The custom of brewing and enjoying green tea goes back thousands of years--and so do claims about its medical benefits. Studies suggest that it might help prevent or treat certain health problems, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. But most of the possible uses need more study, the National Institutes of Health advises. By the way, although green tea is a less-processed form of black tea, both come from the same plant, an evergreen bush.
Arthritis Prevention
The antioxidants in green tea have motivated researchers to investigate whether it might protect against a variety of conditions. That's because scientists believe antioxidants can neutralize "free radicals," compounds that damage the body and increase the risk of chronic disease, the National Institutes of Health advises. One promising study by the University of Maryland and Rutgers University suggested that green tea may help protect against rheumatoid arthritis. The study was done in rats, and further study is needed in humans, the NIH reported.
Anti-Cancer
Tea's antioxidants also have prompted studies about its possible effects on cancer. A promising study in China found that men who drank green tea were half as likely to develop stomach or esophageal cancer than were non-tea drinkers, the National Cancer Institute reports. In another Chinese study, drinking tea and using a tea extract reduced the size and extent of an oral precancerous condition called leukoplakia. However, studies on other cancers--including stomach, colorectal, lung, breast, prostate and skin--have produced either negative or inconclusive results on tea's effects.
Genital Wart Treatment
A green tea extract has proven effective in treating genital warts caused by the human papilloma virus. A prescription extract called Polyphenon E has been approved as an external, topical treatment for genital warts in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Lower Cholesterol
Preliminary data suggest that drinking green tea may help lower your levels of LDL, so-called bad cholesterol, the National Institutes of Health reports. The evidence is based on laboratory research, animal studies and limited research in humans. The NIH urges further research in humans to clarify green tea's possible benefits.
Mental Alertness
Several studies suggest that drinking green tea may improve your ability to think and to stay alert--although the National Institutes of Health terms the studies done so far as "limited, low-quality research." The evidence of enhanced alertness probably stems from the fact that a cup of green tea contains about 50 mg of caffeine, advises the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Although it's safe for most people, caffeinated green tea is a stimulant that children, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid, cautions the National Institutes of Health. Caffeine also can interact with some medications, so discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Member Comments