#949

I'm so grateful for rainy days like today, or for any of the days that I get to spend at home, because I get to spend time with the 3 important things that everyone needs, but I usually neglect..

I cannot emphasize enough how important green tea is to our bodies.

I was never a real green tea drinker until my sister brewed a cup of it for me when I was freaking out so badly over my finals a few semesters ago.

(I was always more of a Pokka green tea fan than a real brewed green tea fan.)

I then decided to google the benefits of green tea and was surprised to find out the numerous health benefits green tea has for us!

Just to name a few....

1. Weight Loss. Green tea increases the metabolism. The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories. 

2. Diabetes. Green tea apparently helps regulate glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes and resulting fat storage. 

3. Heart Disease. Scientists think, green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping keep them stay relaxed and better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. It may also protect against the formation of clots, which are the primary cause of heart attacks. 

4. Esophageal Cancer. It can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, but it is also widely thought to kill cancer cells in general without damaging the healthy tissue around them.

5. Cholesterol. Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol. 

6. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. It is said to delay the deterioration caused by Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Studies carried out on mice showed that green tea protected brain cells from dying and restored damaged brian cells.

7. Tooth Decay. Studies suggests that the chemical antioxidant “catechin” in tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections, dental caries and other dental conditions 

8. Blood Pressure. Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. 

9. Depression. Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and be a great benefit to tea drinkers.

10.  Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial. Tea catechins are strong antibacterial and antiviral agents which make them effective for treating everything from influenza to cancer. In some studies green tea has been shown to inhibit the spread of many diseases. 

11. Skincare. Green tea can apparently also help with wrinkles and the signs of aging, This is because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Both animal and human studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can reduce sun damage.

Taken from: X

So yes! Everyone should drink green tea, daily if possible! 

And the next most important thing that is a need for survival actually.... Water.

 Everyone needs to drink plenty of water, as a kid, I've always been taught to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day but I've never been a fan of plain water once again. I always choose sugared drinks over plain water because plain water is, well, plain.

And if you need further convincing, here are some benefits of drinking water:

1. Lose weight: Drinking water helps you lose weight because it flushes down the by-products of fat breakdown. Drinking water reduces hunger, it’s an effective appetite suppressant so you’ll eat less. Plus, water has zero calories. 

2. Natural Remedy for Headache: Helps to relieve headache and back pains due to dehydration. Although many reasons contribute to headache, dehydration is the common one. 

3. Look Younger with Healthier Skin: You’ll look younger when your skin is properly hydrated. Water helps to replenish skin tissues, moisturizes skin and increases skin elasticity. 

4. Better Productivity at Work: Your brain is mostly made up of water, thus drinking water helps you think better, be more alert and more concentrated. 

5. Better Exercise: Drinking water regulates your body temperature. That means you’ll feel more energetic when doing exercises. Water also helps to fuel your muscle. 

6. Helps in Digestion and Constipation: Drinking water raises your metabolism because it helps in digestion. Fiber and water goes hand in hand so that you can have your daily bowel movement. 

7. Less Cramps and Sprains: Proper hydration helps keep your joints and muscles lubricated, so you’ll less likely get cramps and sprains. 

8. Less Likely to Get Sick and Feel Healthy: Drinking plenty of water helps fight against flu and other ailments like kidney stones and heart attack. Water adds with lemon is used for ailments like respiratory disease, intestinal problems, rheumatism and arthritis etc. In another words one of the benefits of drinking water is that it can improve your immune system. 

9. Relieves Fatigue: Water is used by the body to help flush out toxins and waste products from the body. If your body lacks water, your heart, for instance, needs to work harder to pump out the oxygenated blood to all cells, so are the rest of the vital organs, your organs will be exhausted and so will you. 

10. Good Mood: Your body feels very good and that’s why you feel happy. 

11. Reduce the Risk of Cancer: Related to the digestive system, some studies show that drinking a healthy amount of water may reduce the risks of bladder cancer and colon cancer. Water dilutes the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and shortens the time in which they are in contact with bladder lining.

Taken from: X

And last but not least, reading.

From my previous blog posts, I think everyone here knows how much I love to read. I can't do so when I'm out with friends, or when I'm working. Wq doesn't really like it when I read when I'm supposed to be spending time with him, so the only place I can really read as much as I want to, is at home.

I don't think I need to spell out the benefits of reading, do I?