Health Benefit of Drinking Green Tea

The ancient Chinese herbalists and doctors knew the benefits of drinking green tea, and have been prescribing and using this pleasant tasting drink for over 4,000 years to treat diseases and conditions from migraine headaches to cancer and arthritis. Green tea is one of the few natural anti-oxidants that works to destroy and eliminate free radical cells in the body that are the cause of many infections, diseases and other conditions. Green tea is also a natural diuretic, which helps to eliminate waste and toxins from the body.

The chemical component of green tea that makes it such a powerful anti-oxidant is epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG. This chemical belongs to a group of compounds called catechin polyphenols, which act to destroy certain cells in the body particularly those that are cancerous, without causing any damage to healthy cells. In addition EGCG has been shown to reduce LDL or bad cholesterol levels, and has even been indicated in lowering the chance of abnormal blood clots forming in the bloodstream. These clots can lead to coronary disease and heart attacks and stroke.

Green tea is also being used to help with weight loss. The combination of green tea anti-oxidants and the caffeine that is found in green tea helps to burn calories faster, and may also improve energy and decrease sore muscles and joints after exercise. These components combine to make green tea an excellent beverage for dieters.

Green tea retains a high level of EGCG compared to other teas because of the unique way that it is prepared for market. Rather than being fermented, like the leaves for black or oolong tea, green tea leaves are steamed in their preparation. The steaming process works to preserve the natural EGCG in the leaves, rather than change like the fermenting process of the other Chinese teas.

Green tea has many positive health benefits for all individuals. The pleasant and soothing taste and fragrance make it a popular drink even if you are not focusing on your health.