Inflammation is how the human body responds to an injury. When you get hurt, that part usually gets swollen up and turns red. This kind of inflammation is what we can see and feel.
It is called acute inflammation and is something not to worry about! It is just a way by which the body heals itself and in a couple of days, the hurt body part gets fine gradually.
However, there is another kind of inflammation that you should worry about called chronic inflammation. It occurs in the body silently and you being unaware of its existence.
Chronic inflammation is the main cause of health problems like diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and high BP.
These days, people are too busy to think about their health and well-being. As a result, they end up suffering from many chronic illnesses and sometimes inflammation.
There are certain body signs that you need to pay heed to. Feeling tired all the time and having pain in the body are indicators of the fact that you are suffering from chronic inflammation.
However, there are several ways to fight chronic inflammation and protect the body from diseases.
Proper diet, ample exercise, and changes in lifestyle are the primary tools to fight chronic inflammation. You can combat inflammation by:
- Consuming enough omega 3 fats
- Practicing Yoga
- Avoiding unhealthy fats
- Consuming greens
- Reducing stress
- Exercising regularly
- Getting enough sleep
- Drinking green tea
Green tea is a personal favorite of many and is a staple beverage in Asian countries like China and Japan. It has a plethora of health benefits to offer.
Does green tea help reduce inflammation?
Green tea comes from a plant called Camellia sinensis and contains plant compounds called polyphenols that are powerful antioxidants.
According to scientific research, green tea has the maximum amount of these compounds because unlike black tea, it does not undergo the process of fermentation.
The polyphenols in green tea belong to a class called catechin and there are 6 different catechins in green tea.
Out of the six, epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG is the most active one.
When compared to the remaining five catechins, EGCG is said to have the strongest anti-inflammatory effect, and together these catechins help in fighting inflammatory diseases.
This includes IBDs like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
All the catechins present in green tea are powerful antioxidants. They fight free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals damage the cells in the body. With time it can lead to improper functioning of affected cells and tissues.
All this points to only one direction – free radicals can cause serious damage to the body and cause chronic diseases.
Furthermore, what reduces oxidation reduces inflammation and vice versa.
Overall, green tea does have the ability to reduce inflammation. This is why it is important to consume antioxidants and the best way is to include green tea in your diet.
How much green tea should you drink to prevent inflammation?
There are several chronic diseases due to inflammation but the amount of green tea you should consume to prevent each one of them is not the same.
Also, as per scientific research, the number of cups of green tea one should consume differs for preventing the various types of cancers.
For instance, studies say that consuming 3-4 cups a day can reduce the risk of oral cancer, 5+ cups a day seem to work in minimizing the risk of prostate, pancreatic, and stomach cancer while more than 3 cups a day prevent breast cancer.
In order to prevent diabetes, observational studies say that 6+ cups a day would help. To lower the risk of stroke and heart attack the number is between 1-3 cups a day.
So, after looking at all of the above, the right number of cups per day should fall between 3 and 5.
Please note that the effects of green tea vary from person to person. Due to the presence of caffeine in green tea, some individuals may feel nauseous, have stomach or digestion problems, or have severe headaches.
However, when it comes to overall health benefits, those who drink green tea regularly enjoy better health than those who don’t.
Which is the best green tea for inflammation?
The best green tea to fight inflammation is matcha green tea. It is very different from regular green tea in which you allow the green tea bag to steep and drink the hot liquid after discarding the bag.
Matcha, on the other hand, is a finely ground powder of green tea leaves. You will add this powder to hot water and whisk it up with a traditional bamboo whisk.
When you drink matcha you are ingesting the tea leaves with all of their goodness intact.
Matcha is known to be 10 times stronger than regular green tea.
In spite of this fact, it is less bitter in taste when compared to normal green tea.
Just like all green teas, even matcha has anti-inflammatory properties but the antioxidant levels are surprising.
It has twenty times more antioxidants than foods that contain the maximum number of anti-oxidants, namely, pomegranates and blueberries.
Doesn’t that make matcha the best kind of green tea for fighting inflammation in the body?
Of course, it does!
Which is the best matcha for inflammation?
Now, you must be wondering which brand of matcha green tea works well in fighting inflammation. While matcha is generally good, you should look at brands that are meant for fighting inflammation.
- Zen Spirit Matcha – It is organic, gluten-free, vegan, and pesticide-free with all the health benefits you need!
- Jade Leaf Matcha – It has the highest amount of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effect. It has a sweet aroma and a smooth taste.
- KENKO Matcha – Contains about 137 times the antioxidants of regular green tea and as such can enhance focus and boost metabolism.
Tips to make the perfect Matcha!
Tip no 1: After you boil the water, keep it aside to allow it to cool for 5 minutes before you add matcha powder. This is done to prevent the taste from getting grass-like.
Tip no 2: If you don’t have a traditional bamboo whisk to mix in the matcha tea powder well, you can use the blender! Yes, this way you will save a lot of labor. Just put the powder and a cup of hot water and blend it well. Your perfect cup of matcha will be ready in no time.
