What is green tea?
All types of tea, even your regular cup of builder’s, are made from the camellia sinensis plant. Green tea gets its name from the emerald green colour created when brewing these unprocessed, unfermented leaves.

With origins dating as far back as 5,000 years, green tea is commonly drunk and grown in East Asia where the health properties are highly valued.

Contains healthy bioactive compounds

Green tea is loaded with polyphenol antioxidants, including a catechin called EGCG. These antioxidants can have various beneficial effects on health.

May boost brain function

Green tea contains a number of natural stimulants, including caffeine, which although not as high as coffee, may still help maintain alertness and focus. In addition to this, green tea is a source of the amino acid L-theanine, which has a relaxing effect; it does this by increasing mood-enhancing brain chemicals including GABA, dopamine and serotonin. The beneficial polyphenols of green tea may also help slow the effects of aging on the brain.

May boost fat burning

Some research suggests that green tea may boost metabolic rate and increase fat burning. This is thought to be thanks to the natural thermogenic properties provided by caffeine, and by the plant compounds such as catechins.

Antioxidants may lower the risk of some cancers

Breast cancer. A comprehensive review of observational studies found that women who drank the most green tea had an approximately 20–30% lower risk of developing breast cancer, one of the most common cancers in women.
Prostate cancer. One study observed that men drinking green tea had a lower risk of advanced prostate cancer.
Colorectal cancer. An analysis of 29 studies showed that those drinking green tea were around 42% less likely to develop colorectal cancer.

May support blood sugar control

Studies suggest green tea may improve insulin sensitivity and as a result have a beneficial effect on blood sugar control.

May reduce the risk of heart disease

Research suggests green tea is a useful beverage for helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and associated conditions, such as stroke. One way it may help is in its beneficial effects on cholesterol management.

May reduce bad breath

The catechins in green tea may inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of bad breath.

So, Whether you want to improve your general health or decrease your risk of disease, green tea extract is an easy way to add health-boosting antioxidants to your diet.