What Are the Benefits of Camellia Sinensis?

Camellia sinensis, more commonly known as green tea, may promote good health when brewed and consumed. While proponents link green tea to a wide range of health benefits, the Mayo Clinic cites the need for more conclusive data than recent studies provide.

Weight Loss Benefits

• TeaBenefits.com quotes a Japanese study indicating that green tea extract helps reduce body fat, making it a possible aid in weight loss.

Antibacterial and Antiviral Benefits

• TeaBenefits.com also states that green tea may be effective against bacterial toxins. It may also work against viruses that cause genital warts, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Anti-cancer Benefits

• Green tea contains substances called polyphenols. These potent antioxidants may reduce the risk of cancer, according to TeaBenefits.com.

Alertness Benefits

• The Mayo Clinic claims that tea has boosted people's alertness since ancient times. While the caffeine in green tea reaches only modest levels compared to coffee, caffeine in general aids stamina and alertness, according to a French National Health and Medical Research Institute study cited by ScienceDaily.

Cardiovascular Benefits

• Green tea may lower both cholesterol and triglyceride levels, according to TeaBenefits.com, while preventing blood clots as effectively as aspirin to lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.