Is it tea-time? Make mine green, please! It turns out this tasty drink has a lot to offer towards senior health.

Green tea has gotten a lot of attention lately due to its many health benefits. These advantages range from helping with dementia to losing weight. The antioxidants in green tea play a role in protecting the brain and body cells from free radical damage. Diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s are known to cause such radical damage in the cells of the brain.

Green tea contains the protein molecule L-Theanine. This increases dopamine production in the brain thus giving anti-anxiety effects. Along with the caffeine in green tea, the combination is particularly effective at improving brain function. This is very significant in the treatment for Parkinson’s disease especially.

Although the caffeine in green tea is less than in coffee; the combination with L-Theanine provides clearer thinking and focus. This compound can have various protective effects on brain cells potentially lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Green tea has been found to boost metabolism thus contributing to weight reduction. This is especially important for those with adult on-set diabetes since it is secondary to obesity. Studies show that green tea assists in fat burning and boosts the metabolic rate, thus lowering blood glucose levels. Additionally, green tea's heavy amount of antioxidants may help reduce the risk of cancer cells forming. Regular and consistent consumption of this light and tasty drink may reduce the incidence of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. The bioactive compounds of green tea actually protect the body from free radicals that destroy healthy cells and cause malignant tumors. It increases the immune system and especially increases the strength of the T-cells, which fight infections and viruses.

Many studies have also shown that green tea lowers LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides thus preventing clogging of the arteries. This prevents cardiovascular disease and can actually avert a heart attack. The diuretic effect of green tea also helps with lowering blood pressure and helps to keep the arteries clear and flowing. Green tea can counter the threat of excess triglycerides because it has a high amount of polyphenols. Polyphenols function to activate a certain enzyme in the body, and this enzyme will dissolve the excess triglycerides. This means that the fat content in your body will be reduced if you are drinking green tea on a regular basis.

While green tea is not a miracle concoction, adding it to your diet will definitely help you become healthier and may prevent some devastating chronic illnesses from occurring. The benefits far outweigh any other beverage you could drink.