The reputed benefits of drinking green tea are more numerous than the varieties of green teas that exist. Unlike other teas that are the result of fermentation, green tea leaves are steamed. It has been said that the chemical product EGCG is thereby preserved with its antioxidant properties intact. The information touting this “miracle drink,” varies from the scientific to the anecdotal and mainly has to do with those antioxidant properties.
Within the last 10 years, scientific studies conducted worldwide have demonstrated that the ingestion of green tea extract resulted in increased energy and oxidation of fat cells. Of course, as there is caffeine content in green tea, that lone factor could account for the extra energy expenditure, which has produced significant anecdotal reports of weight loss.
Obviously, the more dramatic claims made to date concern the use of green tea to prevent cancer cell growth. Other fans of green tea insist that it can be used to lower cholesterol and produce better cholesterol ratios and even cure bad breath. At this time, the Food and Drug Administration has yet to endorse these claims.
With that in mind, green tea may be a beneficial and enjoyable repast, but it has yet to be used as a significant component in the treatment of cancers and other serious diseases. While it is no doubt more pleasant than the standard cancer and other disease treatment protocols, it has not replaced them. As always, it is wise to consult your physician before using it in significant amounts.
