Green tea and the digestive system, a surprising connection
Drinking green tea not only helps you stay alert but can also make it easier for you to get lost. This comes from three main factors: caffeine, water and relaxants in tea.
According to professional therapist Sarah Bence (USA), green tea contains caffeine, a substance that helps stimulate bowel movements, that is, makes the digestive system work more smoothly. In addition, when you drink tea, you are also providing extra water for your body. If you are dehydrated, you may have constipation, so supplementing water through green tea is also an indirect way to soften and make it easier to pass.
In addition, green tea also contains L-theanine, a compound that helps reduce stress. And stress is also a common cause of digestive disorders, especially constipation. Therefore, relaxing with a glass of green tea not only helps the mind relax but is also good for the digestive system.
Long-term benefits for the intestines
Not only does green tea have an immediate effect, it is also highly appreciated by experts for its long-term benefits for the digestive system. Dr. Sohaib Imtiaz ( Imperial College London) said that compounds in green tea, especially catechin, have the ability to reduce inflammation in the intestines. This is very beneficial for people with inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
One study showed that people who drank green tea before colon endoscopy felt more comfortable, less nausea and abdominal pain, thereby making the endoscopy process more smooth.
Not stopping there, green tea also helps change the intestinal microflora, that is, balancing the amount of good and bad bacteria in the intestines. When the microbiome is healthy, you will digest better and reduce the risk of intestinal diseases, including colorectal cancer.
In addition, green tea also helps slow down the digestion of starch, helping you control blood sugar better, especially if you often eat a lot of white blood sugar, cakes or French fries.
What to note when drinking green tea?
Some studies show that green tea can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications such as blood pressure drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs or anticoagulants. If you are receiving medication, consult your doctor before drinking green tea regularly.
