About Green Tea

Camellia sinensis, known more commonly as green tea, is much more than a refreshing beverage. Green tea extracts are in shampoo, diet pills, skin moisturizers and even perfumes. One of nature's finest and seemingly simple creations holds the power to ward off cancer, lower bad cholesterol, prevent cardiovascular disease and aid in weight loss. Green tea has been used medicinally in China for more than 4,000 years, but in recent years has benefited tea drinkers worldwide.

Function

Green tea is brewed to release powerful catechin polyphenols, antioxidants composed of six compounds with the most potent known as EGCG for short. Unfermented green tea leaves are seeped, unlocking the high antioxidant concentration of EGCG, which inhibits cancer cell growth and prevents blood clots from forming. Antioxidants combat environmental toxins and free radicals found within the human body. Consuming a sufficient amount of green tea to fight off disease and other harmful effects is beneficial to your health.

Features

Composed of EGCG, the most active polyphenol in the plant, green tea also contains alkaloids. These particular organic compounds, which include caffeine, theophylline and theobromine, are stimulants in green tea. Green tea is sold in capsule form, concentrated liquid, dried tea leaves and leaf bud extracts. The amount of polyphenols in 1 cup of green tea is approximately 50 to 150 mg per serving. The amount of caffeine found in an 8-oz. cup of green tea is between 35 to 75 mg.

Benefits

Green tea works hard at ridding the body of harmful agents, protecting against potential damage they may cause. Drinking 4 to 5 cups of green tea daily provides numerous health benefits. Taking green tea extracts in the form of pills or supplements is effective as well. Some such benefits of drinking green tea or consuming green tea extracts are its ability to raise the good cholesterol HDL, rejuvenate aging skin, decrease gas buildup, promote digestive health, balance glucose levels, and burn unwanted fat.

Identification

The Camellia sinensis shrub or tree yields other teas besides green tea. Black and oolong tea come from the leaves of the plant as well. Used in the dried form, unfermented green tea leaves are somewhat bitter in flavor. Additionally, green tea is higher in polyphenol and lower in caffeine in comparison to the other teas, although they come from the same source. This is because oolong and black teas are at least partially fermented when prepared. The amount of leaf fermentation affects the polyphenol to caffeine ratio.

Geography

Green tea, originally found in East Asia, now grows throughout the continent in addition to parts of Africa and the Middle East. Traditionally, green tea along with oolong tea has been most popular in Asia, while black tea is commonly drank in the United States. Since the discovery of so many potential health benefits, green tea has become increasingly popular in America and other parts of the western world.

Resources

• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine