by Shaheen Darr

Created on: September 17, 2008   Last Updated: December 31, 2011

The health benefits of green tea have only been recently discovered by the Western world while the Chinese have using green tea for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. This is a drink that should definitely be tried by everyone to enjoy the large number of health giving properties that it claims to provide but making sure that the tea is allowed to brew for a while before drinking it allows the flavour to infuse fully.

Green tea contains catechin polyphenols and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), powerful antioxidants that stop malignant cancer cells from multiplying while leaving normal cells in the body unharmed. According to a study conducted by the  National Cancer Institute, these antioxidants have “substantial free radical scavenging activity” and “may protect cells from DNA damage.” The study, however, pointed to variables like the different types of tea, the methods of their production, people’s lifestyles, their weight and physical activity and their use of tobacco and alcohol that are contributory factors to a person’s risk of developing cancer.

Green tea can prevent cardiovascular disease by lowering the LDL cholesterol that forms blood clots and therefore it helps to prevent strokes and heart attacks. It is the way in which green tea is steamed that helps it to retain the antioxidant EGCG whereas other teas lose their antioxidant properties during the fermentation process.

Apart from all the above health benefits the antioxidants in green tea have made it a popular ingredient in face creams, cosmetics and many other anti ageing products. It is also said to prevent tooth decay and bad breath because of its fluoride content and green tea extract is used in dental products in both India and Asia. It can also help in weight loss by increasing the rate of metabolism and burning calories faster. The caffeine found in green tea, though, is in much smaller quantities than that found in other teas and coffee so the stimulatory effects do not affect the individual adversely.

Green tea can help people with arthritis by reducing inflammation in the joints. It is especially beneficial for those suffering from osteoporosis. For people who suffer from type II diabetes green tea reduces the production of the enzyme amylase that changes the starchy foods we consume into sugar. In addition, it helps reduce blood pressure by strengthening artery walls and controlling angiotensin II that can constrict blood vessels and cause high blood pressure.

Green tea also has antiviral and antibacterial properties that can prevent colds and flu. Its antioxidant properties boost the immune system and keep it protected from harmful bacteria that cause disease in the body.

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