Green tea's therapeutic properties
Green tea was discovered by the Chinese Emperor
Shen-Nung in 2737 B.C. Green tea comes from the
Camellia Sinensis tree, a tree that resembles an
evergreen shrub, which can grow to 30 feet in height
with dark green leaves and intermittent white flowers.
Green tea is a great source of
vitamin C and
contains many nutrients, most importantly polyphenols.
The primary polyphenols in green tea are the
flavonoids catechin and proanthocyanidins. Green tea
is also a good source of proteins, chlorophyll,
tannins, lignin and the amino acid theanine.
Because of green tea's polyphenols content, there
have been many studies that focus on the teas'
special flavonoids and their role in the
prevention of cancer. These polyphenols provide
antioxidant protection inhibiting the formation of
cancer cells, stimulating the body's natural
detoxification processes and suppressing the growth
of tumors.
Green tea's therapeutic role in cancer does not
target all types of cancer, however. In fact, Green
tea seems to be especially beneficial for cancers of the
gastrointestinal tract, colon or lungs as well as
estrogen-related cancers.
Furthermore, there have also been numerous studies
that attribute green tea to lowering LDL cholesterol
and triglyceride levels and raising HDL levels.
