Studies show that green tea can help prevent certain types of cancer, strokes, and reduce blood fat.

For centuries, the Vietnamese have grown green tea for brewing. This tea is widely sold at low prices in local markets and supermarkets. Modern scientific studies have proven that green tea has numerous health benefits, including its ability to help prevent strokes, certain cancers, and lower blood fat levels.

Green Tea and Stroke Prevention

A study published in PLOS Medicine shows that green tea is a drink that can help prevent the risk of stroke, even if consumed in moderate amounts. It was found that individuals who drank 2-3 cups of green tea daily had a 32% lower risk of having a stroke compared to those who did not consume green tea regularly.

Additionally, Medical News Today cited another study that concluded that drinking unsweetened green tea could even reduce the risk of death after a stroke or heart attack. Researchers believe that the stroke-preventive benefits of green tea are due to the polyphenols found in the leaves.

Green Tea and Cancer Prevention

According to Healthline, drinking green tea regularly can help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including lung and ovarian cancer. Medical News Today further reported that several studies have shown green tea's potential in preventing skin, breast, colon, esophageal, prostate, and liver cancers.

A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences stated that the cancer-preventive effects of green tea come from a polyphenol called catechins. Catechins are powerful antioxidants that help prevent cell damage, inhibit the growth, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells. The catechins present in green tea include epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), with EGCG showing the greatest anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential.

Green Tea and Blood Fat Reduction

Catechins and other antioxidants in green tea not only help prevent cancer and strokes but also help lower blood fat levels, according to Medical News Today. Specifically, these compounds help reduce total cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol (LDL).

In addition, a 2012 study cited by Healthline showed that using green tea extract for three months significantly reduced triglyceride levels, total cholesterol, and LDL in individuals with obesity and high blood pressure.

Considerations When Drinking Green Tea

While green tea is highly beneficial for health, studies also suggest that it can help prevent memory loss, diabetes, heart disease, and even increase lifespan. However, there are several key things to consider when drinking green tea.