Japan, the country with the world’s highest life expectancy at birth, may owe its longevity to a hot drink that is readily available in the UK. Women in Japan live an average of 86.6 years and men 79.6 years.
In contrast, the UK’s life expectancy at birth for 2020 to 2022 was 78.6 years for males and 82.6 years for females, a figure that has been declining for some time. Some experts attribute this disparity to the Japanese diet and lifestyle, which includes a high intake of Omega-3 fish and a ‘superdrink’ known as green tea.
Green tea, particularly matcha, has been a staple in Japan for centuries. This tea, made from minimally processed Camellia sinensis leaves, retains a high concentration of bioactive compounds, according to Marca.
Amazon sells green tea for £7.98 for 80 bags, equating to just 10p per bag. Health guru Dr Michael Mosley, who sadly passed away earlier this year, highlighted the benefits of black and green tea.
These teas are rich in flavan-3-ols, a subgroup of healthy plant compounds found in many foods, which improve blood pressure and blood flow among other heart-healthy benefits. Research published in the Advances in Nutrition journal shows that 400-600mg of flavan-3-ols a day – the equivalent of two to four cups of tea – is enough to produce such benefits, reports Surrey Live.
Polyphenols, beneficial plant compounds with antioxidant properties, could be the key to maintaining your health and warding off various diseases. These powerful antioxidants can prevent or reverse cell damage caused by ageing, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Dr Mosley, a fan of black tea, recently revealed: “I’m a huge fan of black tea, but what I happen to be drinking at the moment is green tea, and this is rich in a polyphenol known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG, and that is loads of benefits, including, Apparently, it’s terribly good for the brain.”
Green tea, packed with health benefits, can help you burn more fat, break down harmful plaques in your blood vessels, and potentially fend off diseases such as dementia. Drinking green tea may reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke – thanks to a polyphenol called pigallocatechin-3-gallate.
Scientists from the University of Leeds have shown that this compound can bind to and break up potentially dangerous plaques in your blood vessels. Moreover, compounds in green tea may also help you burn more visceral fat. This is the fat that accumulates inside your organs and has been linked to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
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In a small study, people who took a green tea extract before exercising burnt 17 per cent more abdominal fat than those who didn’t take the sample. .
“How does it work? Well one theory is green tea might increase the number of mitochondria, the power houses in your cells which in turn could increase your energy expenditure. And even more surprisingly there’s been research that suggests the polyphenol in green tea I mentioned earlier, EGCG, can boost your brain power and may even protect your brain from diseases like dementia. “.
Research has shown that green tea is packed with catechins, a type of antioxidant, which fights against cell damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants can lower the risk of long-term diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers.
Studies have found that drinking green tea regularly can boost metabolism and burn fat. This not only helps with weight control but also has positive effects on overall metabolic health.
The caffeine and amino acids in green tea, such as L-theanine, can improve brain function and protect against age-related mental decline. This is especially important in a country where the population is ageing quickly.
Drinking green tea is a big part of Japanese culture. Tea ceremonies are a form of meditation and social connection that helps emotional and mental well-being. This practice not only promotes calm and reflection but also strengthens community bonds.
