What Are the Benefits of Iced Green Tea?

Green tea is made from the same kind of leaves that regular black teas and exotic white teas are made from. While white tea is harvested when the tea leaves are very young, green and black leaves are harvested at the same time. The difference is what happens after the leaves are picked. Black tea leaves are allowed to oxidize and ferment after plucking, while green tea leaves are relatively fresh. Green tea leaves are dried, not fermented, so that more of the beneficial antioxidants and flavinols are preserved.
The best green tea for you is the green tea you brew yourself. Commercial teas often have additives and sweeteners in them that are not beneficial and that dilute the beverage so that it is no longer pure green tea. Brew it yourself and flavor with your favorite sweetener; hot or iced, homemade green tea has all the same benefits.

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)

• EGCG is a powerful antioxidant heavily present in green tea. Ant-oxidants are supposed to benefit humans by preventing harmful chemical reactions in our bodies that promote disease. These chemical reactions, caused by free radicals (abnormal molecules), are thought to be partially responsible for causing cancer since cancerous cells are cells that grow abnormally in the body.

Fluoride

• Drinking green tea can promote dental health because it contains fluoride. Fluoride prevents oral bacteria growth, which helps prevent cavities. Oral bacteria attract tiny bits of food to them so they can feed. The food clings to the teeth and becomes a harmful buildup that coats and begins to break down tooth enamel, which causes cavities. Fluoride takes out cavities at the source. One cup of green tea is recommended daily for healthy teeth, along with your normal hygiene regimen.

Weight Loss Supplement

• The same antioxidant that helps inhibit abnormal cell growth is also supposed to promote weight loss by keeping cells from absorbing abnormal molecules. The molecules are digested as waste, enabling our bodies to absorb more nutrients. Green tea is also supposed to cause fat cells to oxidize and break down more quickly, causing our bodies to break down existing fat. Three to five cups of green tea a day are said to be a good supplement to a healthy diet and exercise to promote weight loss.