Green tea is rich in catechin polyphenols, (in particular –> epigallocatechin gallate *EGCG*. EGCG is a potent anti-oxidant. It has been impressive in lowering LDL cholesterol levels and repressing aberrant formation of blood clots which is a major cause of heart attack and stroke.
Green tea can suppress the growth of cancer cells and can kill cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue.
Amazingly, the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low (who drink great amounts of Green tea). About seventy-five percent ( 75%) are smokers. EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol and could have a lot to do with such a low incident of heart related disease.
Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in red grape skins: a powerful antioxidant present in many plants and plant products, especially in red grape skins.
Why Green Tea and not other varieties? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Simply, it is the way they process Green tea that sets it apart from other teas. Green tea leaves are steamed, and keeps the EGCG compound from being oxidized. Oolong and black tea leaves are made from fermented leaves. Because of this, EGCG is being converted into other compounds. These compounds are not as hard-hitting in inhibiting disease or combating illness.
Well, guess what? That isn’t all Green Tea can do. Green Tea can help you if you are dieting by helping to burn more calories.
Green Tea can also help fight or even prevent tooth decay. It helps to kill bacteria that causes plaque. Imaging that! I’ve read that Green Tea may also ward off botchulism.
Green Tea contains less caffeine than coffee but there have been reports of sleeplessness when drinking it. I would imagine this happens to those who are very sensitive to caffeine. As far as I know, this has been the only negative side-effect from drinking Green Tea. I did hear of a mother and daughter that died and they insinuated that over dosing on Green Tea was the cause. I highly doubt that though. I drink more than my share and have never had ill effects.
A couple other conditions that Green Tea has been known to help:
rheumatoid arthritis
infection
impaired immune function
