Green Tea: Health Benefits

The document from 2008 discusses the health benefits of green tea, which is derived from the plant Camellia sinensis and is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide. Green tea is noted for being superior to black tea in terms of health benefits, primarily due to its polyphenols, particularly flavonoids like catechins, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) being the most significant. The manufacturing process of black tea reduces the levels of these beneficial catechins more than other teas. Research has shown green tea's potential benefits for various health issues, including cancer, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, exercise enhancement, inflammatory bowel disease, skin disorders, hair loss, weight loss, and iron overload. The paper specifically reviews the major health benefits associated with the catechins found in green tea.