There are four primary polyphenols in green tea and they are often collectively referred to as catechins. Powerful antioxidants, catechins have been shown in recent studies to fight viruses, slow aging, and have a beneficial effect on health. Clinical tests have shown that catechins destroy free radicals and have far-reaching positive effects on the entire body. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules and fragments of molecules that can damage the body at the cellular level leaving the body susceptible to cancer, heart disease and other degenerative diseases.
One of the most popular uses of green tea is as an aid in weight loss programs. This remarkable effect is due to the tea’s ability to boost metabolic rates to considerable levels, greatly increasing your ability to burn fat. In addition, green tea can also help stave off the hunger pangs that are so devastating to any weight loss program, and you can generally go for longer periods between meals without feeling deprived. And since green tea is largely free of any noticeable side effects–which is more than we can say about common weight loss medications available on the market–you are generally safer drinking it than resorting to a weight loss pill.
More significant than green tea’s ability to help you lose weight are its cancer prevention properties. Numerous studies have attested to green tea’s benefits in this regard, and it has been shown to reduce the risk of getting certain cancers as well as shown remarkable abilities to prevent the formation and spread of malignant cancer cells. And with green tea’s ability to target cancer cells while leaving surrounding healthy tissue virtually untouched, it just may be one of the most important aids in the future fight against cancer.
Several large studies have suggested that drinking green tea reduces the risk of stroke and coronary artery disease, although results are mixed. Green tea may further lower cholesterol, but it seems to have no effect on blood pressure.
In order for green tea alone to provide you with the many health benefits discussed here you would have to drink more cups than is possible in a day. These green tea benefits come from a regular green tea regimen of 3-6 cups each day. If you are new to green tea, start SLOWLY with just a cup and see how you react, as some folks are sensitive to it.A green tea regimen is most effective when you have a well balanced diet that includes fruits & vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins combined with regular exercise.