Five Eye Health Benefits of Drinking Green Tea
Humans have been consuming Green tea for thousands of years for its numerous health benefits. Recent research suggests that consuming Green Tea in a habitual way can reduce the incidence of cataracts and raises the possibility of slowing the progression of cataracts. Here are five ways that habitually consuming green tea can improve your eye health:
- Protects against oxidative stress
Oxidative stress has many negative consequences as it occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ability of the body to detoxify them. ROS is believed to cause damage to the eye’s tissues and lead to the development of eye diseases such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), etc. Green tea is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols that neutralize ROS and protect the eye from oxidative stress. One study found that drinking green tea regularly reduced significantly the risk of cataracts. Dietary polyphenols are a group of natural compounds that have been proposed to have beneficial effects on human health. They were first known for their antioxidant properties, but several studies over the years have shown that these compounds can exert protective effects against chronic diseases.
Even though it is still not confirmed by studies, the role of oxidative stress in important ocular diseases needs to be studied with a view to identifying potential therapeutic targets for future studies. The need is particularly pressing in developing treatments for conditions that remain notoriously difficult to treat, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.
- Reduces inflammation
Inflammation is a defense mechanism that consists of the body’s natural response to injury or infection and is vital to health. However, chronic inflammation can lead to tissue damage and contribute to the development of many diseases, including eye diseases. Green tea contains a polyphenol called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. EGCG has been shown to reduce inflammation in the eye and protect against diseases such as uveitis, an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye.
- Lowers intraocular pressure
Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the pressure of the inside the eye or the measurement of the fluid pressure in your aqueous humor. High IOP is a major risk factor for glaucoma, and damage of the optic nerve that can lead to blindness. Green tea contains compounds called catechins that have been shown to lower IOP. One study found that drinking green tea significantly reduces IOP. However, still more research is required to confirm and determine the optimal dosage and duration of green tea consumption to achieve this effect.
- Improves blood flow to the retina
The retina consists of the light-sensitive layers of nerve tissue at the back of the eye that receive images and sends them as electric signals through the optic nerve to the brain. Blood flow to the retina is crucial for its proper function. Green tea contains flavonoids that improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the retina. This can help prevent retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that can cause blindness.
- Enhances visual acuity and cognitive function
Green tea contains caffeine and L-theanine, two compounds that have been shown to improve cognitive function and enhance alertness. These compounds also improve visual acuity and reaction time, which can benefit activities such as driving and sports. Additionally, green tea has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress, which can have indirect benefits for eye health by reducing the risk of conditions such as dry eye syndrome, which can be exacerbated by stress.
In conclusion, green tea is a natural and effective way to improve eye health. Its numerous benefits include protecting against oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, lowering intraocular pressure, improving blood flow to the retina, and enhancing visual acuity and cognitive function. Making green tea part of your daily diet can improve overall eye health and help prevent a wide range of eye diseases.