Green tea is a type of tea made solely with the leaves of Camellia sinensis (tea plant) that has undergone minimal oxidation during processing. There are different varieties of green teas which are grown in different conditions, are processed in different ways and are harvested in different times.

It is helpful in patients suffering from cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease, infection, impaired immune function.  The Chinese have been using green tea since 4000 years to cure everything from headaches to depression.

It is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate which is a powerful antioxidant. It inhibits growth of cancer cells, kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.  It lowers LDL cholesterol levels and inhibits the abnormal formation of blood clots.

Green tea leaves are steamed which prevents EGCG compound for oxidizing.  In other forms of tea it is converted to other compounds hence the same benefits are not seen in other tea leaves.

It is also believed to prevent tooth decay, food poisoning, it is believed to kill bacteria causing dental plaque.  It increases mental alertness. Skin preparations containing green tea – from deodorants to creams – are starting to appear on the market.

The only side effect that has been reported from drinking tea is insomnia (sleeplessness) due to the fact that it contains caffeine. However, if the temperature of the tea consumed is hot it is considered to cause esophageal cancer.  Also the coating used in teabags is believed to cause cancer.  This can be avoided by using loose-leaf tea or teabags that do not use coatings.