The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Protein Bars for Post-Workout Recovery

the Best Protein Bars for Post-Workout Recovery

Discover the top protein bars that can help you recover faster and stronger after your workout. Learn what to look for when choosing the best protein bars for post-workout recovery.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Protein Bars for Post-Workout Recovery

Green tea has become increasingly popular in recent years as a health drink, touted for its many potential benefits. From boosting metabolism to reducing stress, green tea has been studied for its effects on various aspects of health and well-being. In this post, we’ll explore some of the top benefits of drinking green tea every day. Whether you’re a long-time green tea drinker or just curious about its potential benefits, read on to learn why green tea should be a part of your healthy lifestyle.

Boosts Metabolism and Promotes Weight Loss

One of the most well-known benefits of green tea is its potential to boost metabolism and promote weight loss. Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins, which have been shown to increase metabolism and promote fat burning. In fact, some studies suggest that green tea may help burn up to 17% more fat during exercise (1).

Furthermore, research has shown that drinking green tea may help reduce body fat, particularly in the abdominal area (2). This may be due to the fact that green tea can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which can help prevent fat storage.

To incorporate green tea into your weight loss or healthy eating plan, consider swapping your sugary or high-calorie beverages for green tea throughout the day. You can also try adding a scoop of matcha powder to your smoothies or baking recipes for an extra antioxidant boost. Keep in mind that while green tea may be a helpful addition to a weight loss plan, it’s important to also focus on overall healthy eating habits and regular exercise for long-term success.

References:

1. Dulloo AG, Duret C, Rohrer D, et al. Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;70(6):1040-1045.
2. Hursel R, Viechtbauer W, Dulloo AG, et al. The effects of catechin rich teas and caffeine on energy expenditure and fat oxidation: a meta-analysis. Obes Rev. 2011;12(7):e573-e581.

Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Green tea has also been studied for its potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is a leading cause of death worldwide. The antioxidants in green tea, particularly catechins and epicatechins, may help improve heart health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress (1).

One study found that drinking green tea was associated with a reduced risk of coronary artery disease, a type of heart disease in which the blood vessels supplying the heart become narrow or blocked (2). Additionally, other studies have found that green tea may help lower blood pressure and improve blood lipid levels, which are both important factors for heart health (3,4).

To incorporate green tea into your heart-healthy lifestyle, consider drinking a cup or two of green tea per day. You can also try adding some lemon or honey for flavor and additional health benefits. Keep in mind that while green tea may be a helpful addition to a heart-healthy diet, it’s important to also focus on other lifestyle factors such as regular exercise and stress management.

References:

1. Higdon JV, Frei B. Tea catechins and polyphenols: health effects, metabolism, and antioxidant functions. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2003;43(1):89-143.
2. Kuriyama S, Shimazu T, Ohmori K, et al. Green tea consumption and mortality due to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all causes in Japan: the Ohsaki study. JAMA. 2006;296(10):1255-1265.
3. Hodgson JM, Puddey IB, Mori TA, et al. Effects of regular ingestion of black tea on haemostasis and cell adhesion molecules in humans. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2001;55(10):881-886.
4. Maron DJ, Lu GP, Cai NS, et al. Cholesterol-lowering effect of a theaflavin-enriched green tea extract: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Intern Med. 2003;163(12):1448-1453.

Enhances Brain Function and Reduces Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Green tea contains caffeine, which is known for its ability to improve mental alertness and focus. Additionally, green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which has been shown to have a calming effect on the brain and can help improve cognitive function (1).

Several studies have also suggested that the antioxidants in green tea may help protect the brain from age-related cognitive decline and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (2,3). In one study, drinking green tea was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment in older adults (4).

To reap the cognitive benefits of green tea, consider drinking a cup or two per day, particularly in the morning or early afternoon to help boost mental alertness. Keep in mind that while green tea may be a helpful addition to a brain-healthy diet, it’s important to also focus on other lifestyle factors such as regular exercise, stress management, and social engagement.

