History

• Green tea has been cultivated and consumed in China since antiquity to boost immune function, promote cardiovascular health and treat arthritis.
  
  

Potential

• Polyphenols may inhibit cancer cell proliferation, decrease the risk of developing blood clots (thrombosis), increase metabolism, lower cholesterol and blood glucose, maintain healthy cell function and kill some types of unhealthy bacteria.
  
  

Warnings

• Green tea reduces thrombosis via a different mechanism than aspirin. If you take aspirin for thrombosis, do replace it with green tea. Green tea capsules contain caffeine and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
  
  

Expert Insight

• The National Cancer Institute published a study claiming that regular green tea consumption can reduce your chances of developing esophageal cancer by up to 60 percent.
  
  

Benefits

• Green tea capsules have all the benefits of green tea without having to take the time to brew numerous cups daily. The cost of green tea capsules is relatively low; websites list a 60-capsule bottle for under $10.