Green tea has been treasured for centuries in countries like China and Japan, not only as a comforting drink but also as a natural health booster. You may have heard that this beverage has anti-inflammatory properties, but what is the real science behind it?
Yes, green tea can help lower types of inflammation, thanks to plant compounds called catechins, especially one known as EGCG. This compound can help calm inflammatory signals so they don’t get stuck in the “on” position. EGCG also helps neutralize free radicals that contribute to inflammation.
What Is Inflammation and Why Does It Matter?
Inflammation is your body’s response to injury, infection, or stress. In small spurts, it’s a good thing. Your immune system can heal cuts, fight viruses, and repair damaged tissue!
The problem is chronic inflammation, the kind that sticks around for long periods of time. Long-term inflammation is linked to heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, obesity, digestive problems, and cognitive decline. Because of this, anti-inflammatory foods are great to incorporate in the diet.
2 Key Benefits of Green Tea
1. It Calms Inflammation Signals
Your body uses chemical signals to turn inflammation on and off. When these signals get too strong or stay active too long, they can contribute to chronic inflammation–the kind linked to heart disease, arthritis, and other health issues.
Studies show that EGCG from green tea can help quiet these overactive signals, making the body less likely to stay in an inflammatory state (1).
2. It Works as a Natural Antioxidant
Inflammation and oxidative stress go hand-in-hand. Oxidative stress happens when too many harmful molecules build up in the body.
Green tea is packed with antioxidants that help neutralize those harmful molecules, which helps lower inflammation in total.
What the Science Says About Green Tea and Inflammation
- Green tea can lower certain inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-ɑ) which is linked to chronic inflammation (2).
- People with conditions involving higher inflammation (like metabolic syndrome) seem to benefit the most.
- Green tea also boosts the body’s antioxidant defenses, which adds another layer of protection.
How to Reap the Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Green Tea
- By drinking just one to three cups per day, you can reap the anti-inflammatory benefits. To get the most out of it, drink freshly brewed green tea, avoid added sugar, and choose high quality tea.
- Pairing it with an overall healthy lifestyle that involves regular movement, good sleep, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and managing stress, is the best recommendation.
Green tea does not magically erase inflammation on its own, but as part of a healthy routine, it’s a simple science-backed habit that can help support your body’s natural ability to manage inflammation.
Resources:
Ohishi T, Goto S, Monira P, Isemura M, Nakamura Y. Anti-inflammatory Action of Green Tea. Antiinflamm Antiallergy Agents Med Chem. 2016;15(2):74-90. doi:10.2174/1871523015666160915154443
Haghighatdoost F, Hariri M. The effect of green tea on inflammatory mediators: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Phytother Res. 2019;33(9):2274-2287. doi:10.1002/ptr.6432
