by Anne Christie

Created on: February 27, 2009   Last Updated: March 02, 2009

Green Tea & Its Benefits as an Antioxidant

The different compounds found in green tea such as polyphenols and phytochemicals, produce the antibiotic, antiviral and other properties that boost our health.

Tests done on EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) were found to have excellent penetration of the cells in the body. The purpose of EGCG is to shield the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) in the nucleus from hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is the number one most powerful free radical, whose main purpose is that of cellular destruction.

Well-known benefits of green tea also include use as a cancer fighting agent and boosting the effectiveness of the immune system. The ability to lower destructive cholesterol levels by decreasing the homocysteine levels and the reduction in the clotting tendency of the blood are all important benefits of green tea.

Green tea consists of the dried leaves of the tea plant. The leaves of most "green teas" are allowed to dry naturally, and unlike black tea, green tea does not go through a fermentation process. The fermentation process for black tea is mostly done through the use of chemicals.

The process of turning green tea into black tea causes the destruction of most of the polyphenols, and thereby greatly reduces the antioxidant effectiveness of black tea.

The fermentation process also causes molecular changes in the tea leaves by turning the phytochemicals into tannins. Tannins are one of the most powerful chemicals which are known to block the absorption of iron by the body.

Other beneficial antioxidant properties that have been found in green tea include: the stimulation of the immune system, the deterrence and ability to fight tooth decay, the assistance in regulating blood sugar and insulin levels, the ability to combat mental fatigue, and other beneficial properties for those suffering from asthma.

The antioxidants in green tea are also thought to delay the onset of arteriosclerosis, prevent the enlargementof the prostate, and assist in weight loss. Most Chinese weight loss teas consist primarily of green tea as their base, to which other herbs have been added.

To get the greatest antioxidant effect from the use of green tea, be sure to use it without milk, as milk can hinder the nutritional compounds from being for use by the body. Black tea, on the other hand, you need to use milk with it, in order to decrease the side effects of the tannins so prevalent in black tea.

Drinking green tea is definitely one of the most enjoyable ways of increasing antioxidants. Why not try some today?

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