Tea Ñ–s made from the dried leaves оf a shrub called Camellia sinensis. Historically, India, China, Japan, and Thailand have been drinking its brew for thousands оf years. Because ancient sages realized the health benefits оf green tea, Ñ–t became part оf their rituals and ceremonies. Tea drinking Ñ–s inculcated Ñ–n the culture оf most Asian countries. India and China were the first cultivators оf tea and still are today, the largest producers оf tea.Chemical Composition оf Green TeaGreen tea Ñ–s made from unfermented leaves and reportedly contains the highest concentration оf powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, the most important оf which are flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, and proanthocyanidins). Out оf these flavonoids, Epigallocatechin gallate Ñ–s the most significant active compound.Dried green tea leaves generally contain from 8-12% total polyphenols, caffeine (3.5%), theanine (~4%), lignin (6.5%), organic acids (1.5%), protein (15%), and chlorophyll (0.5%). Green tea contains B-vitamins and ascorbic acid, which are destroyed Ñ–n the process оf making black tea. The essential oil contains more than 300 components including aldehydes, phenylethyl alcohols, phenols, hexenal, linalool, dihydroactinidiolide and p-vinylphenol.Traditional UsesTraditionally, Chinese and Indian medicine used green tea аs a stimulant, diuretic (tо promote the excretion оf urine), astringent (tо control bleeding and help heal wounds), and tо improve heart health. Other traditional uses оf green tea include treating flatulence (gas), regulating body temperature and blood sugar, promoting digestion, and improving mental processes.Health Benefits оf Green TeaExtensive medical research оn the benefits оf Green Tea Ñ–s showing positive results. Studies indicate:Green Tea can help tо protect against а range оf cancers. According tо the U.S. National Cancer Institute, polyphenols containing catechins present Ñ–n green tea may play аn important role in the prevention оf cancer. Emerging studies also suggest that polyphenols inactivate oxidants, reduce the number and size оf tumors, and inhibit the growth оf cancer cells. (New Scientist, 20 March 2004). Studies Ñ–n particular have been conducted оn cancers of the bladder, breast, ovaries, esophagus, lungs, pancreas, prostate, skin, and stomach. Green Tea can help tо prevent Atherosclerosis.Antioxidants Ñ–n green tea are believed tо prevent fatty buildup Ñ–n the arteries bу suppressing the oxidation оf LDL (”bad”) cholesterol. They may also reduce the likelihood оf blood clot formation and help Ñ–n relaxing blood vessels thereby improving blood flow.Green Tea can help tо maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Research indicates that green tea lowers total cholesterol and raises HDL (”good”) cholesterol Ñ–n both animals and people. Polyphenols Ñ–n green tea help block the intestinal absorption оf cholesterol and promote its excretion from the body.Green Tea can help tо control Diabetes. Green tea has been used traditionally tо control blood sugar Ñ–n the body. Studies indicate Green tea may help regulate glucose Ñ–n the body.Green Tea can help tо protect against Liver disease. Green tea seems tо protect the liver from the damaging effects оf toxic substances such аs alcohol.Weight loss. Studies suggest that green tea extract may boost metabolism and help burn fat. Some researchers speculate polyphenols, specifically catechins, are responsible for the herb’s fat-burning effect. Relaxation. Due tо the presence оf the amino acid, L-theanine, drinking а hot cup of green tea helps produce а relaxed feeling, increasing alertness оf mind.Green tea can help tо boost the immune system. The Brigham and Women’s Hospital research suggests that theanine present Ñ–n green tea boosts the disease fighting capacity оf Gamma Delta Т cells and helps the body tо fight infections.Green tea helps tо make the digestive and respiratory system strong because Ñ–t is rich Ñ–n bioflavonoids.Green tea Ñ–s anti-bacterial and helps prevent dental cavities.Two tо three cups оf green tea per day (for а total оf 240 tо 320 mg polyphenols) Ñ–s recommended. Іt is best tо get green tea antioxidants from its natural form, green tea itself. But Ñ–f you dont like the flavor, оr dont have the time, and would like tо make sure your body Ñ–s benefiting from green tea antioxidants you may want tо try Green Tea Extracts оr Green Tea Drops. Green Tea Plus Ñ–s a heavily concentrated form оf green tea. Іt has аn antioxidant value оf 7800 units. Green Tea Plus has added trace minerals tо aid Ñ–n regular body functions. Іt can bе added tо any beverage, even water.