Green tea contains vitamins, minerals and of special interest are the polyphenols and most importantly the catechin called epigallo-catechin gallate (EGCG).
The polyphenols are believed to be what make it so important to good health.
Studies have shown many health benefits of supplementing with tea, it has been shown to lower total cholesterol levels decreasing the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing levels of good cholesterol (HDL), it also may improve cardiovascular health by making the platelets in the blood less sticky.
It increases antioxidant action in the blood helping to prevent oxidative damage to LDL cholesterol which can lead to atherosclerosis which is hardening of the arteries.
Several studies done on animals have shown an anticancer effect from the polyphenols, in one of these studies it stopped melanoma (skin cancer) from spreading.
The polyphenols in green tea have been shown to reduce the risk of colon, breast and lung cancer.
Need more green tea information? How about the fact that the Chinese discovered tea about 4,000 years ago and the since then the Chinese have been using it to treat headaches, body aches and pains, digestion, depression and as an energizer.
Traditional Chinese Medicine use it as an immune enhancement, to detoxify the body and they believe it can prolong life.
Polyphenols in the tea are thought to stimulate the immune system cells and have antibacterial properties, helping fight against bacteria and plaque formation that cause dental cavities.
What are its the side effects? Green tea is generally free of any side effects.
The biggest problem most people have with it is that it may cause anxiety and insomnia caused by the caffeine content.
To get all the benefits of it you need to drink four to five cups a day which can give you a lot of caffeine.
One easy and convenient way to supplement with tea would be to take it in pill form.
The pills have very little if any caffeine in them making them ideal for anybody who is sensitive to caffeine.
Some of the high quality multivitamins on the market today incorporate green tea extract into their formula, giving you all the benefits of it without the caffeine.
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