Green Tea and Your Health   by Josie Anderson

Green tea has been used as for medical remedies in China since ancient times. It was said to have many health benefits and be a remedy for many ailments. It is also said that the Japanese owe their slim figures to green tea.

Today, scientist in Asia and the west are providing scientific evidence that green tea is a benefit to our health. An anti-oxidant call EGCG that is in green tea is the main cause of this.

Green tea has been shown to do many things including:

- Inhibit the growth of new cancer cells and kill existing cancer cells

- Promote weight loss helping the body burn up to 10 percent more body fat.

- Increase energy expenditure up to 4 percent.

- Prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

- Reduce the risk of colon, breast, and lung cancer.

- Boost the immune system.

- Have an anti-inflammatory effect making it a good supplement for those with arthritis.

- Help in the prevention of tooth decay.

Green Tea Differs from Other Types of Tea

What makes green tea different from other tea is the process in which it is made. Made from the plant of Camellia sinensis, the leaves are steamed after being removed from the plant so that oxidation of the leaves is prevented. By doing this the leaves remain green and active substances that are contained in the leaves keep their healthful qualities.

Side Effects of Green Tea

There are no reported harmful side effects in drinking green tea or taking green tea extract capsules. Thus making green tea one of the best supplements available.

Use of Green Tea

There are 2 ways of supplementing your diet with green tea:

- Drinking green tea: 2 to 3 cups daily.

- Green tea capsules or tablets: 2 capsules or tablets of green tea extract daily.