5 Ways Green Tea Helps Women’s Health

Green Tea is one of the foods that has been systematically studied by scientists. These studies show abundant evidence that Green Tea promotes good health with beneficial properties, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenesis. While both men and women share many health concerns, some are exclusive to women. And some affect women more significantly than men. In this article, we will feature Green Tea’s benefits on health issues specific to women.

1. Breast Cancer and Green Tea

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. In the US, 1 in 8 women develops breast cancer sometime in life. [1]

A meta-analysis study of breast cancer risk and recurrence was conducted with more than 5,600 breast cancer cases. The study found that increased Green Tea consumption resulted in a 20-30% lower risk of development of breast cancer and its recurrence. [2]

Triple-negative breast cancer is usually more aggressive and harder to treat. The studies in vitro observed Green Tea’s phytochemical, EGCG, inhibited the growth and proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer cells. [3]

Ovarian and Cervical Cancer and Green Tea

A systematic review of the in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological studies found there were significant associations between Green Tea intake and both decreased ovarian cancer occurrence and better prognosis. [4]

Studies have observed Green Tea’s compound, EGCG, has anti-cancer effects, affecting every stage of cancer cell development. A study investigated if EGCG was potent against human cervical cancer cells, and the team observed EGCG demonstrated the cancer cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, the programmed cell death, of cervical cancer cells. [5]

2. Reproductive System and Green Tea

The benefit to the female reproductive system goes further. According to the study published in the “Molecule” (the international peer-reviewed journal of chemistry) in May 2021, Green Tea promotes ovulation and reduces menstrual cramps and pain during the period by reducing uterine contractions and the stress hormone, cortisol. [6]

A remarkable study regarding male fertility was also mentioned in the above report–rats were exposed to lead, which compromises their fertility, then they were fed with Green Tea bioactive compounds. The results showed that reproductive reduction was prevented by significant increases in sperm count, motility, and testosterone level. This report suggests this effect may be due to the ability of green tea to inhibit absorption and promote the excretion of heavy metals. [7]

3. Depression, Anxiety, and Green Tea

According to Mayo Clinic, women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression. The risk of depression may be increased due to frequent hormonal changes that women experience in their life. And the increased risk is not only due to women’s biological uniqueness, but also to life circumstances and culture surrounding women, such as inequality in power and status, work overload, and sexual and physical abuse. [8]

Green Tea consumption induces calmness and reduces stress. This effect is attributed to 2 bioactive compounds of Green Tea, L-theanine, and EGCG. L-theanine is a kind of amino acid uniquely found in Green Tea. L-theanine is also a natural relaxant and makes you relaxed without drowsiness. In addition to that, EGCG, Green Tea’s prominent antioxidant, has shown to increase 3 brain waves; alpha, beta, and theta. Alpha waves are associated with a relaxing and peaceful state. Beta waves occur with a focused concentration. Theta brain wave activity represents a very relaxed state of mind, like daydreaming. Green Tea consumption induces calmness and reduces stress. [9]

Recently, gut health was discovered to affect mood via the “gut-brain axis.” For example, 90% of serotonin is created in the intestine. Higher serotonin makes you feel happier, more confident, and more optimistic. Green Tea consumption was associated with an increase in the secretion of serotonin and dopamine, which enhances motivation and impulsivity. [10] And Green Tea improves intestinal flora as a prebiotic. [11]

4. Autoimmune Diseases and Green Tea

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system overreacts and attacks the healthy cells. And 80% of the patients are women. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, Green Tea has a powerful ability to increase the number of T-cells that play a key role in immune function and suppression of autoimmune diseases. Researchers say pharmaceutical drugs develop toxicity but natural foods may provide a long-term, sustainable way to help control inflammation and improve immune function without toxicity. The researcher says EGCG of Green Tea influences the healthy activity of cells without affecting the underlying DNA codes. [12]

Dysregulation of immunity in human chronic intraocular inflammation causes autoimmune symptoms and visual impairment. The disorders are associated with autoimmune responses to retinal proteins. A study using mice with autoimmune disorders observed Green Tea Catechins eliminated the symptoms of vision function by inhibiting pro-inflammatory gene expression. The study reported the therapeutic effects of Green Tea are comparable to Dexamethasone, a drug used to treat certain types of autoimmune diseases without the adverse side effects on the liver and kidney. [13]

5. Osteoporosis and Green Tea

Caffeine is one of the natural constituents in Green Tea, and caffeine is known to leach calcium from bone and weaken the bone. Despite the caffeine content, numerous studies are finding Green Tea reduces the risk of osteoporosis and helps bone health. [14] How is it possible?

Bone is living tissue and is constantly being broken down and replaced. Osteoblasts, Osteocytes, and Osteoclasts are proteins secreted from bone cells. Osteoblasts are responsible for mineralization and new bone formation. Osteocytes are for maintaining bone mass, and Osteoclasts break down the aged bone as part of the “remodeling” process. Osteoporosis occurs when the breakdown process outpaces the bone formation and the bone becomes fragile and fractures easily.

Estrogen is a major promotor of the healthy bone formation metabolism involving the proteins, Osteoblasts, Osteocytes, and Osteoclasts. Due to the fall in estrogen levels, women in menopause are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Numerous studies have reported Green Tea intake helps bone health. One of the new studies that was conducted with postmenopausal females nationwide in Korea also demonstrated the positive relationship between Green Tea consumption and bone health. [15]

Green Tea helps bone health in 4 ways:

1. Mitigating bone loss from antioxidative stress action

2. Mitigating bone loss from anti-inflammatory action

3. Increasing the number of Osteoblast and bone formation

4. Suppressing Osteoclast development and Osteoclastic activity [14]

The evidence that Green Tea helps promote women’s health is phenomenal. We offer a variety of clean and high-quality Green Tea products, including Matcha and Sencha powder, which are made from the same plant but offer a different nutritional profile. Click the link to learn more about the differences. Undeniably, quality organic Green Tea makes a wonderful choice for women to enjoy as a simple and healthy routine.