Green Tea’s Super Health Ingredient

The tea plant is known as camellia sinensis. This evergreen shrub is native to Southeast Asia and produces all commercial teas.

How Tea Becomes Green

It isn't the plant but the processing that determines whether the tea will be black, green, Oolong or white. Once picked the leaves are left to oxidize in the open air during which they become darker in color.

Once oxidized to the tea producer's liking, the leaves are bruised, dried and aged. The degree of each of these processes determines the type and favor of the tea.

Green Tea Secret Ingredient

Green tea is unique in that it is not allowed to oxidize. Because it is the least processed, it retains the highest concentration of free radical fighting antioxidants called polyphenols.

Its high antioxidant level is what makes green tea
the best tea for your health.

Free radicals are harmful compounds in the body that change or destroy  cells and alter DNA.  Free radicals are abundant in environmental toxins and ultraviolet sun rays.

This cell damage results in multiple health problems and expedites the aging process. Because green tea contains a high quantity and quality of antioxidants, it can neutralize the free radicals and reduce or prevent damage and, therefore, your risk of disease and premature aging.

The Power of Green

• Studies show that the polyphenols in green tea may block the  absorption and expedite the excretion of cholesterol. For this reason green tea is considered a heart healthy herb.

• Research also indicates that polyphenols kill cancer cells including those of the bladder, skin, breast, pancreatic and prostate.

• Some studies suggest that green tea may reduce the risk of cancer of the colorectal, esophageal, lungs and stomach but other studies were inconclusive.

• Green tea has proven effective in reducing digestive symptoms of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Its ability to stabilize blood sugar levels may help prevent type 1 diabetes.

• Polyphenols can reduce the pain of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis as well as reduce the toxins associated with liver disease.

• Finally, green tea naturally boosts metabolism and helps burn stubborn fat. Studies show it is effective in improving  and maintaining weight loss. As a natural diuretic, green tea can also help you shed excess water weight.

Because all tea causes cells to be less sensitive to chemotherapy drugs, talk to your doctor about consuming tea if you are getting this therapy.

Related posts:

1. Health Benefits of Green Tea
2. What’s in Green Tea and Why You Need It
3. How Green Tea Anti-Ages You
4. Naturally Detoxify with Green Tea