Importance Of Green Tea In The Human System

Manufacturers use dried and steamed Camellia sinensis plant leaves to make green tea. While popularly consumed as tea, green tea can become an extract for other purposes. Long linked to health benefits, scientists only recently began studies of green tea to confirm its medicinal properties, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

Health-affirming Properties

Green tea's leaf, stem and bud contain important molecules known as polyphenols, which are likely the elements most responsible for the claimed health benefits, according to Medline Plus. The polyphenols in green tea are catechins -- antioxidants that help reduce aging's detrimental effects on the body. They may help reduce inflammation and swelling, fight infections and hinder growth of abnormal cells, which can lead to a lower risk of certain health problems.

Cancer Risk Reduction

Some research suggests that regularly drinking green tea can reduce your risk of various cancers, including cancers of the breast, skin, lung, colon, esophagus, ovary, pancreas and bladder. In a study published in a 2005 issue of "Archives of Internal Medicine," researchers found that women who drank at least two cups of green tea per day were 46 percent less likely to get ovarian cancer than women who drank no green tea.

Heart Disease Risk Reduction

The antioxidants in green tea may help reduce or block oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Because oxidized LDL cholesterol can cause inflammation in your arteries and promote plaque buildup, having lower levels reduces your risk of stroke and heart attack. Drinking green tea may also increase your "good" HDL cholesterol and boost your artery function, further reducing your risk of heart disease. According to a 2004 study published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine," people who regularly drank green tea had a 46 to 65 percent lower risk of high blood pressure -- a risk factor for heart disease -- than those who didn't drink tea.

Weight Loss Theories

Products containing green tea extract may help increase your metabolism and burn fat, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The catechins in green tea may be responsible for this effect, suggests a 2010 study published in "Obesity" journal. In the study, the group of overweight Chinese individuals that consumed the largest amount of green tea catechins had the greatest decrease in body mass, waist size and body weight when compared with the control group that consumed no green tea catechins.

Recommendations and Considerations

People in Asian countries generally drink three or more cups of green tea per day, according to the American Cancer Society. To brew a cup, steep 1 to 2 tsp. of dried green tea in a cup of boiling water for three to 15 minutes. Although herbs are natural and have a long use in treating disease, there is no guarantee that they are safe or effective for all people. Green tea can interact negatively with certain herbs, supplements or medications and it may exacerbate health problems such as stomach ulcers, anxiety, kidney disorders and heart problems, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Ask your doctor how much green tea you can safely drink.