References:

1. Dietz C, Dekker M. Effect of green tea phytochemicals on mood and cognition. Curr Pharm Des. 2017;23(19):2876-2905.
2. Singh BN, Shankar S, Srivastava RK. Green tea catechin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG): mechanisms, perspectives and clinical applications. Biochem Pharmacol. 2011;82(12):1807-1821.
3. Mandel SA, Amit T, Weinreb O, Youdim MB. Understanding the broad-spectrum neuroprotective action profile of green tea polyphenols in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. J Alzheimers Dis. 2011;25(2):187-208.
4. Feng L, Gwee X, Kua EH, et al. Cognitive function and tea consumption in community dwelling older Chinese in Singapore. J Nutr Health Aging. 2010;14(6):433-438.

Boosts Immune System and Prevents Infections

Green tea contains compounds that have been shown to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which can help support the immune system and prevent infections (1). One of these compounds is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been found to inhibit the growth of several strains of bacteria and viruses (2).

Studies have also suggested that green tea may help prevent the flu and reduce the severity of symptoms in those who do get sick (3). Additionally, green tea may be effective against oral infections such as periodontitis and dental caries (4).

To support your immune system with green tea, consider drinking a cup or two per day, particularly during cold and flu season. Keep in mind that while green tea may be a helpful addition to a healthy immune-boosting diet, it’s important to also focus on other lifestyle factors such as adequate sleep, stress management, and regular exercise.

References:

1. Kuriyama H, Shimazu T, Ohmori K, et al. Green tea consumption and mortality due to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all causes in Japan: the Ohsaki study. JAMA. 2006;296(10):1255-1265.
2. McKay DL, Blumberg JB. The role of tea in human health: an update. J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(1):1-13.
3. Matsumoto K, Yamada H, Takuma N, Niino H, Sagesaka YM. Effects of green tea catechins and theanine on preventing influenza infection among healthcare workers: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011;11:15.
4. Schwalfenberg GK. The alkaline diet: is there evidence that an alkaline pH diet benefits health? J Environ Public Health. 2012;2012:727630.

Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation

Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has been found to promote relaxation and reduce stress (1). L-theanine is believed to work by increasing alpha brain waves, which are associated with a relaxed and alert mental state (2).

Several studies have shown that drinking green tea can reduce stress levels and improve mood. In one study, participants who consumed green tea had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who did not drink green tea (3). Another study found that green tea consumption was associated with reduced symptoms of depression (4).

To experience the stress-reducing benefits of green tea, consider drinking a cup or two per day, particularly in the afternoon or evening to help promote relaxation. Keep in mind that while green tea may be a helpful addition to a stress-reducing routine, it’s important to also focus on other lifestyle factors such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices.

References:

1. Dietz C, Dekker M. Effect of green tea phytochemicals on mood and cognition. Curr Pharm Des. 2017;23(19):2876-2905.
2. Nobre AC, Rao A, Owen GN. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:167-168.
3. Steptoe A, Gibson EL, Vuononvirta R, et al. The effects of tea on psychophysiological stress responsivity and post-stress recovery: a randomised double-blind trial. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2007;190(1):81-89.
4. Liu QP, Wu YF, Cheng HY, et al. Habitual tea consumption and risk of cognitive decline in elderly Chinese: a longitudinal study. J Nutr Health Aging. 2016;20(10):1002-1009.

Overall, green tea is a versatile and health-promoting beverage that can benefit your body and mind in numerous ways. From reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and promoting weight loss, to enhancing brain function and reducing stress, green tea’s many compounds offer a wide range of health benefits.

If you’re looking to add more green tea to your diet, consider drinking a cup or two per day, either on its own or as part of a blended tea or latte. Keep in mind that green tea is just one component of a healthy lifestyle, and it’s important to also focus on other factors such as a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and stress management.

By incorporating green tea into your daily routine, you can enjoy its many health benefits and support your overall health and well-being.

Thank you for reading, and we hope you found this guide to the health benefits of green tea informative and helpful.