5 health benefits of drinking green tea

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Green tea has often been seen as a healthier alternative to caffeine-laid, sugary drinks—and for good reason. In fact, POPSugar reports that green tea has antiviral properties that help prevent individuals from catching the flu. Here are more great reasons to drink up this natural goodness.

1. Improves bladder function and provides antioxidants. According to the Raw Food World, green tea is packed with antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E, C, B, B5, H, K, and manganese. It also contains zinc, chromium, selenium and polyphenols that help battle free radicals in the body. It also helps improve bladder function, as revealed by an NCBI study done on overactive bladder syndrome as an effect of ovary hormone deficiency.

2. Decreases starch absorption. ZME Science reports that a study done by Jaroslaw Walkowiak of Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland found that green tea extract can make the body digest less starch from food. The study stated: "In most subjects (78.6%), the decreased starch digestion and absorption due to GTE was rapid and the aforesaid effect persisted until the last measure. Our data suggest that the use of GTE is a viable alternative to pharmaceutical inhibitors of glucoside hydrolase enzymes. This plant extract is widely available, inexpensive and well tolerated, so it has potential utility for weight control and the treatment of diabetes. Our study supports the concept that pure GTE inhibits starch digestion and absorption."

3. Prevents colon cancer. The Daily Mail reports that a study done at Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea reveals that green tea can decrease the risk of colon cancer.

4. Increases metabolism. If you want to burn more fat, drink up because according to AOL, the caffeine from green tea can stimulate the central nervous system from five to eight percent, giving you more energy to carry out your daily tasks. Additionally, the Liberty Voice reports that caffeine has been linked to the mobilization of fatty acids from fat tissues to convert them into energy.

5. Improves eyesight. According to the Huffington Post, a 2010 study showed that green tea has a positive effect on the tissue of the eyes.

Another great thing about green tea is that you can take it hot or cold, any time of the day. Flavor it with mint leaves, honey, lemon or other fruit combinations of your choice. Other possible fruit options include strawberry, raspberries or peaches. You can also pour in orange, cranberry or grape juice to your tea to add more flavor and aroma.