The health benefits of green tea have been widely studied — mainly due to its abundance of antioxidants, like the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Let’s take a look at the top seven ways that a daily green tea habit can benefit your health.

1. Protects Skin From Aging
The high antioxidant content of green tea protects the skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation from the sun. These polyphenols also reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress, both of which can cause wrinkles, thinning skin, and accelerated external aging.

2. L-Theanine Provides Calm Focus
Another beneficial compound in green tea is L-theanine, an amino acid that also functions as an antioxidant. L-theanine provides you with calm and focused energy, which is why green tea typically doesn’t leave you jittery or anxious, like coffee can.

3. Supports Memory and Cognition
L-theanine supports brain health, as seen by improvements in memory, cognitive performance, and mood. Many neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease, are caused by excess inflammation and oxidative stress, which green tea’s antioxidants can help fight against.

4. May Help With Weight Loss
Although research is mixed, some studies show that EGCG in green tea supports healthy weight management and may influence fat burning. The greatest effects are typically seen ​when you consume green tea at three to four cups per day.

5. Cancer-Fighting Capabilities
The polyphenolic compounds in green tea have been shown to fight cancer cell growth in lab and animal studies. Although studies with humans are limited, cancer rates tend to be lower in countries that regularly drink green tea, like Japan.

6. Helps Balance Blood Sugar
Higher green tea consumption is linked to a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes and lower fasting blood sugar levels.

7. Linked to Longevity
Lastly, green tea consumption is linked to longer lifespans — one study found that older adults who drank higher amounts of green tea were 75% less likely to die during the 6-year study.