According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, tea has been a part of the cultures of China and India long before any other nations began consuming it. Today, millions enjoy the health benefits of tea, making it the second-most widely consumed beverage after water. Of the three main varieties of tea -- black, green and oolong -- the UMMC states, green tea has been particularly singled out for its health benefits. UMMC says that green tea, which is made from the unfermented leaves of the plant, contain the highest amount of the antioxidant known as polyphenols, which can neutralize damaging free radicals in the body. Most green tea dietary supplements, UMMC says, are sold as dried leaf tea in capsule form. There are some long-term effects from consuming green tea pills.
Cholesterol
The UMMC states that green tea can lower cholesterol and elevate the levels of HDL or "good" cholesterol. UMMC also says that green tea may have the ability to block absorption of cholesterol in the intestine and promote excretion of cholesterol from the body. It also says that green tea can significantly reduce the levels of bad LDL cholesterol in male smokers.
Cancer
Some of the most extensive studies of the effects of green tea have been done regarding cancer, UMMC says. In countries where the citizens consume green tea on a regular basis, UMMC states, the cancer rates are noticeably lower. It notes that polyphenols in the tea may be the reason for its ability to kill pre-cancerous cells. Some forms of cancer that may be positively affected by green tea include bladder cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer and stomach cancer.
Liver Disease
According to the UMMC, men who consume more than 10 cups of green tea a day were less likely to develop liver disorders than those who avoided tea. In addition, the Center states that green tea has the ability to prevent liver tumors and treat viral hepatitis. Polyphenols known as tea catechins can reduce the inflammation of hepatitis, a common liver disorder. It adds that more testing needs to be done to determine if green tea pills themselves have the same effect.
Weight
Green tea pills may be an effective way to boost your metabolism and burn fat, the Medical News Today reports. The combination of green tea and caffeine, it adds, can boost weight loss results and help people to maintain their weight. Again, tea catechins seem to be responsible for the green tea's fat burning properties.
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