The Chinese culture has been using green tea for it’s medicinal properties for thousands of years. Green tea is rich in catechin polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin gallate, known as EGCG, which is a powerful antioxidant. EGCG is known to kill cancer cells while leaving healthy tissue unharmed.
This ancient Chinese remedy does have some modern scientific backing. Scientific research on green tea has been done in Asia and in the west. Some of these studies indicate that green tea can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, and that it contains a compound that inhibits the growth of cancer cells. You can read more about this at http://chinesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa011400a.htm .
Many other health benefits may include the ability to help rheumatoid arthritis,lower high cholesterol, fight infection, and boost impaired immune systems. Green tea can also inhibit abnormal blood clots from forming. Some feel that green tea may also help with weight loss because it helps the body burn more calories. You can find green tea extract listed in the ingredients of several weight loss supplements.
Usually when something is found to be so wonderfully healthy for many conditions, there always seems to be a downside. Luckily, with green tea, the only “side effect” would appear to be possible insomnia, due to the fact that it contains some caffeine, although a lesser amount than found in a cup of coffee. There are decaffeinated varieties of green tea available if caffeine is a concern.
Please note that I am not advocating the use of green tea to treat any ailments or replace proper medical treatment or medication. Always seek out the advice and care of a physician for any medical issues, and consult with them before starting any supplement, herbal or otherwise. But for the many people, green tea is a safe and enjoyable beverage that also has the advantages of having added health benefits with may prove beneficial . It may be enjoyed hot or iced.
I drink green tea on a regular basis, and especially when I am feeling a little under the weather. For some reason it does seem to help me feel a little better. Consider green tea as a healthy beverage choice, and you just might get some extra bonus benefits as well.