poisoning .
Drinking green tea increases the amount of water taken daily, as well as a good source of many important vitamins and minerals for human health .
Green tea is also used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations because of its high antioxidant content, which makes it a natural and effective preservative. .

Green tea damage

High-dose green tea causes some damage, but it often results from high doses of the drug given to experimental animals or because of very large amounts of green tea, and not from the normal doses normally taken by humans in their diet. These effects include:

Toxicity of liver cells due to green tea catechins .
Oxidative damage in DNA .
Goiter .
Eating more than 5 cups of green tea can lead to many side effects such as headaches, stress, sleep problems, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, heartburn, dizziness, tinnitus, trembling, confusion, And confusion .

You should also avoid drinking green tea in the following cases:

Severe heart disease.
In pregnancy and lactation, where not to eat more than a cup to two a day.
Green tea contributes to urinary incontinence and may therefore affect some medications. Consult your doctor before taking large amounts of medication.
Green tea contains aluminum that can affect patients with kidney failure.

History of green tea

It is believed that the second Chinese emperor Shennong was the first to discover tea when the leaves of Camellia siennes flew to his boiling glass of water in 2737 BC, the oldest herb tea on Earth, and was introduced to Europe in 1560 and to America in 1650, The first tea was sold as a healthy drink in London in 1657, where it has been of health importance since ancient times .

Installation of green tea

Green tea is characterized by the complexity of its chemical composition, as it consists of the following:

Protein: Makes up 15-20% of its dry weight, and includes enzymes in it and some amino acids (1-4% dry weight) .
Carbohydrates: Make up 5-7% of its dry weight, include cellulose, glucose, fructose and sucrose .
Lipids (fat): such as linoleic and linolenic acid, and sterols such as stigmasterol .
Vitamins B , C, And ۿ .
Caffeine and theophylline .
Chlorophyll and carotene .
Some volatile compounds .
Minerals: Make up 5% of the dry weight of green tea, including calcium, magnesium, chromium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, molybdenum, selenium, sodium, phosphorus, cobalt, strontium, nickel, potassium, fluorine and aluminum .
Polyphenols: The most important components of green tea are flavonoids, which account for 30% of their dry weight ,

Catechines are the most important flavonoids found in green tea, and vary in quantity, including the production method and the geographical area of cultivation , And Epigallocatechin-3-gallate is the most abundant catechins in green tea , It also contains galic acid and other phenolic acids such as chlorogenic acid and kaffic acid .