Medicinal Benefits Of Green Tea

Green tea is less processed than black tea, which helps it keep its natural antioxidants. The antioxidant from green tea most associated with health is epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, says that people use the benefits of green tea by drinking it in tea form or by taking supplements with green tea extracts. The center says that the extracts have had side effects in the liver. Discuss the use of tea with your doctor, because it could counteract some medications.

Cancer

The NCCAM says that research has supported the idea that green tea may slow down or prevent some types of cancer. However, it notes that more research is needed because the results are inconclusive. The World's Healthiest Foods says that it is the EGCG in the green tea that seems to be linked with its possible cancer-fighting capabilities.

Heart Health

The World's Healthiest Foods cites a 2006 European study and a 2006 Japanese study that both connect green tea to lower rates of cardiovascular disease. The European study found the polyphenols were the component of green tea causing this effect. The Japanese study was longitudinal over a period of 11 years. It found that cardiovascular disease was only one type of death-causing disease that green tea prevented and that green tea lowered all health-related causes of death. The World's Healthiest Foods says that green tea has also been shown to help the heart by lowering risks of coronary artery disease. Speak to your physician before using green tea as a method of treatment.

Mouth Health

Green tea contains fluoride, which helps keep teeth healthy, and substances in it protect the mouth from gum disease and decaying teeth, according to Victoria Zak in "20,000 Secrets of Tea." But it should not be used in place of proper dental care.

Other Benefits

Green tea has been shown to have many other health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, maintaining blood sugar, protecting the body from colds and flus, aiding minor respiratory concerns and keeping brain cells safe after a stroke. Consult with your doctor before using green tea as a treatment method.