What Is Green Tea Leaf Extract?

What Is Green Tea Leaf Extract?
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Green tea (Camellia sinesnsis) is an herb. The plant is native to China and other eastern countries. Green tea extract is a concentrated form of the plant derived from the leaves.

Description

Green tea leaf extract is sold in both capsule and liquid form. These products are considered to be dietary supplements in the herbal category.

Healthful Properties

Green tea extract contains polyphenols, which are powerful flavonoids known for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants fight free radicals in the body, and continue to be studied as a component in cancer prevention.

Uses

Liquid green tea extract can be added to water or other beverages in the amount suggested by supplement's manufacturer. Capsules are taken with water. Potency and concentration vary among brands.

History

Green tea is part of an herbal approach to medicine in China, Japan and other eastern countries. It has been enjoyed as a beverage in Asia for thousands of years.

Popularity

Next to water, green tea is the most consumed beverage in the world.

Warning

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are no known scientific reports on the pediatric use of green tea, so green tea extract is not recommended for children.

References

Article reviewed by Libby Swope Wiersema Last updated on: Dec 13, 2009

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