Green tea, which is made from unfermented tea or Camellia sinensis leaves, is one of the richest sources of antioxidants known as polyphenols, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The benefits of these antioxidants, which are also available as supplements in capsule, tincture or liquid extract form, have been well-known among the natural health community and people in Eastern countries. However, Harvard Medical School points out that scientific evidence to back up those beliefs is now emerging.
Heart Health
Green tea antioxidants may help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and prevent cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, atherosclerosis and especially coronary artery disease, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not support the evidence that green tea can help prevent heart disease, known risk factors for developing cardiovascular problems such as coronary artery disease and stroke include elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Weight Loss
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 34 percent of Americans over age 20 are overweight and another 34 percent are obese. In 2000, a study published in the "International Journal of Obesity" revealed that a green tea extract could help people struggling to lose extra weight. Antioxidant catechins in the extract were able to increase fat oxidation or burning, indicating that it had thermogenetic abilities.
Blood Glucose Control
Diabetes disrupts insulin activity in the body and causes high levels of blood glucose, which can cause complications such as nerve damage, blindness and kidney disease. Antioxidants in green tea may help control blood glucose levels. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a green tea extract has also been able to reduce hemoglobin A1c levels in people who have prediabetes---an A1c test detects the levels of blood glucose over a 2 or 3 month period.
Brain Protection
High blood levels of beta-amyloid proteins contribute to age-related degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. In a 2006 study published in the "European Journal of Neuroscience," a green tea extract was able to protect the nerves against the ravages of beta-amyloid. Antioxidant flavonols in the extract were linked to this effect, including green tea's most potent flavanol, gallic acid.
Skin Disorders
Green tea antioxidants are increasingly being used in skin care products---and with good reason. In a review of studies on green tea's effect on the skin, researchers from the Department of Dermatology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland revealed that green tea and its polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties that could be useful for treating various skin disorders.
Green tea is not without its risks, however. It may interact with several medications, including beta blockers and chemotherapy and hypertension drugs. Speak to your doctor about taking green tea if you are taking any medications.
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