In the advertisement field glutted with enhanced performance, energy drinks and beverages, green tea might seem just another drink on the sideline.

Please reconsider, this beverage, hot or chilled, maybe perhaps the most beneficial to a fitness-oriented individual besides water.

All teas come from the same source, Camellia sinensis; however, how it’s prepared determines its color.

Fermenting tea for longer periods destroys most of the beneficial substances.

How green tea affects your body while exercising?

You might ask. Working out has benefits, yes, but then also it has detrimental effects.

Exercise is known to increase oxidation of cells in the body, which releases free radicals which in turn auto-oxidizes the cell that produced them, destroying cellular DNA, lipid structure and protein assembly.

These radicals contribute to the speedy aging of cells and promote health problems like cancer.

This is where green tea comes to the rescue. Green tea contains polyphenols, a family of powerful antioxidants.

The most concentrated polyphenol in green tea is Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) which is known to be several times more potent than α-Tocopherol (Vitamin E).

Not only does Green tea serves as an antioxidant but also;

• Lowers cholesterol levels by inhibiting its absorption and also reduces the excessive production of cholesterol.
• Reduces blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels
• Inhibit atherosclerosis (thickening of blood vessels)
• Promotes the growth of intestinal fauna, ensuring optimal digestion of food.
• Has anti-inflammatory capabilities
• The presence of polyphenolic compounds produces antimicrobial and antitoxic that are useful to the body.
• Has been known to protect against the effects of radiation therapy in patients.

Fitness instructors always stress the need to drink green tea before a workout session. This is why…

Green tea increases metabolism

Metabolism is required for the production of energy, and increased metabolism is better since more energy is produced for longer workouts to burn more calories.

Increase muscle mass

The leaner you are the more energy you burn since muscle metabolism rate is higher compared to fat tissue metabolism. Green tea replenishes muscle mass.

Burns visceral fats

These fats have been linked to metabolic syndromes and type II diabetes therefore the caffeine in green tea promotes fat burning by increased thermogenesis (heat production) while EGCg promotes its metabolism.

These two work in tandem.

Enhanced stamina and endurance

The polyphenols promote the use of fats as an energy source as well as muscles; this provides more energy for longer endurance during workouts to achieve desired effects.

Weight Maintenance

Drinking green tea regularly reduces weight gain from high-fat diets, therefore you can still have that burger and fries without worry.