Catechins and Polyphenol

Green tea contains naturally occurring compounds known as polyphenols which act as antioxidants in fighting disease and in treating many illnesses. Antioxidants are molecules capable of preventing the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals which start chain reactions that damage cells. Antioxidants terminate this chain reaction which results in fewer damaged cells.

Regular green tea drinkers, meaning those who drink five cups or more a day, have been found to have lower chances of heart disease. This is because it is believed that the polyphenols found in the tea inhibit the build-up of LDL. LDL is the bad cholesterol that causes plaque build-up in the arteries which then leads to heart disease.

Ointments made with the tea extract are used for genital warts and perianal warts. An extract of the tea and filtered hot water is used to treat skin damaged by radiation therapy.

Maybe the most popular reason for drinking green tea is for weight loss. Catechins in the tea help reduce body fat. Catechins found in tea also help reduce the signs of aging at the cellular level and act as a natural antibiotic.

Tea does contain caffeine. The amount of caffeine depends on the brewing time, the number of times you use the leaves and the amount of water in the cup. Brewed tea has less caffeine than the same amount of brewed coffee.

Whatever your reason for drinking it, green tea has a delicious and fresh taste and is perfect to drink hot or cold. Blending with a tangy fruit juice such as cranberry juice yields a very refreshing hot weather drink. So try if for yourself and I think you will find it a tea worth drinking.