Green tea is one of three main varieties; black and oolong are the other two. The difference exists in their processing. Green tea is made from unfermented leaves. According to the University Maryland Medical Center, it reportedly contains the highest concentration of antioxidants that are also called polyphenols. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals, which are damaging compounds in the body that alter cells and cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins increase and power these damaging particles.
Antioxidants and Free Radicals
Free radicals contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of illnesses, including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants like polyphenols in green tea work to neutralize free radicals and reduce or even help prevent some of the damage free radicals cause. The UMMC tells us that green tea has been studied in people, animals and laboratory experiments. Results from these studies suggest that green tea may be useful in a variety of health conditions.
History
Chinese and Indian medicinal practitioners use green tea as a stimulant, a diuretic to reduce excess water in the body, an astringent to control bleeding and disinfect wounds and to improve heart health. Other historical uses of green tea include treating excess gas, regulating body temperature, controlling blood sugar, facilitating digestion and improving mental clarity. Even in the very early years, the Chinese began to notice the health benefits of green teas. Tea made it's way to Japan in the 800s. The Japanese developed Sencha, Matcha and Bancha teas. The introduction of Oolong and black teas happened sometime after 1600 AD.
Considerations
Japanese studies quoted by O-Cha.com suggest that green tea may be a helpful addition to a reasonable exercise and eating routine for weight loss. It has been found to help burn an extra 80 calories per day and provide a slight increase in metabolism when a person consumes 3 to 5 cups of green tea per day. The UMMC tells us that the polyphenols in tea, especially green tea, play a role in the prevention of cancer because polyphenols help kill cancerous cells and stop their progression. Many studies involving green tea and cancer are still in the early stages of development as of 2010.
Heart Disease Prevention
In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rejected a petition from tea makers to allow tea labels to claim that green tea reduces the risk of heart disease because the FDA concluded that there is no credible evidence to support these health claims. The UMMC states that population-based studies have shown a reduction in cholesterol levels in the blood and a reduction in atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of plaque in the arteries. These are two major risk factors for heart disease.
Potential
Japanese Times Online encourages drinking green tea to imbibe many good health benefits, from clean breath and strong teeth to weight loss and lower blood pressure. However, there are other uses for green tea other than ingesting it. Shape the wet leaves into a pack and pat it onto your face to banish wrinkles and age spots. The old leaves can then be used to clean every room of the house, including floors, counters and bathrooms. The remaining tea leaves can become superior compost for your garden.
Warning
A knowledgeable health professional should guide your ingestion of any herbal supplement. Although health benefits are real and desirable, there are always risks. Green tea may interact with some prescription medications like sedatives, antibiotics, heart medication and chemotherapy. Consult an expert to ensure your safety when planning to consume medicinal levels of green tea.
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