Is Green Tea Anti Inflammatory? Tea Experts Find Out

Is green tea anti inflammatory? 🤔

That’s exactly what we’re trying to find out in this article! We’re going to take a look at the green tea anti inflammatory properties to see why this tea might be able to reduce chronic inflammation.

We’ll also explore the green tea anti inflammatory effects and see how it can lesson the symptoms commonly associated with inflammation.

Let’s get started! 👨‍⚕️

 

Is Green Tea Anti Inflammatory? Watch this to Find the Answer

 

Green tea anti inflammatory benefits explained

So before we answer is green tea anti inflammatory, we first have to understand inflammation. Let’s briefly explain what inflammation is, and the two types of inflammation you might experience.

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is like your body's defense system. When something harmful, like germs or injuries, tries to hurt you, your body fights back. It does this by making the affected area red, swollen, hot, and painful. 

These short term developments are called “acute” inflammation but there is also “chronic” inflammation. Chronic inflammation is when your body's defense system stays on for a really long time, like months or years. It's not as easy to see as when you have a cut or a fever. This long-lasting inflammation can be related to certain health problems like obesity and autoimmune disorders.

What compounds make green tea anti inflammatory 

So if we want to understand why is green tea anti inflammatory, we have to take a look at the different compounds like catechins, polyphenols, flavanoids, theanine and caffeine. In the next section, we’ll cover each of these in greater detail.

If you want to understand more about the chemical composition of the tea leaf, we have the perfect article for you 👉 Chemical Composition of Green Tea

 

Green tea anti inflammatory properties 

So what are the green tea anti inflammatory properties? What makes green tea anti inflammatory is the unique combination of compounds you find in the leaf.

We'll briefly cover each one here, but if you want to learn more about the health properties of green tea, we recommend you go to this article 👉 Is green tea good for you? A Tea Expert Weighs in

Catechins

Green tea is rich in catechins, particularly epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is one of the most potent and well-studied catechins.

EGCG has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing the activity of inflammatory enzymes.

Polyphenols

Green tea is also a rich source of polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. These polyphenols can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which is often associated with chronic inflammation.

Flavonoids

Green tea also contains various flavonoids, which are a group of bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory effects. These flavonoids may help modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation in the body.

Theanine

Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory genes and suppressing the activation of certain immune cells.

Caffeine

While caffeine is typically associated with stimulating effects, it can also have mild anti-inflammatory properties. In moderation, caffeine may help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the activity of certain inflammatory pathways.

If you want to learn more about which teas are highest in caffeine, we recommend you read this great article 👉 Which tea has the most caffeine

 

Green tea anti inflammatory effects 

So now that we have talked about the green tea anti inflammatory properties, let’s talk about the green tea anti inflammatory effects, meaning which symptoms it can help you alleviate.

Reduced Chronic Inflammation

Green tea's bioactive compounds, such as catechins and polyphenols, may help reduce chronic low-grade inflammation in the body, which is associated with various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some autoimmune disorders.

Improved Joint Health

Green tea's anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial for individuals with conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, as it may help reduce joint pain and inflammation.

Cardiovascular Health

Green tea may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation, improving cholesterol levels, and supporting healthy blood pressure.

Enhanced Cognitive Function

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of green tea may benefit brain health and potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Green tea can also help you focus and give you energy.

To learn more about the energy producing effect of green tea, we recommend you read this article all about it 👉 Does matcha give you energy?

Weight Management

Green tea may support weight management efforts by boosting metabolism and potentially reducing inflammation associated with obesity.

If you want to learn more about how green tea can help you reach your weight loss goals, this article is your new best friend 👉 Your Ultimate Green Tea Weight Loss Guide

Immune Support

Green tea can support the immune system by reducing inflammation, which may help the body respond more effectively to infections and illnesses.

Improved Oral Health

Green tea's anti-inflammatory properties can help maintain healthy gums and reduce inflammation in the mouth, potentially lowering the risk of gum disease.

 

Green Tea Anti Inflammatory Skin Benefits

In addition to benefitting overall health, there are also some green tea anti inflammatory skin benefits. Green tea anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help improve skin health and reduce skin conditions related to inflammation, such as acne and psoriasis. 

The antioxidants in green tea can also help maintain collagen production, promoting skin elasticity and potentially reducing the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

 

Best Tea to Unlock Green Tea Anti Inflammatory Benefits?

So which green tea is best for inflammation? Here are a few of our favorites:

Matcha

 

Matcha powder is made from powdered green tea leaves. These leaves are shaded for 3 weeks before harvest in order to develop a smoother and sweeter flavor with less bitterness. Shaded leaves also produce more theanine and caffeine, which can be one of the green tea anti inflammatory properties.

 

The reason matcha is usually at the top of any list when it comes to health benefits is that when you mix it into water, you are consuming the entire leaf along with all of the catechins, caffeine, theanine, polyphenols and more.

Sencha

 

Sencha tea is another good green tea to drink if you are concerned with inflammation. This is the most popular type of green tea in Japan, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t loaded with health benefits! 

 

Sencha is exceptionally high in catechins, which as we discussed before is one of the green tea anti inflammatory properties. 

Gyokuro

 

Gyokuro is sometimes referred to as the “Emperor’s tea” because it used to be the tea of choice for the emperor himself. Just like matcha, gyokuro is shaded for 3 weeks before the harvest in order to develop an intense sweet and savory flavor.

 

This tea is high in caffeine and theanine, making it the perfect tea for long periods of work and study. Gyokuro drinkers report having a longer lasting “calm alert” feeling that lasts throughout the day, without the crash or jitters you might get from coffee. 

 

Is green tea anti inflammatory? The Final Verdict

So is green tea anti inflammatory? Green tea can absolutely help you reduce some of the symptoms of chronic inflammation. It is certainly a healthy drink, but not a panacea for all ailments.

When combined with a healthy diet and exercise, green tea can be a great part of a healthy lifestyle!