At this time, the only medicine containing green tea approved by the Food and Drug Administration is Veregen ointment, which is used to treat genital warts. However, there are many other documented uses of green tea for a variety of ailments as well as to promote weight loss.
Apparently, the processing of green tea leaves by steaming them is thought to preserve the antioxidant properties of the chemical ECGC. In addition to combating free radicals, these antioxidants are said to promote the oxidation of fat cells. At this time, many people consider green tea to be a staple in their regimen for weight loss. Green tea does contain caffeine, but much less than found in a cup of coffee. It is also possible that most people drink it without the additives of cream and sugar commonly used with a cup of coffee.
The antioxidants contained in green tea are also anecdotally attributed to lowering cholesterol and even prevention of cancer cell growth. We can hope these claims bear scientific fruit in the future. However at this time, the Food and Drug Administration has not endorsed the use of green tea, except as indicated above. In the meantime, the best strategy is to consult your physician before consuming more than a cup or two of green tea per day.
As a part of a calming ritual after a hectic day, a cup of green tea can do wonders. Who knows? Perhaps the day will come when we can prove that it does much, much more.
