Green Tea

Common Name: green tea, Chinese tea, Japanese tea

Latin Name: Camellia sinensis

All types of tea (green, black, and oolong) are produced from the Camellia sinensis plant using different methods.

Green TeaGreen, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.

What Is Green Tea Used For?

  • Green tea and green tea extracts, such as its component EGCG, have been used to prevent and treat a variety of cancers, including breast, stomach, and skin cancers.
  • Green tea and green tea extracts have also been used for improving mental alertness, aiding in weight loss, lowering cholesterol levels, and protecting skin from sun damage.

How Green Tea Is Used

Green tea is usually brewed and drunk as a beverage. Green tea extracts can be taken in capsules and are sometimes used in skin products.

What the Science Says

  • Laboratory studies suggest that green tea may help protect against or slow the growth of certain cancers, but studies in people have shown mixed results.
  • Evidence suggests that the use of green tea preparations improves mental alertness. Studies are on-going for more data to determine green tea's aid in weight loss, lower blood cholesterol levels, or protecting the skin from sun damage.
  • Supporting studies are underway to learn more about the components in green tea and their effects on conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Side Effects and Cautions

  • Green tea is safe for most adults when used in moderate amounts.
  • Green tea and green tea extracts contain caffeine. Caffeine can cause insomnia, anxiety, irritability, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, or frequent urination in some people.
  • Green tea contains small amounts of vitamin K, which can make anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin, less effective.

Green Tea Supplementation and Beverage

Liquid Green Tea Formula Liquid Green Tea Formula  Dr. Approved. Powerful Liquid Combination of Green Tea! Liquid Green Tea Formula brings you the powerful antioxidant green tea in two different forms. This alcohol free liquid formula contains both dried leaf green tea and green tea powdered extract. The dried leaf green tea is organically grown.

Jasmine with Flowers Green Tea A green tea with surprising body and a captivating floral taste that is not found in any other natural tea.

Decaf Sencha Green Tea All the goodness of green tea without the caffeine. Contains only luxury decaffeinated green tea. Also available: Sencha Green Tea

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