Green tea leaves have long been valued in Asia for their medicinal properties. The potency of their properties depends largely upon the time of harvest, geographical location as well as the method of processing. The medicinal benefits of green tea leaves are higher compared with other teas partly because they undergo a very gentle type of processing that protects its active compounds. The most significant medicinal compound found in green tea leaves are polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant. In addition to antioxidants, green tea leaves also contain other healthy components, such as polysaccharides, vitamins and trace minerals.
Cardiovascular Health
Green tea leaves contain cholesterol-lowering properties that provide cardiovascular benefits to consumers. A 2006 study published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" led by Shinichi Kuriyama, MD, PhD, reviewed data gathered for 11 years on 40,000 adults who drank at least one cup of green tea daily. Results concluded that participants who drank green tea were less likely to die of cardiovascular disease than those who did not. The mechanism of action involves green tea leaves' ability to lower cholesterol blood levels by reducing its absorption in the digestive tract, says Judith Stanton, MD, physician at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley, California.
Dental Health
Green tea leaves contain antioxidants called catechins that improve dental health. A 2009 clinical trial published in the "Journal of Periodontology" studied the dental health of almost 1000 men and concluded that those who drank green tea daily had superior oral health than subjects who consumed less green tea. The study's lead researcher, Dr. Yoshihiro Shimazaki of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, said that catechin benefits dental health by blocking the adherence of bacteria to dental tissues.
Brewing and Dosage Recommendations
When purchasing green tea, look for leaves that are bright green in color and that have a clean, fresh fragrance, recommends Cynthia Gold, tea sommelier at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers. The medicinal compounds found in green tea leaves are delicate and brewing must be completed properly in order to preserve them. Pour boiling water over the tea leaves and allow them to steep for three minutes. Most research conducted in recent years is based on the consumption of approximately three cups of green tea per day. Just one cup of green tea imparts health benefits greater than a serving of spinach, broccoli or strawberries.
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