by James R Coffey

Created on: October 09, 2010

Many people ask, ‘why bother with the green tea habit?’ Here’s what we know:

People throughout the world drink more tea than any other beverage except water.  The Japanese, who enjoy the lowest rate of heart disease and greatest longevity of all the industrialized nations, drink green tea almost exclusively.  (American coffee shops and cafes are springing up all over Japan, but the Japanese people by and large still prefer their traditional drink.)  So, is that reason enough to switch from coffee or black tea to green?  Maybe not.  But look at all the other benefits.

Epidemiological studies show a lower rate of cancer in regions of the world where green tea is consumed regularly.  In fact, people who drink four to six cups a day have a much lower incidence of liver, pancreatic, breast, lung, esophageal, and skin cancers than people who drink less green tea or none at all.  (Yes, ladies Japanese women have half the incidence of breast cancer as American women.)  And studies show that this trend spans generations.

Green tea inhibits the production of platelet activity, a cause of blood “clumping.”  Many heart attacks are caused by the aggravation of blood platelets which form blood clots that accumulate as plaque on artery walls and block the flow of blood through arteries.  Green tea also reduces high blood pressure, another factor in heart disease.  In the US, a growing number of doctors are actually prescribing green tea for cardiac patients.

Studies show that animals that maintain moderate blood-sugar levels live longer lives with fewer physical ailments.  Green tea helps maintain those levels by restricting caloric levels-which also makes it valuable when trying to control weight.

Japanese studies also show that green tea keeps influenza in check by building immunity.  In fact, green tea and its active constituents are regularly prescribed in the East to treat colds and flu.

The Journal of the Japanese Society of Food Science and Technology reports that green tea inhibits growth of bacteria that causes halitosis (bad breath).  It is also thought to prevent gum disease, reduce the incidence of cavities, and stop acne. The Japanese traditionally drink a small pot of green tea after each meal to make the mouth feel clean and refreshed-and not be offensive.

So, what do you think? Is that reason enough?

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